Can't get to Colorado now probably 'til almost mid-October...maybe the 7th if lucky...
OR we might be able to take a few more days if we went over Thanksgiving...the full week.

Has anyone here done this?
I know the crowds of summer at not much fun but...would this just be too late to be able to see much. (ranger-led hikes, etc.)
Parts of it closed?

Weather-wise...would love fall colors but
if they're definitely all out of the area by Oct 7th or so...then, we might as well go at Thanksgiving, if missing anyway. (as again, we'd earn a few days more of travel)

Driving at Thanksgiving TO Mesa Verde from Vail area....likely to be too hard? (would be in Vail to visit others) Not sure of risk of lots of snow on the roads that time of year.

Thanks for any info you might share. Considered going earlier this Spring, but all plans put aside due to family health issus.

Now, just wondering if we should pass on it for a full year, if travelling to Colorado to see Mesa Verde wouldn't be as fulfilling in mid-to late autumn?? (and colors, too?)

Thanks!!

I LOVE Mesa Verde...recommended it to a friend who went last October and experienced some dicey roads...so for sure do not plan to go over Thanksgiving!

Thanks for the feedback!

October.

Here's the website -
http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm

And here is the calendar/ schedule -
http://www.nps.gov/meve/pphtml/planyourvisit.html

It should be gorgeous that time of year. You asked about color - be sure to take the Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad out of Durango.

The drive north of Durango to Ouray is spectacular - "Little Switzerland". I've driven it in Feb. and it was VERY dicey. Fall should be just gorgeous!

Hi Daydreamer,

Mid October would be too late for the best color, at least in the usual year, but earlier might be just grand--hard to predict--so many factors. Go at Thanksgiving when you have more time. Normally snowfall isn't too bad, and it usually melts off pretty fast at that time of years. A dusting of snow at Mesa Verde makes the whole experience even better.

Either time would be great, but I would opt for days in that part of Colorful Colorado.

Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad doesn't run in November [at least not on a daily basis, if at all].

Thanksgiving is a nice time here in SW CO, crowds are minimal too.

October can have colors, depends on weather and rainfall.

Hope this helps...
Debi