My husband and I would like to make a trip to Cheyenne Mountain State Park near Colorado Springs. We were thinking around August or September. Possibly October. Could someone tell me what your opinion of the weather conditions at that time. I would like to be able to see the changing of the Aspens, but am unsure what time of year that happens. We would like to go when the weather conditons aren't too horrendous. Also I've heard great things about this park. What are your opinions, and what are the best spots to get?
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we spent the second week of September last year viewing colors...they were just getting a good start (Crested Butte area)...according to locals timing is variable with weather...usually only a 1 to 2 week window..IMHO, of course
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You refer to "horrendous weather". We don't ever have that kind of weather!! The aspens turn according to the amount of moisture, temps, etc. so we never know until it happens. Sometimes gradually, others practically overnight. If you are going to stay at Cheyenne Mtn, S.P. you will need res. so you should book for what is convenient for you and hope the timing is right.
Most of the state parks stop taking reservations in September and it becomes a walkup/driveup, take any open site situation. Also, we haven't actually stayed at Cheyenne Mtn yet though we have been inside the park so I am wondering if there are aspens in the area. I have seen oak and evergreen trees. We camp further south and the area is not high enough for aspens.
As was said, the colors could start anytime in September. It seems it is now later in the month then it used to be. It will still be warm in the Springs in August. As to the bad weather, pretty limited in the Springs area (jmho). Late September and October the weather should be fantastic. A short drive up Hwy 24 toward Cripple Creek will put you into lots of colors during that time.
CindyBR777 wrote: My husband and I would like to make a trip to Cheyenne Mountain State Park near Colorado Springs. We were thinking around August or September. Possibly October. Could someone tell me what your opinion of the weather conditions at that time. I would like to be able to see the changing of the Aspens, but am unsure what time of year that happens. We would like to go when the weather conditons aren't too horrendous. Also I've heard great things about this park. What are your opinions, and what are the best spots to get?
Cheyenne Mt SP is a great place with very level pads and full hookups. I love the view at night from the terraced campsites. The weather should be fine Aug-Sep.
I notice you have little dogs; although Colorado is generally a very dog-friendly state, that state park (and some other CO state parks as well) is not very dog friendly. They are not allowed on any trails, only along the street. We have a flatcoated retriever, so when she is with us we opt for private or National Forest/BLM campgrounds in that area.
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I notice you have little dogs; although Colorado is generally a very dog-friendly state, that state park (and some other CO state parks as well) is not very dog friendly. They are not allowed on any trails, only along the street. We have a flatcoated retriever, so when she is with us we opt for private or National Forest/BLM campgrounds in that area.
I don't think it's a case of not being dog-friendly...it's to keep Fido from being turned into a meal for a predator. Unlike central and south Texas, they have bears, mountain lions, etc in that part of the country. Walking a dog on the trail is just to tempting for them!
We are going toCheyenne Mountain SP in July and can't wait!!
Mark
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Quote: I don't think it's a case of not being dog-friendly...it's to keep Fido from being turned into a meal for a predator. Unlike central and south Texas, they have bears, mountain lions, etc in that part of the country. Walking a dog on the trail is just to tempting for them!
We are going toCheyenne Mountain SP in July and can't wait!!
Mark
We've been all over SW Colorado (in San Juan NF esp.), hiking with the retriever. The national forests are far more "wild" than the state parks. I think a lab or golden retriever are a requirement to live there, from all the hikers we meet on the trail with canine companions! We practice bear safety, and I'm sure we have more cougars in Texas (even here in Bexar Co.); both black bears and cougars are pretty shy (esp the cougars), so that really is no factor. Armed with a little common sense (and a can of bear spray left over from Yellowstone) and I am not worried about wildlife at a heavily used suburban park like Cheyenne Mt SP. The two-legged inhabitants at the park are a bigger problem than any four-legged predators, anyhow. My point is simply to be aware that CO state parks are restrictive to dog owners, and to be prepared for it.
Quote: I don't think it's a case of not being dog-friendly...it's to keep Fido from being turned into a meal for a predator. Unlike central and south Texas, they have bears, mountain lions, etc in that part of the country. Walking a dog on the trail is just to tempting for them!
We are going toCheyenne Mountain SP in July and can't wait!!
Mark
We've been all over SW Colorado (in San Juan NF esp.), hiking with the retriever. The national forests are far more "wild" than the state parks. I think a lab or golden retriever are a requirement to live there, from all the hikers we meet on the trail with canine companions! We practice bear safety, and I'm sure we have more cougars in Texas (even here in Bexar Co.); both black bears and cougars are pretty shy (esp the cougars), so that really is no factor. Armed with a little common sense (and a can of bear spray left over from Yellowstone) and I am not worried about wildlife at a heavily used suburban park like Cheyenne Mt SP. The two-legged inhabitants at the park are a bigger problem than any four-legged predators, anyhow. My point is simply to be aware that CO state parks are restrictive to dog owners, and to be prepared for it.
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