Colorado Weather Extremes

Colorado weather can change dramatically in a very short period of time or distance in the mountains so its a good thing to be prepared for anything.

In my truck I always carry a shovel, tire chains, tow strap, tools , and clothing from shorts, rain gear, sweaters,gloves,and hats. Since I have seen it snow and hail up to several inches in the middle of summer I don't take anything for granted.

In the spring during turkey season I try to get up to the snow line as it melts and always come across vehicles left stranded from the fall hunting seasons because people did not anticipate the weather correctly.

Colorado weather for Grand Junction at 4600 ft. is a semi-arid type climate with summer temperatures ranging from day highs of mid to upper 90's while nights get down into the high 60's. Rain is very rare during most of the summer till late August, early September when the monsoon season can bring rain and thunderstorms to the area.

Colorado weather for mountain towns like Silverton or Telluride have summer temperatures of 50's to 80's during the day and 20's to 40's at night so you can really see the difference that altitude can make from 4600 ft. to 9000 ft.. In the mountains you can expect a little rain almost daily so carry a light rain suit.

The difference in annual precipitation is also very dramatic with about 9" of rain in Grand Junction to over 40" in the higher elevations. Take this into consideration when you go four wheeling or hiking to 11,000 or 13,000 ft.. Expect temperature changes of about 3.5 degrees F for every 1000 ft. of elevation and as it starts to get late you will feel it cool significantly.

Above 9000 ft. you can expect frost in the mornings at anytime of the year. Every year when I go hunting in September it has snowed already or will probably snow while I am there.

One thing for sure is that it all adds up to making a person feel more alive and enjoy being in the Colorado outdoors. The difference between having a good time and a miserable time is your preparation.

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