Traveling Colorado in November

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.

"I have never understood the wait it out philosophy. Go south and keep moving toward your destination."

It sounds like you don't understand that for many folks traveling is more than just getting to a destination. If I plan to drive across Colorado, its partly because I want to see Colorado and a 1 night stop due to weather is a minor inconvenience to stay on that plan.
Next year I'll plan a route across NM and when the 40 MPH afternoon winds hit, I'll get off the road for a night before continuing. I wont drive up to Co just to avoid the NM high winds.

I checked to see the difference on Google maps: From Moab to Boston via Denver 33 hours via Albuquerque 36 hours and no high passes.

Either way can get snow, ice or bad roads. So I wouldn't. Go the way you want to catch some scenic stops. Just may plan on stopping for a day or two if it gets to bad. The important thing is to carry tire chains for both the TV and TT/5er. Make sure they are adequate for the weight. We went over Stevens pass in Washington in a heavy snow with snow/ice on the road.

I also watch the DOT cameras on stops to see what the path looks like in front of me combined with forecast to decide if it is a okay day to travel.

Yes have another route planned. Although it is true you can wait a few days for a storm to pass and the road to clear, WHY wait? You can go south and be half way home by the time the roads are clear on the high passes.

Plus, you will be able to get out ahead of any storm that is big enough to cross the whole country and delay you all along your route.

I have never understood the wait it out philosophy. Go south and keep moving toward your destination. I have driven all the way down to I-10 sometimes to avoid snow on I-40 and I-70. I still got to my destination quicker than waiting in some snowed in town for the roads to open.

In the late 80's I was enroute to Albuquerque from Baltimore, a storm closed I-40 westbound from OK City to Clines Corners NM. I dropped down to I-20 and I-10 to El Paso then used I-25 to get back north to Albuquerque. It added 6 hours to the drive but did not add 36 hours, which was the time it took to clear all of I-40.

Padlin wrote:
Will be heading home to MA from Moab the 1st of November, do I need to have a 2nd southern route planned in case of snow? As in Albuquerque instead of Denver?

As others have said just need to be flexible - November and December are great times to see Utah, but you will be missing the Aspen in Colorado by a couple of months.

We have enjoyed the Southwest in every month of the year, just keep the weather in mind and with any luck, you will enjoy the the beauty of the contrasting White Snow on the amazing Red Rocks of Utah.

BOL,

pconroy328 wrote:
I agree. Having lived here for almost 20 years now, I'd certainly take my chances. I grew up in the upper midwest and winters here aren't at all like there were back up. With so much sunshine, the roads are usually clear within a day or two.

Blizzards in November happen, but are rare.
I'd take my chances and keep the Denver route.

X2

I agree. Having lived here for almost 20 years now, I'd certainly take my chances. I grew up in the upper midwest and winters here aren't at all like there were back up. With so much sunshine, the roads are usually clear within a day or two.

Blizzards in November happen, but are rare.
I'd take my chances and keep the Denver route.

You just need to have a flexible schedule that allows you to stop for a day or two, if a winter snow storm hits. That time of year the snow will usually be gone the next day. Each year is different, some years Nov is all sun and blue skies.