Colorado Trail & Oregon Timber Trail Route Order

[marsden.d.paul]

Hi,
I am planning a trip over to the USA from NZ next July - September. I am aiming to ride both the Colorado trail and Oregon trail with some time seeing friends in between. I'm currently weighing up which order to do the trails in. Does anyone have any advice on which may be better? I'm figuring there should be more water available in July on the OTT but trail conditions with tree fall could be worse. Is the weather typically more stable in Colorado towards September? I am aware for the CTR start late July and expect i would miss that whichever order i complete the rides.

Thanks,

Paul

[THE LONG RANGER]

Too early in July for the CT, and you'll have a chance hitting impassable some snow high up. I think mid to late August would be a pretty good time to be on the CT (missing the monsoon weather as much as possible). Late September can start to get a bit chilly up high.

[sashax]

I did the OTT last year in early July and it was pretty excellent conditions. Things degenerated later in the summer cause of fires.

[THE LONG RANGER]

Last year with also very atypical, with a devastatingly low snowpack, and probably the worst fire season on record.

Observe:

[marsden.d.paul]

Thank you both. I think you are confirming what I was thinking which is to ride the OTT starting early July and start CT around 20th August. Looks like the snow pack this year is on track to be at least above average.

[marsden.d.paul]

To tag on another question. I'm likely to have a little free time during the trip. Are there any shorter (day to 3 day) rides around those areas that would be a shame to miss out on?

[AZTtripper]

Are you starting the CT from Denver or Durango?
If your going to Durango, then the North Rim of the Grand Canyon isn't too far out of the way. The Kiabab Monster Cross http://www.bikepacking.net/routes/kaibab-monstercross/ The Rainbow Rim riding right next to the canyon, even if you drive out there, it's awesome. You can add gravel out to view points in the park, and finishing the AZT, night riding advised for the climb back up, can also be added. It will be monsoon season so expect an hour or so of heavy rain mid day, there's lightning as well but it's not Colorado, your never that exposed.

Tim

[marsden.d.paul]

Hey Tim,
I'd be intending to ride from Denver to Durango. That looks like an interesting route if i get chance to tack it on. Looks very different to everything else on I'm planning on. Thank you