Wandering view wrote:
Just received a wealth of great tips for our travels west we will be taking last week of August into the first three weeks of September. Route is Massachusetts to Rushmore and the Badlands then on to Yellowstone then south through Jackson to the Arches and then home through Colorado. Does anyone have advice about the weather, temps etc., that we should prepare for?
Thanks John McDonough
Wandering Storm?
You will be traveling during a great part of the year; September in the Rockies is can only be beat by the last week of September and the first week in October. For the most part the A/C is a non-issue until you arrive in the Badlands or Arches, and at this time of the summer they should be great. First the end of August first of September will be perfect for Rushmore, bring a little fleece and something that is water proof, while the chance of snow is slight the cool night are a plus. Be sure to see Rushmore at night, still gives me chills (goosebumps) as it is quite a ceremony. Try to stop by Devils tower on the way to Cody. Cody has a wealth of things to do in and around the problem is you are so close to Yellowstone you likely will just plow on to the main attraction. Red Lodge – Chief Joseph – Beartooth – West entrance – all are worth the effort, but are just hard to do before you get to the main attraction. You will still be a little early for me in Yellowstone but if I remember correctly the camp grounds are still open just not wall to wall, Giving you a chance to get a site – although many of the seasoned RV’ers will be there creating a different “crowd”. Often September will bring the first Snow but it just makes it more Beautiful, so again a sweater and some fleece along with the water proof jacket will keep you warm. If you are stuck in a Dry Camping spot you will be pleased to find it is easier to heat these things (Coach) than cool them without electric. Be sure to stock up in Cody – the Walmart there is your last chance for a while to get necessary supplies (most everything is starting to close and there is limited stock at the end of the year, not to mention $$$ inside the park. There is not a road or a section the Park that you should miss so good luck in just a week. Really good Shoes and more memory and batteries than you ever thought you would ever need so good luck.
Now the Tetons are just SPECIAL – Get your pictures and then show them off. From there Jackson to I hope Flaming Gorge, we like the West side and the marina CG. Then to Vernal and Dinosaur NM worth the couple of days – Green River is beautiful, might be warmer again just depends on the weather pattern. Now down to Grand Junction and I-70 my guess is that the weather will now be warmer, shorts and T shirt. When heading out to Moab on I-70get off at Exit 214 to Rt 128 along the Colorado River into Moab, lots to see and do so again good luck, hard to come all this way and not just spend another month and see Utah. (JMHO) See as much as possible including all the State Parks you might come across, just a special area. (likely Warm, still).
Now for my favorite part of the trip, Colorado last week of September, HEAVEN Sun, Cool Nights – Snow if Lucky (likely not) now if I were you I’d seriously look at a short LOOP. Which would be out of GJ take to 50 south to Delta, Out of Delta take Rt 92/133 to Carbondale stopping in, or driving through Poonia SP to Redstone to Marble to Aspen and Maroon Bells if you have time take the CRV over and back Independence Pass one unbelievable Drive ( a few years back we flew out and drove from Denver to Aspen (last week of September) over the pass, in 5 days the weather from 80 to 6” of snow on the way back and the most beautiful display of color I have ever seen) OK back to the trip at hand, after the Bells head back to Glenwood Springs and the over under of I-70 along the Colorado River (most beautiful stretch of Interstate Highway in the US) Be sure to stop at the pull out to fully enjoy. Now the last leg with just a short side trip (have I STEERED YOU WRONG YET) if you have never seen Vail you might drive through and then come back to Rt 24 just after Eagle through Minturn to Red Cliff to Leadville (Quincy’s), from Leadville you could try Buena Vista (Colligate Peaks) or just Take Rt 91 back to I-70 and on to Denver and home.
I-70 toward Denver and home – UNLESS – you are up for just one more short detour? If so Exit 244 to Rt 6 into Golden just one last BEAUTIFUL drive along Clear Creek – the water that makes Coors beer, to it will dump you onto Rt 58 which will bring you to I-70 and home. (in Golden you could spend the night in Clear Creek CG in town and catch the Coors plant tour in the evening)
Now I could give you advice on taking Rt 36 off I-70 back to Hannibal, MO will break up the boring drive and still get you home, but that getting off target!
Oh----- you were asking about the weather – this time of year be ready for ANYTHING.
BOL,
