Planning a 10 day ride for last week of June into early July for Durango, Independence Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park areas. Are the main roads and passes clear for the most part?

 

Yes, they'll be clear/open. Crews work hard to get the high passes open by Memorial Day. Small chance for a wet snowstorm, but you should have no problems.

 

CO is beautiful that time of year and great for riding. Take a good jacket, chaps and rain gear just in case you hit some weather, and you will. North out of Durango through Silverton and Ouray is a very nice ride but with the slight possibility of rain or light snow. Every time that I have crossed Independence Pass it has been cold and damp. Rocky Mountain NP is one of my favorite places for seeing those postcards come to life.

If you stay mostly warm and dry, with the right gear, you can make it through any weather you might encounter at that time of year. Enjoy.

 

Roads open and weather should be nice.

Might run into a little rain though so pack accordingly.

 

+1 on the ride north of Durango through Silverton and on up to Ouray on hwy 550 (Million Dollar Highway). The views on that pass are incredible and yes, they do an awesome job of keeping those roads clear.

 

Hey easyglide,

Should not be a problem at all. When the time gets closer feel free to PM me. I am about 45 minutes from Independence Pass and can give you an up to date weather / road report. You can also check out the website www.cotrip.org and they'll also give you updates on road conditions, closures etc. Enjoy planning the trip. If you need any additional info , shoot me a message.

 

Take your rain gear because it usually rains and/or sleets every day.

 

If you have the opportunity to ride the places you mentioned in your post, don't let the weather stop you. Just be prepared for possible chill, or wet conditions. None of them last more than a few minutes. Colorado is great even on a bad day.

 

If you haven't ever been there you will be impressed. Made that trip several times and still feel a sense of awe for nature. Be sure and post some pics!!

 

It will rain almost every day. Not for very long, but it will rain. I have seen snow in July.

The passes are usually open by the end of May. Usually. Be sure and check road conditions before setting out. The road might be open, but icy or snowy. That really increases the pucker facter. But if that happens in the end of June, once the sun comes out the roads clear up really fast.

Higher elevations can be pretty cold if there's no sun.

When the sun is out, remember that you're at high altitude - the air is thin and clear. It may not be hot, but you can really get sunburned - fast. Long sleeves, hats/helmets, and sunscreen are important travel items.