Colorado in Springtime

[Mike&Nan]

We're looking at spending a month in Colorado in the May/June timeframe. Weatherwise, is snow still a real concern?

[KyDan]

This totally depends on where you are! More details needed..... We visited Colorado Springs in June. Weather in town and at Garden of the Gods park was awesome.
It snowed on Pikes Peak so deep the cog train had to return to the station and be
fitted with a snow plow! Elevation makes a huge difference in Colorado weather.

[f5moab]

I agree, CO's weather can vary by extremes depending on altitude and weather on the front or back range of the rockies. And also the snow levels for a particular year.
One year went to Ouray, and all the trails, including Blackbear pass and engineer were open all the way, went back the following year, on the same day, and blackbear was still closed, and engineer was open 90 percent but could not get to the summit.


For camping this is a decent place to look....
Colorado Snow Depth and Snow Accumulation

[Wiscampsin]

X3 on the unpredictable chance of snow in higher elevations. We were in Estes Park in early June and woke up to a couple inches of snow in the morning. By noon it had all melted.

[Mountndream]

i will be in RMNP the first week of June. I expect to deal with snow at higher elevations but it will be melting. Hopefully this will make the Waterfalls Spectacular. layers are your friend

[Mike&Nan]

Thanks to all. I should have been more specific, as I had higher elevations in mind. Regardless, you all answered my question - Pikes Peak and Estes Park are at the top of our list. Guess it'll have to wait for next year. Thanks again.

[Mountndream]

You will still be able to see Estes Park. Trail ridge road is expected to open Memorial Weekend. The campgrounds are open in the park at the same time. You will see snow pack, but I wouldn't skip Estes or Pikes peak

[ColoradoRick]

Originally Posted by Mike&Nan

We're looking at spending a month in Colorado in the May/June timeframe. Weatherwise, is snow still a real concern?

We've seen snow flurries on July 4th a few years ago!!

But, no, late-May and June are normally okay...we may drop into the 30's at night up at altitude and may even get an inch or two of snow but the sun will melt it before 9 am, usually.

Nights can be chilly, even in July/August so having a little space heater is handy...we use ours a lot even in the summer to take the chill off. (Along with sweaters/small jackets.)

NEVER leave your awning out when you're away from the RV and at night. We can get some ginormous winds suddenly appear and get 60 mph+ winds in a hurry. (When we were newby campers, I forgot to put the awning in one night and was rudely awoken at 2 am to the camper rocking HARD back and forth..we thought a grizzly was attacking but it was just 50 mph winds!)

[Meathouse]

We were in Estes Park last weekend. Temps were in the mid-60's. There were piles of snow in the shade but anything that sun gets to, was clear and dry.


We didn't get a lot of snow this year so I expect all passes to be open and accessible earlier than most years. Now, having said all that, I expect a late season snow or 2 before we get into May but this time of year, it may snow one day and then be 70 the next, so just be prepared.


Regardless, I wouldn't cancel a trip because of the 'threat' of snow. I think the earlier you're in CO this year, the better. By late summer, I fully expect fire restrictions and the fire danger will be high.

[KyDan]

Don't drive to Pikes Peak. Take the cog train. Call a day ahead for reservations!

[f5moab]

Yes, the COG railway is a great way to travel to the top; however, the drive is spectacular; but not for anyone who is afraid of heights and high cliff roads. But not as much fun now that they have paved it all the way.

But the view from the top, especially after a heavy snow, is fantastic....


Just don't try and run

[SkipnTerri]

We spent the latter part of May and beginning of June in Colorado Springs. The weather was nice and cool; however, the pollen from the Ponderosa pines was something else!