What can we expect for climate/temperatures going through Colorado and Wyoming national parks in the first two weeks of July? With the mountain heights, etc.

It probably won't snow, however, there will be patches of snow in the upper elevations. THat tells you that it will be chilly. Think layers. Long sleever shirt, with a sweater and bring a jacket for over that in the evening. The sun during the day can really be warm...but shade is cool. It frequestly rains briefly in the afternoons. Drink lots of fluids since you won't be adjusted to the altitude. When we lived in Wyoming, the mountain pass was blasted out around the 4th of July!

Speaking for Durango, at 6500 feet in the SW corner, we occasionally get as high as 100 F in July. You can usually expect highs in the eighties. Even if the high is only in the 60s on the high mountains, it will end up being T-shirt weather because the sun is so strong.

We have lows of about 50 F at this elevation, and it will likely freeze at 10,000 feet in RMNP and Wyoming.

Remember to take several layers; the most you will need will probably be a mid-weight fleece and a windbreaker. Take a hat for warmth if you plan the camp or stay outside late at night. Realize that 45 F in the sun in the Rockies may feel quite warm because the air is so dry and thin.

Brr makes a good point about roadwork. It is usually going strong at that time of year. You might check the road conditions numbers or websites for both states to get an idea about delays.

Don't forget to wear lots of sunscreen. The sun is very powerful during the summer (and winter) at these elevations.

Thanks everyone. I'll look into roadwork as the time comes closer. Are there any particular websites to look up road construction?

Hopefully we won't be delayed too much, too often since we hope to take in AN AWFUL LOT OF STUFF in our couple weeks!!!

Coming from Ontario Canada. Already counting down the days...

Colorado road conditions:

1 (877) 315-7623
www.cotrip.org

Have a great trip!

IT WILL BE HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!! I was in Colorado last June and it was in the 90's the entire wk I was there. It was the week the forest fires broke out, even in Brekenridge, with snow on the mountains it was 90 degrees, I got fried just sitting outside at lunch at the Brekenridge BBQ. Take lots of sunscreen, the sun is very strong

I was in Colorado and southern Wyoming in late June/early July a few years ago. The weather was extremely varied. We had moderately chilly temperatures and cloudy skies in Glenwood Springs, hail in Colorado Springs, sunny and warm temperatures in Denver, warm sunny weather in Cheyanne, and then a freak snow storm in the Snowy range.

I was in CO in mid-July and depending on where you are the weather is a little different. In the plains area/front range (Denver/Ft. Collins)it was hot-upper 80's. In Rocky Mountain Natl Park it was also hot when we started out at the lower elevations; however, when we reached the higher points (Trail Ridge Road I think is the highest point although I may have name wrong) it was rainy and very cool. Keep a fleece pullover or windbreaker handy to throw on when you need it.

It will be hot during the day, cooler at night. Bring jeans, sweatshirts, shorts and swimsuits! Remember that the high altitude guarantees that you'll tan/burn very quickly. It always amazes me how quickly a person can get a tan at that altitude.

Thank you everyone for the responses. Very helpful. Getting eager to go!