6 replies to this topic

[tigerv1]

I have been to RMNP twice in the months of June and July and have always made plans to deal with the afternoon storms. My question is how is the weather in August? I am thinking about making a trip up there in a few months and was curious. Thanks.

Also, would it be better to plan on September rather than August? I am aiming to go when the crowds are smaller yet at a time when roads and trails are still open.

Edited by tigerv1, 06 June 2008 - 06:43 AM.

[SamT]

You'll have the same afternoon storms in august that you have in July. The crowds are less if you go in late august after schools starts, but the weather did seem a bit 'iffier' compared to earlier in the summer. Still not bad though. Go during the week, start early, and avoid the most touristy areas (alberta falls etc).

[mirak]

August weather is generally clear in the mornings and evenings, but afternoon storms are common. I think it may be the warmest month.

September is cooler, but I think the weather is actually a bit clearer. Storms are not as frequent. The wildflowers will have receded, but you get to see the aspens changing - and the elk will be everywhere.

The crowds peak in August, but it's never a problem if you hit the trails early.

[SandyP]

Hi tiger!

Bill and I have been to the park during every time of the year now, but our favorite and most preferred is the first or 2nd week of September. The crowds are very manageable because school has started, and the weather is typically FABULOUS! Cool and fresh in the morning and evenings, but perfect for getting out and hiking during the day. The storms don't seem quite as bad or rigidly consistent as they are ealier in the summer either. Plus, you don't have to worry about Trail Ridge Road being closed, and Mirak is right: The elk are EVERYWHERE, and if you get there before the rut, they aren't all beat up and make awesome pictures :)

The first week in Sep. has the Labor Day crowds just over the weekend, but after that, it is wonderfully quiet. The worst time of the year we've ever been as far as crowds and traffic is the week the fall colors peak (about the 3rd week of Sep.) Yikes. . . I don't think we'll ever do THAT again!

My vote: Go the 2nd week of September, just after the Scottish Rites Festival.

[Rhonda]

Welcome, Tigerv1. It's just a matter of taste and personal decision.

For me, I think the fall colors are well worth putting up with the crowds, because I can ALWAYS outwit the crowds and find solitude no matter how many people are there. The worst crowds, traffic and weather conditions I've ever endured were in mid-July, and like Sandy, I said never again.

I was there the same week Sandy and Bill were in Sep 2006 and that was an unusually weird weak weather-wise with early snow and road closings. It so happened, the week after we came home was perfect! If only we'd gone the 4th week instead of the third! Weather is an iffy thing at RMNP, no matter what season.

I have been several times in very late Sep, the last week, and OFRR was still open, TRR too, the weather was perfect, the fall colors were at their best, I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect. My son climbed to the top of Ypsilon the last week of Sep. So the week that Sandy and Bill were there in 2006 was just a flukey year and shouldn't be considered the norm. I sure won't let that one bad weather week deter me from late Sep trips.

The thing I don't like about late August is that the snowy peaks are gone, (you might see an early dusting of snow, I know I did last year in late Aug) and the aspen haven't yet begun to turn, and to me, that is just the ultimate sight, to see those golden aspen.

But everybody has their own opinion, that's just mine. I love fall and the golden aspen. The rut is neat too, but for me that is secondary to the color.

[chipper]

Mostly repeating what Rhonda and Sandy said, but in August the thing I don't like is that the snowcaps are gone. Having said that, we're going out on Aug 15-22 this year - I waited too long to make my reservations for July.

We were there the week after Bill, Sandy and Rhonda in 2006 and it was GORGEOUS. Bill and Sandy glued the leaves on the aspen trees to make sure I had a great color show. TRR and OFRR were closed when we got there. Trail Ridge opened the 2nd day, but OFRR never opened back up which was too bad. Crowds were horrendous, but the scenery made up for it - and again - elk galore. I prefer July and September, but it's all good.

[tigerv1]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am looking forward to it. I think September may be a better choice. I like the fact that things are still open yet the crowds have dispersed. That and the fact that the storms have subsided. If we're lucky we will see a nice early dusting of snow. Thanks again!