August and September in Colorado

Question

Hi, I'm planning a trip to Colorado with my partner for whole of August and September this year, flying into and out of Denver from the UK. Colorado is bigger than the UK so would appreciate any advice on where to visit, including cheap accommodation and travel. We are big into road cycling so plan on doing a lot of that. Would also appreciate any advice on getting hold of decent second hand road bikes.

Answer

Visiting Colorado for the full months of August and September gives you a fantastic window to explore the state’s diverse landscapes, from high mountain passes to desert canyons, all while enjoying road cycling in ideal late summer and early fall conditions. Here’s a detailed guide to help plan your trip:

Where to visit:

Front Range / Denver area: Start in Denver to acclimate and pick up any gear you might need. Explore nearby cycling routes like Boulder Canyon, Lookout Mountain, and Golden Gate Canyon. Boulder is very cycling-friendly and has a strong outdoor culture.
Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park: Great for scenic cycling and day hikes. Trail Ridge Road offers challenging rides with spectacular views, but check the weather for high-elevation cycling.
Central Colorado / Mountains: Breckenridge, Frisco, and Vail offer mountain passes perfect for road cycling, such as Loveland Pass, Independence Pass, and the area around Dillon Reservoir.
Western Slope / Gunnison and Crested Butte: Ideal for long climbs and fewer crowds. Crested Butte is renowned for road cycling in August, and September can bring beautiful fall foliage at higher elevations.
Southwest Colorado: Durango, Ouray, and Telluride provide both road cycling and spectacular scenic drives. Routes around the San Juan Mountains are stunning, though challenging.

Cheap accommodation options: Colorado offers a range of budget-friendly lodging options. Consider:

Motels and inns in small towns (e.g., Salida, Gunnison, Montrose).
Hostels, particularly in Boulder and Crested Butte.
Airbnb or VRBO rentals—sometimes you can find affordable stays outside major tourist hubs.
Camping or RV parks if you are comfortable with outdoor accommodations; August and September weather is usually favorable.

Getting around: Renting a car is essential for covering distances between regions, especially if you’re carrying road bikes. Plan your itinerary to minimize daily driving distances.

Second-hand road bikes: Colorado has active cycling communities. To find good deals on used bikes, consider:

Local bike shops—some offer certified pre-owned bikes, particularly in Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist—popular for second-hand bikes, but inspect carefully and verify frame size and condition.
Local cycling clubs—often members sell bikes or can point you to trusted sellers.
Bike swaps or consignment shops—Boulder and Denver occasionally have swap events for cyclists.

Other tips:

Weather in August is generally warm, but afternoons can bring thunderstorms in the mountains. Plan rides for early morning and watch radar forecasts.
September is great for cycling due to cooler temps and lighter traffic, but high mountain passes may start to have early snow—check conditions if you plan high-elevation rides.
Consider carrying spare tubes, a mini-pump, and tools as some routes are remote.
Altitude acclimation is important—spend a few days in Denver or Boulder before tackling high passes above 8,000–10,000 ft.

With these guidelines, you can create a balanced itinerary combining scenic cycling routes, comfortable yet affordable lodging, and exposure to Colorado’s diverse landscapes, all while avoiding overly touristy spots and making the most of your two-month stay.

August and September in Colorado

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