Question for those in Colorado

killallninjas

killallninjas

New member
Trying to plan a trip out to the Silverton area. What's the best time of year for Camping and checking out some trails? I'm looking at middle September to late October. Thanks.
 
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In October Silverton "could" get buried in feet of snow depending on the year. I would lean towards mid September. Also, many of the NF Campgrounds close after Labor Day weekend if your not boondocking.
 
Generally mid to late September would be the most scenic because the Aspens should be changing color.....which can really be spectacular. There's always the possibility of getting some light snowfall but that would be the exception rather than the rule.
 
Any time from late June or so to late September is nice in the mountains here.


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You really need to go twice. Once in early July to see the wild flowers, and then again mid September to see the fall colors. :naughty:

But I'm sure you'll be happy with either time of year if you can only go once.
 
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Late Sept.

As a long time photograoher in that area, without question, for fall color and overall beauty, the last week of September is absolute prime. Either side of that week, ok, but usually not quite as good.
 
We went last early August, weather was decent, but a little rainy weather up in the mountains.
We plan on another trip in August, but we're going to head to Moab as well. Let me know if you have questions.
This year it'll be 75% rtt. We're super stoked!

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i grew up in both Ridgway and Durango, and have driven that pass more times that I can count. If I had to choose a time, it would definitely be fall. The weather is always unpredictable..i have watched the Ouray 4th of July fireworks while it was snowing, but the fall time is my favorite!
 
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Especially this year. We just came back and with all the late, heavy snow local guides were saying it might be August before some of the trails get opened. We kept getting thwarted by snow even at lower elevations, usually around 9000'.
 
I feel like I need to add this PSA for anyone who's unfamiliar with wheeling in Colorado this time of year too...

Don't tempt fate and try to drive through late spring/early summer snow pack. You will get stuck 99% of the time. I don't mean stuck like you can still work your way out of it with a half hour of shoveling, I mean you're stuck and you'l need to wait for the snow to melt to get out. Alternatively, if you know someone with a long enough winch line to reach you in the middle of the snow drift you're stuck in, cool...but don't count on it.

What'll happen is that the snow looks nice and easy to get through. I mean, you drive your 4Runner year round anyway, and you've made it through a ton of snow in the winter. However, this time of year, that snow has been rotting all day in the sun, and it's white quicksand. I've seen all manner of "capable" off-road vehicles fall victim to this near many trailheads. If you're lucky, the temps will dip closer to freezing, and you can try to get out in the middle of the night...

/rant. And no, this didn't happen to me, but I've seen it too many times.

Stay safe!
 
atalarico said:
I feel like I need to add this PSA for anyone who's unfamiliar with wheeling in Colorado this time of year too...



Don't tempt fate and try to drive through late spring/early summer snow pack. You will get stuck 99% of the time. I don't mean stuck like you can still work your way out of it with a half hour of shoveling, I mean you're stuck and you'l need to wait for the snow to melt to get out. Alternatively, if you know someone with a long enough winch line to reach you in the middle of the snow drift you're stuck in, cool...but don't count on it.



What'll happen is that the snow looks nice and easy to get through. I mean, you drive your 4Runner year round anyway, and you've made it through a ton of snow in the winter. However, this time of year, that snow has been rotting all day in the sun, and it's white quicksand. I've seen all manner of "capable" off-road vehicles fall victim to this near many trailheads. If you're lucky, the temps will dip closer to freezing, and you can try to get out in the middle of the night...



/rant. And no, this didn't happen to me, but I've seen it too many times.



Stay safe!
Click to expand...



Thanks for the tip. It's good stuff to know. I've decided on middle September, though.
 
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