Sometime this year( 2010), looking at June 1st through 15th right now, my son and I are planning a trip from KY to Calf. Main goals are to see my sister in San Diego and ride the PCH up to SF, everything else is gravy. My question is when is the rainy season in CO, NM, AZ etc....I know ya may get wet but we don't want to ride the while 2 weeks in the rain...

We are kind of limited as to when, I allready have a two week trip planned for the 3rd week of July to MT....

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks

 

Look at the weather website.. www.weather.com You might get some good info there and google AZ weather..

 

Summertime in the mountains...you can just about count on a short thunderstorm every afternoon!

 

I've ridden out in those areas in June and I think it's a great time to go weather wise. I wouldn't worry about it. Also, google weather for those areas and you'll get some sites that show what the avg temps, high and low, are for June and also the avg precip. Have fun.

 

You never know how the spring is going to be in the Rocky's. June can be tricky in CO. AZ it's probable going to be Hot. You'll need to have cold weather (UA packs great) and rain gear both in June and July. Sometimes shirt sleve and sometimes all leathered up. I went across Chief Joseph and Bear Tooth July 31st and it was below 40 and light rain. Lots of fun though if your prepared. Never let the weather dictate your ride, just be prepared, oh I just said that. Sounds like your going to be putting on the miles.

 

You didn't say if your taken I 10 or I 40 across, but once you cross into the desert area of any state,if you see a big brown cloud and it looks like it's headed your way don't wait to get off the road. Dust storms in the west are killers and June they can show up mosty in the afternoon, something to keep in the back of your mind. Myself I would ride in the rain before I'll ride in a dust storm.

 

If your time frame is already set, you really dont have much of a choice. Just make sure you are prepared and make the best of it.

 

early june should be the driest months in the three mentioned states. "monsoons" (such as they are) start after your trip.

 

I'd agree with Pete on this. I've had very good luck overall with Colorado weather in June. Just be aware that it gets cold at altitude and you will still have snow on the ground at higher elevations in the early summer so dress for it. The roads are usually good to go though. When I have run into rain, it's usually on one side of the mountain. Just keep going and you'll ride out of it, assuming it's not "really" bad to begin with. In that case you'll have to use your better judgment but it's rarely been an issue for me when I've been up there!

You'll love th PCH, particularly the 100 mile stretch between Cambria and Monterey. It's awesome!!!! If you have time, you might want to take one of the tours at the Hearst Castle just north of Cambria. It's pretty cool too, very much an example of what can happen when someone has more money than they know what to do with! There's also a colony of elephant seals on the coast very near there too.

Anyway, have a great trip!

Ride Safe,
Steve R.

 

Took a ride this year from Sacramento to San Diego by way of the PCH from Monterey south. It was August. It was 104 in sacramento. As soon as I dropped into Monterey late afternoon, the fog rolls in and it was amazing to see a 50 degree swing in temperature. It's an amazing ride. Tough to keep your eyes on the road with all the scenery. I'd do that ride in a heartbeat. I know it's only a small piece of your ride, but something to look forward to.