visit Colorado in november (Denver, Colorado Springs: parks, winter, driving)

[missgrump]

I have read what has been said about the weather,so my question is not about that, but I'd like to know if it's worth it to come at the end of october beginning of november to visit some canyons, Denver, maybe the Rocky Mountains, The Mount Rushmore????
Are the Natinal parks closed? Can we still visit lots of things?
What would you recommend?

[RockyMtMom]

Hi there-
Mt Rushmore is in South Dakota.
National Parks are never closed themselves, but parts may not be accessible (like Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mt. National Park), due to the weather.
It will be hit or miss regarding the weather in any part of Colorado during late October/ early November. It may still be nice, or it may be snowing.
I personally wouldn't want to go sightseeing if the weather were bad. Skiing/snowbarding yes, but sightseeing in the snow, no. Especially if you are not familiar with mountain road driving in the snow.

[itsjuststeve]

It is very difficult to predict what your experience will be like. Mostly it depends on what you're wanting to see.

Our winter season generally begins around the beginning of November (usually by the time October 31 rolls around we start seeing frost or light snow on the ground at night)

Our winter season is never dominated by unending snow, and that's why it's difficult to predict what it will be like. Throughout the winter, it's possible to have a bright and sunny 60+ degree day followed by a snowfall the next morning. Our snow tends to melt pretty quickly after it falls, though.

Higher elevations may be more difficult in the winter. For example, if there are snow warnings on TV and you are not used to driving in snow, do not attempt to make the trip between Colorado Springs and Denver.

If you want to come, feel free! You'll probably have a great time no matter what time of the year you come. If you have enough time to stay, you should probably have plenty of hours throughout most days to do sightseeing. Keep in mind that Colorado Springs receives 300 days of sunshine a year, and we often have plenty of sunny days in the winter.