Traveling Colorado in November

Padlin wrote:
Could I do the Peak-to-Peak with the trailer as we are leaving RMNP or would it be better as a side trip?

Thanks for the tip, hadn't heard of this byway.

Bob,

With your setup you should have no problem - the drive is one that I will just do any day of the week, any time of the year, I have never not just enjoyed it.

It is an easy drive and unless it's Peak Aspen Season not normally crowded.

From what you have described you are going to be in some of Colorado's most beautiful sections before you get into Utah.

Great trip and IMHO the perfect time of year,

BOL,

Busskipper

Could I do the Peak-to-Peak with the trailer as we are leaving RMNP or would it be better as a side trip?

Thanks for the tip, hadn't heard of this byway.

Padlin wrote:

Thom02099 wrote:

Places to stay are another matter. Most campgrounds/RV Resorts will be closed in November, all over the state, with very few exceptions.

So I've been finding out. May get stuck with a few nights at WM's as we cross the country.
With more and more folks doing fall trips, would be nice if the forest service CG's stayed open longer. Most are closed before we leave RMNP in Sept.

Many of our state parks have at least one loop open in the winter. That may be an option depending on your route. That would hold true in other states also. Better then WM in my opinion.

Padlin wrote:

Thom02099 wrote:

Places to stay are another matter. Most campgrounds/RV Resorts will be closed in November, all over the state, with very few exceptions.

So I've been finding out. May get stuck with a few nights at WM's as we cross the country.
With more and more folks doing fall trips, would be nice if the forest service CG's stayed open longer. Most are closed before we leave RMNP in Sept.

True Dat! Would be nice if the USFS would try to keep them open at least in to October. There are many here in Larimer County that could very easily stay open; perhaps turn off the water and charge less. At higher elevation though, not really doable. Some of my favourites get snowed in pretty early in the season.

Regarding Aspen viewing, you're going to be in RMNP at the best time. Last September in Rocky was one of best colour seasons we've had in years. They were truly vibrant. And as Busskipper advised, if you get a chance, definitely try to do the Peak-to-Peak from Estes Park at least to Ward, and if you can, on to Nederland and Black Hawk/Central City. It's a great drive, you won't be disappointed.

Padlin wrote:
I need to carry chains, seriously? Never gave that a thought....

Most of our TT use is in the late fall, winter, spring. We boon-dock then and travel to kids (Washington) and family (Denver). We like the scenic views (mountains for us). We don't let weather stop us so we have a set of (4) for the TV and a set of (4) for the TT in case we go over a pass where the chain law is in effect. If you drive when the chain law is in effect the TT most be chained also on the brake axles.

It sounds like you don't understand that for many folks traveling is more than just getting to a destination.

I understand the need to sight see but what you don't understand is the OP has a destination he is trying to get to. He ask if having an alternate route would be advisable, not if waiting out the weather is a good idea.

If your destination is high passes or windy desert then by all means go see them and wait for the weather to clear if that is what it takes.

Padlin wrote:
I need to carry chains, seriously? Never gave that a thought.

I'm in no hurry, a 2 or 3 day layover isn't a bad thing as long as it's not in a WM parking lot. But figuring we'll be through the Rockies in a day from Moab, I can think of worse placed to get stuck in then Moab. Of course we've never seen NM, so taking a ride down that way wouldn't be a bad thing either.

Busskipper, we'll be in RMNP for a week mid Sept, then another around Salida after that. Hopefully we get lucky and catch the Aspens.

You'll be in the middle of them -- elevation will be the key - one year we drove over from Buena Vista to Aspen on Rt 82 (in the Toad) it was the 25th of September -- HEAVEN -- when the Aspen change there is no better time to be in Colorado. Driving over to Aspen the aspen were the light Green - coming back (3 days later - they were Golden Yellow in the Bells) they were the most beautiful explosions of Golden Yellow I had ever seen - Last year we were in Vail and made the drive from Minturn through Red Cliff to Leadville -some of the largest groves of Golden Aspen we have ever seen. I can only hope we will be able to get back this September to see more. Make sure you do Peak to Peak and while in Salida get up into the Collegiates and maybe Crested Butte. if you head out of Colorado to Moab on I-70 be sure to take Rt 128 into Moab along the Colorado River, like being in the GC.

I'm just envious,

BOL,
Busskipper

Thom02099 wrote:

Places to stay are another matter. Most campgrounds/RV Resorts will be closed in November, all over the state, with very few exceptions.

So I've been finding out. May get stuck with a few nights at WM's as we cross the country.
With more and more folks doing fall trips, would be nice if the forest service CG's stayed open longer. Most are closed before we leave RMNP in Sept.

Padlin wrote:
I need to carry chains, seriously? Never gave that a thought.

I'm in no hurry, a 2 or 3 day layover isn't a bad thing as long as it's not in a WM parking lot. But figuring we'll be through the Rockies in a day from Moab, I can think of worse placed to get stuck in then Moab. Of course we've never seen NM, so taking a ride down that way wouldn't be a bad thing either.

Busskipper, we'll be in RMNP for a week mid Sept, then another around Salida after that. Hopefully we get lucky and catch the Aspens.Busskipper, we'll be in RMNP for a week mid Sept, then another around Salida after that. Hopefully we get lucky and catch the Aspens.

Not only will you likely be at prime Aspen time, but the elk will be bugling in RMNP, and Moraine Park will become a very busy place, with end of season campers and day trippers to see the elk and colours.

Regarding your November plans, while November is traditionally the 2nd snowiest month along the Front Range and eastern plains, there are also Novembers when we get nothing here. The mountains can get snows any month. If it were me, I wouldn't change my plans per se, but have an alternative "just in case". A compromise could be to take a route across southern Colorado; you could go south from Moab to US 491, to US 160 in Cortez, and take that all the way across. Only pass of any consequence would be Wolf Creek, and it's well plowed during the snow season. And if necessary, you could stop somewhere and ride out any storms.

Places to stay are another matter. Most campgrounds/RV Resorts will be closed in November, all over the state, with very few exceptions.

technically, anytime after Sept 1, the highway patrol can implement the chain law. but its only for those going up and over the pass involved; you have plenty of warning and opportunity to get off the road before then. on your I70 route there is really only one short section to worry about, and only if an unusual storm hits right before you get there. early Nov your chances of sunny blue sky are much higher than your chances of snow. but in the Rockies we can see snow in July some years.
I normally don't leave my Co mountain home to go south, until Nov 1 and I never carry chains.

Padlin wrote:
I need to carry chains, seriously? Never gave that a thought.