Colorado in early October

[yellowdog00]

My wife is looking at attending a photography workshop in early October(4-6) near Montrose, CO. We live in Bloomington, IL and the route I am considering is crossing MO on 36 down to Kansas City. Taking 70 west to 24 to Colorado Springs and then 115 to Penrose and 50 across to Montrose. My only concern is the potential for bad weather that late in the year. I think it is probably doable as long as I am flexible and give myself enough time.

I would appreciate other thoughts as to my route and any suggested campgrounds along the way to consider. Thank you.

[Busskipper]

jrp wrote:
That early in Oct you're 99% likely to have great weather. The early winter storms that come through in Oct are usually short & light, and the little bit of snow dropped is all gone as soon as the sun re-appears the next morning. I live at 8500 ft and spend all summer & fall hiking & ATV'ing above 10,000 ft. I never head south to my winter home until the end of Oct. October is a transition month and is different each year, some years its clear, sunny & warm all month; some years winter makes an early arrival.
as noted, Monarch Pass is the only potential problem spot. Check the forecast when you get to Salida and overnight there if a winter storm is coming.

Just use common sense, listen to the weather and enjoy the drive - we have driven every month of the year and have seen snow in most - but have also not seen snow in ALL the months of the year. So my guess is you will likely be fine.

Once in December we checked into Tiger Run I came in to check on the DW and saw the news - 10-12 inches of snow were forcast for that night - canceled and drove on down to Golden -- they got 18" and we were in the Sunshine in Golden. Not a fake of snow on the Eastern side of the Tunnel.

Just keep your eye on the weather and you should have a great time in one of the most Beautiful times to be in the Mountains of Colorado,

BOL,

[lbrjet]

The WaKeeney KOA and the Limon KOA worked out great for us on that route last year. We stayed at the KOA in Montrose as well when we were there a couple of years ago.

[jrp]

That early in Oct you're 99% likely to have great weather. The early winter storms that come through in Oct are usually short & light, and the little bit of snow dropped is all gone as soon as the sun re-appears the next morning. I live at 8500 ft and spend all summer & fall hiking & ATV'ing above 10,000 ft. I never head south to my winter home until the end of Oct. October is a transition month and is different each year, some years its clear, sunny & warm all month; some years winter makes an early arrival.
as noted, Monarch Pass is the only potential problem spot. Check the forecast when you get to Salida and overnight there if a winter storm is coming.

[4runnerguy]

We often camp in the mountains of Colorado through the middle of October, which seems to about be the cutoff. For years, we had a standing "date" with our friends to camp at Grand Lake the second weekend in October. Once we had an inch or two of snow, but otherwise just cool, crisp, gorgeous autumn days. What I'm saying is there's a chance you might hit snow, but it won't be too much unless we have a very rare big snow event. Heck, one time we were chased out of our camping spot on the 4th of July by 6"-8" of snow when we awoke in the morning and it was still coming down so hard it was tough to see. It was a gravel road and we had to use 4x4 for miles to get out! So any month of the year . . .

I'd stick with US 50 over Monarch as I-70 has two high passes to go over, not just one.

[tatest]

I crossed 50 through Colorado in late September (don't remember which year). There had already been a snowfall, as snow was piled up alongside the road from plowing, but it was clear when I went through.

I use US-36 across Missouri all the time, coming home from Michigan. Traffic is much lighter than on I-70, and the rest stops and overnight stops are well-located for where I am at what time of day, going in that direction. Eastbound I sometimes us US 54, for the same reasons: moderate traffic, stops fitting my schedule in that direction.

[C7XR7]

Snow here starts toward the later quarter of September. You will most likely encounter snow especially since it seems to be so extra wet this year in general.

[sweetnoni]

living in Mo, can only tell you rt 36 to KC is a good road and much less traveled than 70, would recommend it.

[pconroy328]

http://blogs.denverpost.com/library/2012/02/02/a-list-of-colorados-historic-blizzards-and-snowstorms/367/

Anything can happen - and it has. 🙂
But the odds are in your favor.

[Restless_Diesel]

If your itinerary allows, stop in Salida, CO for a visit to Woods Distillery (Very good barrel rested gin) and Elevation Beer Company. The Four Seasons RV park on US 50 is right on the Arkansas River. Site R17 is the best, although all of the river sites are good. We recently stayed in site R6 and you could not walk past the rear slide without falling in the river. 🙂

[Bionic_Man]

While snow is always a possibility in October, that early in the year it is likely you will be fine. As stated, Monarch Pass will be the spot most likely questionable, but I personally wouldn't let that stop me.

Ridgeway State Park is south of Montrose, and would be a nice place to consider. Would be quite a bit closer than Blue Mesa (which is also a nice area). Aspen colors should be good that time of year.

[4runnerguy]

yellowdog00 wrote:
My only concern is the potential for bad weather that late in the year. I think it is probably doable as long as I am flexible and give myself enough time.

Flexibility is key. The good news is that the roads typically still have a lot of heat stored in them, so even if it snows, it clears up in a day or two after it is plowed. Your route is a good route with Monarch Pass the only real high point.

Most NFS CG's in CO are closed by that time of year. Even some of the private ones are closing by then. The NPS has a few campsites open around Blue Mesa Reservoir (Curecante NRA). If it's still open, we like Cimarron CG. Of course Black Canyon of the Gunnison has a CG open all year, but you're almost at your destination by then

[RckyMtnVia]

I agree that you could get any kind of weather on your trip. Get the Weather Channel app and check the cities on your route. The 10 day forecast is reasonably accurate and as you get down to 4 or 5, very accurate. If it goes below 32 degrees you should disconnect and store your water hose so it does not freeze. Use your water tank at night.

[Allworth]

There will probably be snow in the high country, but Colorado DOT is well versed in getting the roads cleared.

You might consider taking the Interstate through the tunnel rather than crossing over Monarch that time of year.

[Colo_Native]

October anything can happen. Just watch the weather reports and see.