How late is too late for Crested Butte?

[doebedoe]

Looking for some local knowledge -- How late is too late to enjoy some fall foliage on CB's classic rides -- 401, Dr. Park, Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadmean?

2nd / 3rd week of October still typically good conditions?

Damn summer has passed by too fast.

[Name Redacted]

Rode there into November last year. Just depends on the first snow. Indian summer, or the opposite. Mid-late Oct should be good, if not Hartman in Gunny is almost always dry and really fun as a backup.

[adrenalated]

Fall colors will be past prime by early Oct, but you can probably still ride, if it doesn't snow.

We were there Sept 24-25 last year and it was maybe a week past prime colors, and it snowed a few inches and shut down the riding. But a few days later it melted out and people were riding again.

[Danno]

Fall colors can vary, I was there on Oct 1st a few years ago and it was PEAK, but as adrenalated just posted, last year that would have been a little late. Either way, there will be no leaves by the 2nd/3rd week, so if turning leaves is the goal, move up the date. But if riding is the goal, it might work.

[doebedoe]

Good beta -- thanks folks. Will squeeze it into September...somehow.

[evdog]

Here was 2nd week October last year including a few days in CB. https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...ighlight=butte

You might luck out with great conditions or things might close down for days following storms. There should still be some color but it will probably be past the peak. On my first CB trip I was there 3rd week September and there were still plenty of aspen that were still green.

[smmokan]

In the fall, skip RFBD and do Teocalli and Strand Hill instead. The aspens are off the hook there, and it's a better overall ride anyways.

Also do Lupine and Gunsight right from town- I can't imagine the aspen riding being better (anywhere in the country, maybe?) than that combo of trails. They're pretty mellow, but holy shit it's beautiful and loads of fun.

[doebedoe]

Great beta -- thanks smmokan.

[rippling over canyons]

Dyke trail has lots of Aspens too. However, also loads of horse crap, so I avoid it.

[BFD]

good info I am hoping to get down there Oct 1. I do not own a bicycle. I really know nothing about them. I would like to ride trails like the ones mentioned in this thread. Anyone want to recommend a bike or a shop in the SW CO area. I am willing to spend up to $3000. I am 5'5" tall so probably 15 to 17 inch frame. I would buy a used bike if anyone knows of anything could come up with finders fee. I would like to show up buy a bike and get riding. Not looking forward to shopping. Have looked at pink bike and craigslist and to be honest it is overwhelming knowing nothing about bikes. Does this make sense is important to try a bunch of bikes to make sure the geometry works for me? thanks just thought I would put this out there.

[muted]

good info I am hoping to get down there Oct 1. I do not own a bicycle. I really know nothing about them. I would like to ride trails like the ones mentioned in this thread. Anyone want to recommend a bike or a shop in the SW CO area. I am willing to spend up to $3000. I am 5'5" tall so probably 15 to 17 inch frame. I would buy a used bike if anyone knows of anything could come up with finders fee. I would like to show up buy a bike and get riding. Not looking forward to shopping. Have looked at pink bike and craigslist and to be honest it is overwhelming knowing nothing about bikes. Does this make sense is important to try a bunch of bikes to make sure the geometry works for me? thanks just thought I would put this out there.

What alias did you mean to post this under?

[BFD]

not afraid to put it out there. dreading the idea of driving all over the place to find a bike

[Danno]

BFD, you should start your own thread, you'll get more feedback.

I'm no help because my bike is 9 years old, I have a kid so replacement will happen when it breaks, and I'll probably be asking the same questions as you.

[RootSkier]

If you have $3k to drop don't buy used. Look at this years models with like 140mm-ish of front travel. You aren't going to go too wrong with any brand at that price point. If you don't have any experience on modern bikes I am not convinced that demoing would help.

[Name Redacted]

good info I am hoping to get down there Oct 1. I do not own a bicycle. I really know nothing about them. I would like to ride trails like the ones mentioned in this thread. Anyone want to recommend a bike or a shop in the SW CO area. I am willing to spend up to $3000. I am 5'5" tall so probably 15 to 17 inch frame. I would buy a used bike if anyone knows of anything could come up with finders fee. I would like to show up buy a bike and get riding. Not looking forward to shopping. Have looked at pink bike and craigslist and to be honest it is overwhelming knowing nothing about bikes. Does this make sense is important to try a bunch of bikes to make sure the geometry works for me? thanks just thought I would put this out there.

Don't know exactly where you are but Absolute Bikes in Salida can help you out. Great service and selection at a local core shop. If you don't know what you are doing, better to buy new and get some help.

For $3k you can get a pretty awesome bike. Especially this time of year.

[muted]

not afraid to put it out there. dreading the idea of driving all over the place to find a bike

Just demo a bike for a week, if you hate it trade it in the next day for a different one until you find a good one. The money you spent demo-ing goes to the purchase price of the bike, so buy the one you like. Bring pedals you like so you don't have to deal with rental pedals. I think that's the easiest way to do it.

[BFD]

thanks for the info. Outing myself was not so bad. I think I will go with Muted's advice. Gets me riding upon arrival and an opportunity to check out different bikes. Have friend in Gunnison so will do it there. May have to use the rental pedals.