Around the Rockies

[martins]

I´m planning a western US tour. When is the earliest time to ride from denver up through wyoming, montana, idaho and washington? I´m then going down the california coast and finally back in to colorado. I prefer not to ride when colder than 60F/15C. How about end of May? I will be on the road for around 3 weeks.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by martins

I´m planning a western US tour. When is the earliest time to ride from denver up through wyoming, montana, idaho and washington? I´m then going down the california coast and finally back in to colorado. I prefer not to ride when colder than 60F/15C. How about end of May? I will be on the road for around 3 weeks.

It will still probably be a little cold for you at the end of may. The average high in May in Colorado is 70F but the average low is 40F. Thats for Denver, as soon as you get into the mountains those temps drop pretty quickly. I would say june/july/august are the best months to shoot for.

[spotrot]

Agree, even late May can be early at the higher elevations.

We start our western trips at the southern end (and lower elevations)

From my notes last year:
June 9 Thurs side trip via Rt 306 to Cottonwood Pass to Crested Butte 69m each way (250m total)
*** Cottonwood Pass, 12,216’ just opened a few days ago.

Then June 16 in Yellowstone at Geyser Basin:
Heavy snow began to fall as we left at 8 PM. The snowstorm continued a good part of the way to our campground…

Then in Glacier NP, Going to the Sun road just got cleared of snow and opened JULY 13 or so.

Better get those heated grips.

We've toured the western US at least six years, taking over 6 weeks (in 2 week segments) each time. It is spectacular - you'll be amazed.

[1000RR]

July, even then you can get shitt on... but in general you are OK.

[joew4505]

Something to think about; Laguna Seca is the last weekend in July. Riding from Denver to the west coast and back (northern and southern route) with a little MotoGP in the middle is a great trip!

Thats my plan for this year.