JustPanda said:

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You're right in the middle of leaf peeping season so it'll be gorgeous but hotels may be very pricey.

Also, that's usually around the time we get our first snowfall so come prepared if you decide to visit.

Also, chain restrictions will be in effect so make sure you rent a 4WD car or have snow tires or snow socks. You don't want to get stopped and hit with an $800+ fine.

Here are the specifics for the traction laws:

Per the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), an active traction law requires all motorists to have one of the following: 4WD or AWD vehicle and 3/16" tread depth. Tires with a mud and snow designation (M+S icon) and 3/16" tread depth. Winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon) and 3/16" tread depth

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JustPanda,

Trying to get some clarification on the traction laws. My front-drive minivan will be carrying us to Estes Park and RMNP in mid-October. We have new all season tires with the M+S rating, so we pass the Passenger Vehicle Traction Laws, but I'm wondering what the chances are that the more stringent Passenger Vehicle Chain Laws will be declared active during that time requiring us to have chains/socks for the front wheels?

I already called the Info Center at RMNP and asked if I'd need chains/socks in my possession to enter the park and the guy laughed at me and said no, not in October.

Just wondering if I need to purchase some or not?

Thanks for your help.

You meet the requirements. I wouldn't spend much more time on it. We may get some snow but nothing that will need traction IMO. If it does snow/ice up one morning just wait a couple hours and it'll be melted. Usually CDOT plows both lanes 7am - 10pm and one lane 10pm - 7am.

Thanks for checking into that

Leaves should be perfect here in a couple weeks. We're in the 30s now at night and had a little rain/snow the last week. It's shaping up around here to be a really pretty fall. SW Colorado may not get the same color change since they're still in a drought, but it's gonna be stunning around the 6 and 82 corridors.

JustPanda said:

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Leaves should be perfect here in a couple weeks. We're in the 30s now at night and had a little rain/snow the last week. It's shaping up around here to be a really pretty fall. SW Colorado may not get the same color change since they're still in a drought, but it's gonna be stunning around the 6 and 82 corridors.

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What about Pagosa/Wolf Creek area? Are they in a drought there? We will be there from Oct 8-14.

It should be beautiful. We're probs 2-3 weeks out from peak. Maybe a little more. Depends on the weather and altitude. Higher elevations go earlier than lower.

Wolf Creek is a great vibe.

Ended up choosing Vail, and the trees are already striking (as usual, pictures don't do it justice)! Headed up the mountain tomorrow.

Go up gondola 19 and hike up Ridge Rider. It's got the most expansive and best views of the color change outside of Piney Lake or Booth Heights. You'll be looking over the back of Vail towards the Sawatch vs. The Gore.

You were right next to my office when you' were eating at Tavern on the Square.

If you need any dinner recs, Ti Amo in eagle vail is amazing. El Sabor has great everything that isn't Mexican food (except the queso con chorizo it's A+++) Probs the best chicken sando and burger in vail (maybe bully ranch for burgers but it's close). Little Diner for Breakfast.

Also the Minturn Saloon just reopened if that's up your alley.