Road Conditions on I-70 in October

[bhcompy]

for what its worth, ive been told that the halloween time is a time when the first snow storms of the season can start. i would definitely pay attention to the weather when you're driving in because it was pretty scary when i hit one last february around vail. trying to accellerate uphill with a FWD and you hear/feel the tires start to spin can get a little scary for someone not used to the road conditions

[Katarina Witt]

^^^You may be thinking of the urban legend that it always snows in Denver on Halloween (which is fairly accurate). The good skiing, hence the snows, doesn't usually start until December.

[Fuzz]

The snow starts flying in the high country in October. You may well run into a snowstorm in October. But there are also periods of warmer weather with no snow. Even with the bigger storms, the roads dry/clear out pretty quickly that early in the season.

For instance, this was October 14, 2007 in Silverthorne (which sits astride I-70 in Summit County at 9,000 feet):


But just a few weeks later, on Halloween, we were outside in just long-sleeve t-shirts.

As others have mentioned, the really big, sustained storms don't usually arrive until December.

[goldenplover]

Originally Posted by Katiana

Your plan sounds fine to me. October doesn't usually see a lot of snow, though keep in mind, anything is possible.

yep. I think that katiana pretty much summed it up in as few words as possible. As for places to stop and stay- I recommend driving I70 through the mountains during the day (so beautiful!) so if you find yourself approaching the mountains toward nightfall, stop in georgetown (you won't miss anything up until georgetown). If it's mid-day when you enter the mountains, then stop in glenwood springs (it's roughly a three hour drive from denver- ROUGHLY). Glenwood Springs has the hot springs and is quaint and touristy. There's an amazing italian place up there... off the main road (sorry, forgot the name). Glenwood springs is also only a twenty minute drive from aspen (pricey, but also very touristy), although aspen does not sit on I-70. You will also drive through vail on the way, as another option (again, pricey and touristy, although not quite as $$$ as aspen).

[Powderhound]

I agree with everyone's comments. If there would be snow in October it would likely be over the 2 major passes. After Vail pass the roads are usually pretty safe, even later in the season. Also, I keep CDOT's number in my cell and call it before I go skiing (303)-639-1111. It has good driving condition info. Glenwood Springs is a great recommendation for a night's stay and maybe the last place until Grand Junction that you can find a hotel room relatively easily. I actually live in Glenwood Springs. West of GWS until Grand Junction the majority of the hotels are booked by oil and gas workers year round. You will love the drive through the Glenwood Canyon and if you have time there is the Hanging Lake hike which has its own exit. Its a decent climb so take lots of water especially b/c you wont have adjusted to the altitude. The destination is one of the most beautiful in the state. If you are going to do more than just sleep in GWS you could check out our famous Hot Springs Pool (world's largest). For dining options I would suggest Tequilas (mexican), the Brew Pub (american), Zheng's (asian bistro), the Bayou (cajun), or Florindos or the Italian Underground (italian). There is also a new Rib City (barbeque).