Colorado in September

[Garandman]

Planning to drive the Sprinter out to Colorado Springs in September, leave the van with my daughter in Colorado Springs, and ride around CO for 4-6 days. Either going the period Sep 12-20, or Sep 25 - Oct 2 as I have a reunion Sep 22-24.

Got the book "The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado" which has a lot of trips explained.

1. Colorado Springs is to the East of the monutains and South of Denver. Should I focus on the area due West or will I have time for more?
2. Probably going to stay overnights in hotels but camping is a possibility - should I plan that?
3. Which week is better? Mid-Sept can be pretty warm in CS but the mountains are a lot colder. Expecting a small chance of cold/snow but not likely as far as I know.
4. Any other suggestions?

[Crconnor18]

110% recommend doing US 550 from Durango to Ouray on the “Million Dollar Highway”

Not sure the bike you’re riding but there are a lot of real nice ADV routes around there and amazing views plus some pretty cool little mining towns.

Edit: and ride up Pike’s peek mid week for a hell of a view

[RandyO]

be prepared for early season snowstorms, the not likely part is more common than you are led to believe

[obsolete]

110% recommend doing US 550 from Durango to Ouray on the “Million Dollar Highway”

Not sure the bike you’re riding but there are a lot of real nice ADV routes around there and amazing views plus some pretty cool little mining towns.

Edit: and ride up Pike’s peek mid week for a hell of a view

I'll second this, best part of Colorado is the San Juan.

[Garandman]

be prepared for early season snowstorms, the not likely part is more common than you are led to believe

When and where did you hit snow?

[RandyO]

When and where did you hit snow?

close friend owns a horse ranch in Berthoud (about halfway between Boulder & Fort Collins)

[e30addict]

Crossed CO on Rt 50 and then down 550 years ago on my way to AZ once. One of the best trips out that way for me.

Stayed in Pitkin at 9000' at the end of August. Woke up to frost. Elevation changes out there make everything we see in the whites look like bumps in comparison.

[MUZ720]

When and where did you hit snow?

Colorado Springs sits at 6000 ft give or take and it only goes up going west...

[Crconnor18]

I spent a night in Silverton during the first week of September last year and my bike had a layer of frost on it at 0630 when I was heading out. No signs of snow fall but with that type of elevation I can see the possibility of something light that early in the year.

[R7]

I just spent a week in Colorado, one of the few places west of the river I’d like to return to.
Pikes peek in a thunderstorm was pretty cool.

If you like dive bars, Trade in Denver will open your eyes

[Garandman]

Slight change in plans. Now looking at leaving Aug 12 and return Aug 20. Driving the van to Colorado Springs, leaving the van at my daughter’s.

Then planning on making a two to four day loop out from CS and back. Then another day or two riding and home again.

Have to decide on N (Route 90) vs S (Route 70) out and back. Taken I 90 the last two times, stopping at USAF Museum.

Not sure what there is off I 70.

[loudbeard]

Not sure what there is off I 70.

The Ozarks are not too far south of I70. I understand that in itself is a bucket list ride.

[e30addict]

I liked taking 70 out that way. 80 thru PA and then cut down to 70 in OH and then 44 in St. Louis down and across to 40 in Oak City. Stayin on 70 till CS is the way I went when I wanted to play in CO for a trip. I didn't stop and do touristy stuff though. Just hammer down to get there and back.

[tls25rs]

The Ozarks are not too far south of I70. I understand that in itself is a bucket list ride.

If you wind up in the Ozark's check in with Cory West at https://www.froggymoto.com/ met him when he was instructing at Texas Tornado Boot Camp and Froggy Moto is his company. Good guy.

[Garandman]

Leaving tomorrow!

[Garandman]

Made it in two days instead of three!

[Garandman]

Rode Routes 50 and 550 from Colorado Springs Day one.

Routes 550 and 133 to Glenwood Springs Day 2.

Routes 82 to 24 back to Colorado Springs Day 3.

[MUZ720]

Thats great time. roadside stop or hotel? Did it straight 42hours from Boston when four of us went out to vail at 18... how maybe 15 hours pushing it alone.
Sounds like a great ride how was the weather?

[Garandman]

Stayed at hotels.

First day was great. Second day it rained for six hours. Third day it rained four hours. Forecast was poor for the mountains so cut out day four.

[Garandman]

Calculated the van [118" Sprinter with about 1,000 lbs] fuel use. 22.1 average, low of 20.3, high 22.9. Just kept up with traffic, which was usually 75-80: made no special effort for mpg. Thank dog I had the governed (in software) 80mph top speed disabled.

Average fuel price was $4.97 per gallon: low of $4.44, high of $5.50. Van turned 191,000 miles on the trip.

Many, many insects opposed this journey.....