Thank you, everyone!

Quick question: Will it be too chilly on Sept. 15th to go glamping? Thinking of the Rustic Rook Resort at the end of our day at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Thanks in advance!

No way to know the weather but you can always add another blanket

True, no way to know, but it's safe bet that it will get into the 40's or 30's at night, so the extra blanket might be nice. In general should be a beautiful time to be there. It's possible the photo at the top of their webpage was taken about that time of year. Have a good trip.

Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone all received a dusting of snow last night (9/1). It will not stay but everyday is a little close to when it will stay. It was down to 45 in Denver a couple of nights ago so it will be colder in the mountains especially at the higher elevations. Bring two extra blankets.

Good and bad news for I-70 through Glenwood canyon. The fire is out and road open but the mountains sides are stripped of vegetation. Now rain storms are bring down mud and rock slides that are periodically closing I-70 for cleaning. Going to be a long winter.

Sorry for all the fires, rain, and mudslides. So, I'm guessing we should still avoid Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Colorado National Monument? Love that attitude to just add extra blankets! We booked the glamping night and plan to dress warm.

Then don't forget to bring extra layers to wear during the day and evening to take care of what Fmpden is describing too!! LOL

My lookout friend Mac Tippins who is at Pinyon Peak ID (el 9945) woke on Monday morning 8/31 with snow on the ground. He lit a fire in his wood stove and stayed in until it warmed up. His season may be ending soon.

I don't think you have to avoid Aspen or the monument but be a prepared for interruptions on I-70 if it is raining, The problem will slides will be very infrequent but still a small risk. It is the time of year when you need to plan for a wider swing in temperatures. We were in Steamboat last week and the Aspens are already starting to turn. A little early but you should start to see color at the higher elevations during your trip. The smoke was bad last week but hopefully that will clear out as the fires get under control.

You might be a little early, but there is a sandhill crane migration that takes place Sept - Oct when they are heading back down to New Mexico. They are typically around Steamboat in northern Colorado about now.

The fall migration is not as big as spring, which we have seen, but it could still be worth keeping an eye out.

Here's the NPS link for viewing opportunities.
https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvis...-migration.htm

Great! So, bring layers to add to t-shirts for when it's cooler. (check) Read up on the sandhill crane migration. (will do!) Watch the weather for adding Aspen or Glenwood Springs back into the itinerary if time allows.

What are the not-to-be-missed hikes close to Telluride, Aspen (maybe), and Estes Park. Ones that can be done with kids (we're accustomed to challenging hikes) that offer amazing views (lake views are my favorite. ie. Blue Lakes). Thanks in advance!!

Around Estes the most recommended lakes, for a reason, are in the RMNP Bear Lake / Glacier Gorge area. Most popular and crowded hike is Bear Lake to Emerald Lake, taking in four alpine lakes in less than 2 miles one way. Other good ones are Mills Lake and The Loch at Glacier Gorge. But those parking lots are very crowded, even in Covid September, and RMNP requires a timed entry permit now. The elk rut will be going on and that brings in the crowds, again for a reason.

In Aspen of course is the classic postcard view of Colorado, Maroon Lake. About a mile and half beyond is Crater Lake. The next lakes are a lot farther. Not sure about current regs to get there. I'd also go up the Castle Valley and visit the ghost town of Ashcroft. Should be amazing in September.

I'm less familiar with Telluride, only been there a couple times, but you'll have no trouble finding something.

I think Hanging lake in Glenwood canyon escaped the fire. Don't know that for an absolute fact so you may want to check it with the forest service. The lake does require an advance reservation.

Why it pays to keep an eye on Colorado weather now: In northeast CO we have high temps of near 100 predicted on Saturday and Sunday, completely sunny. Then a high on Tuesday of about 40, with a low of 26 (!), plus wind and snow. Then back in the 80's by the end of the week.

It's tough on gardens.

Nelson, is correct. It has been a crazy year for weather. Setting records for heat, number of days over 90, hottest Aug on record, and now a forecast of several inches of snow on Tuesday (8th). It will not stick or accumulate because the ground is too hot but it will be messy. And it will be the first time in 20 years we have had snow in Sep in Denver. But it will rebound and your week should be fine. Aspens are turning in the high mountains so you should see some decent color.

Unless I missed it, I don't think anyone commented about swimming in Medano Creek at the Sand Dunes. Medano Creek is dry this time of the year. We have a rain & snow coming into the state on Tuesday, so maybe you'll find a little bit of water upstream, but definitely no swimming or wading. I like to go in the spring during peak flow and even then it's more about splashing and playing.

You are not having any luck with this trip. RMNP is closed at the moment due to the forest fires. With the heavy snow expected on Tues/Weds that should dampen down the forest fire in that area. But the general smoke and haze is killing our views. Could not see the front range this am and smoke is causing us eye problems. You do have to be flexible.