hbo6

We are going to be in Denver the week of October 18 for a conference. After that we have four days to sightsee. We were thinking of Rocky Mountain National Park since we have never been there but will there be snow? Any other suggestions would be appreciated. We also like the VRBO option for lodging. What town would be a central location to look at for that? Thank you for any input.

Tabernash2

There's no way of knowing what snow conditions will be like in mid-October. You'll have to wait till closer to your dates, to see how it's going. It's unpredictable.

Lodging rates will be low in mountain towns, so try Winter Park and Breckenridge, if you want to be in the mountains, less than two hour drive from Denver.

Do you want mountain lodging?

hbo6

This is a spur of the moment trip so have not researched anything but know we like to visit National Parks. Thank you for two locations. If anything else comes to mind, please respond.

wtm003

If you are interested in RMNP I'd look at Estes Park for a night or two. Agree, that it is impossible to forecast weather, but I have done some hiking during that time of year and it was pretty as the paths are covered with golden aspen leaves. You would also likely be there in time for the elk rut. Visitors park along the road and pull out their camping chairs and picnics to observe the bugling elk and their eery sound. It is a very unique experience.

http://www.nps.gov/romo/elk_bugles.htm

Trail Ridge Road could be closed at that time of year though, so it would not be possible to drive through to Grand Lake.

fmpden

You might just look at all of the other recent postings dealing with nearly the same question at about the same time. By mid Oct the probability of encountering snow are pretty good. Some of the ski area will be trying to get open from mid Oct on. A couple of good snows and they are ready to roll. They try to keep Trail Ridge open as long as possible so as long as there is not a multi foot dump, it should be open. If you want a central point, consider Frisco. Generally housing deals in the mountains area is very good at this time.

Last week, we had snow on Pikes Peak and at the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels. It didn't stick around but it was sloppy for a few hours.

harrisonf

The weather in Colorado can be iffy in October, ranging from beautiful to blizzards. Estes Park is always a great place to visit and you can spend a night at the Stanley Hotel.

A trip into the foothills is nice and look at the fall leaf colors, I don't think there are any events at Red Rocks during the time you will be here.

If you like gambling towns, there is always Blackhawk or Central City.