Suggestions for Two Week Road Trip in October 2022

Hey guys,

I'm wanting to take a two week road trip in the beginning of October 2022 for my birthday. My husband and I will be leaving from Arkansas and want to head out west. We plan on doing a mix of ground camping and possibly staying in a hotel if the weather is bad. We don't like to stay in one spot too long so I would think two nights tops wherever we stop. Our first thought was to explore northern Colorado and possibly spend a night or two in Moab, UT as we circle around.

Where would you suggest going? Any routes in particular you would take? As far as my truck goes, it is a 2019 OR with the OME suspension kit and 10 ply tires on 17s (4 inch lift all around). We plan on mild to moderate trails while we travel. Thanks in advance!

 

I visited Salida, CO to see friends a few weeks back and it is absolutely amazing. Great town, friendly people, and plenty of wheeling and hiking and biking and water activities. October you should be fine - winter didn't set in until late this year. First snow and winter weather was the last week of December. You should have some mild temps.

I cut over the top of Denver after stopping by B&B RV to look at some overland campers. I 70 to CO 470 to US 285 is a beautiful drive up into the mountains and you'll go through Park County, CO so if the hubby is a South Park fan there's that. From US 285 through Buena Vista hook onto US 50 for a few miles and Salida is right there. You have Monarch pass close by, Mount Ouray, Poncha Pass, and Yale, Princeton, and Antero mountains. I'm going back when it warms up for an extended stay. Expect to mask up in big box businesses in Denver. Out in the country no one was requiring masks and the restaurant workers weren't wearing them.

I don't know what your views are on the current state of things so that may be a good thing or a bad thing. None of my business but I thought I would put that in there as it may be a consideration for you and the family. Post pics and your highlights. I'm stoked for you all.

 

Well, depending on how far West you might be interested in going..... on Highway 40, all across Arizona, there are a ton of National Parks / Monuments worth seeing, not the least of which is the Grand Canyon. And of course Highway 40 parallels Route 66 from Oklahoma all the way west to Barstow, CA. So that might be of some interest to you.

Forgot to add - my avatar pic is taken at an observation point on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, October 5 or 6, 2021.

 

Something you should be mindful about in the west. Higher elevations + October (almost winter) = very cool temps, maybe snow. Even Moab high desert can get very cold. Add wind to that equation and things are less fun. But on the plus-side, the aspens may be changing and the colors will be amazing.

Simulated photo with California aspens at Rock Lake: