Where to go in September, maybe October

The last couple of weeks of September are magnificent for the aspen in CO. Since you are flying and not RVing, campgrounds won't be an issue. But do think about getting reservations as it's a popular time to travel. Maybe catch a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR as it goes through spectacular scenery only enhanced by the changing leave.

You can even head over to Utah and visit any of the NP's there, as cooler temps make it an ideal time to go.

jplante4 wrote:
Advised I've received from a friend who has done it - don't be in the Rockies after Labor Day. We're also planning a westward trip starting in August and plane to be through the rockies by Labor Day.

Sorry but your friend was pulling your Leg!

Seeing is Believing - Aspen - In September

Having been to Yellowstone at least a dozen time (they were all good) but the best trip was late October - first week of November, Indian Summer - more animals than People.

IMHO You will be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable time to be In Colorado.

JMHO,

September and October are the BEST times to be in Colorado! Tourists are gone, kids are in school, the leaves are turning, the elk are bugling, the fish are biting, days are cool, nights are crisp.

What else could you ask for?

as stated, the first two weeks of Yellowstone is good. and if you want to do Rushmore, the last two weeks of Sept is great for that, but be advised that Custer State Park has a hugely popular Buffalo Roundup on the last weekend of Sept. Arts and Crafts fair, buffalo herded to a main corral where they are sorted, culled, etc. So make a reservation in the Black Hills if you're thinking about doing that.
Cody is a good place to visit, too, during the last two weeks of Sept but it can drop a little snow on you if you are camped up the canyon...doesn't stay long.

We did the CO Rockies in Sept heading south into Utah for Oct a few years back. Worked out well other then a few real hot days around Bluff. The only downside was the forest service campgrounds are were all closed by then.

The only snow we saw was heading E on 70 through the mts, but the road was clear.

The coast of Northern California, Oregon and Washington. No crowds, great weather.

For something totally different,
The Ozarks, From Hot Springs in Ark, to Branson Mo.
Motels should be wide open, some of the state parks should have cabins available as well as private rentals, Kids gone, and by late October, color everywhere.

I distinctly remember a tent camping trip in Yellowstone in early to mid October I was on as a kid. The days were beautiful, in the 50's and sunny and there was some color in the leaves. The first night it got down to six degrees above zero. The remaining nights we opted to stay in a motel rather than camp in the tent.

I was going to suggest New England, but presumably you already know all about that.

Avoiding the Rockies after Labor Day is goofy. Some of the best weather and scenery is then. September in Yellowstone is perfect. Further north in early September is OK too. Glacier Nat Park might be kind of iffy tho.

Advise I've received from a friend who has done it - don't be in the Rockies after Labor Day. We're also planning a westward trip starting in August and plane to be through the rockies by Labor Day.