When to ride where

Planning dual-sport motorcycle rides across multiple states requires balancing weather conditions to avoid snow, cold temperatures, and other seasonal challenges. Below are recommendations for the best months to ride in each state—California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana—while avoiding snowfall, unmelted snowbanks in high mountain passes, and temperatures below 45°F, or excessive heat. These suggestions focus on optimal riding conditions, considering elevation, regional climate variations, and typical weather patterns.

California

Recommended Months: April, May, September, October

Details:

• • April: Coastal areas and foothills warm to 50s-70s°F, with minimal rain. Lower Sierra passes (e.g., Sonora Pass) start clearing, though high passes like Tioga may still have snow early in the month. Deserts (e.g., Mojave) are pleasant before summer heat.

  • May: Most Sierra passes open by mid-to-late month, with 60s-80s°F statewide. Snowmelt completes in mid-elevations, and deserts remain rideable (70s-80s°F).

  • September: Post-summer heat fades (60s-80s°F), and high passes stay clear. Coastal fog lessens, and wildfire smoke risk drops late in the month.

  • October: Cooler but still snow-free (50s-70s°F), ideal for mountains and deserts. High passes close late in the month if early snow hits. (Southern California lower elevations may also be suitable during winter months, but be aware of potential winter storms.)

Avoid: December-March (snow in mountains), July-August (desert heat 90s-100s°F).

Recommended Best Month: May

Summary: California’s diverse terrain includes coastal areas, deserts, and high Sierra Nevada passes. May offers mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) across most regions, with snowmelt largely complete in lower mountain passes like those in the Sierra foothills. High passes (e.g., Tioga Pass) may still have lingering snow early in the month, but by late May, they’re typically clear. Avoid winter months (December-March) due to heavy snow in the mountains and summer (July-August) for extreme desert heat.

Oregon

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: Cascades (e.g., McKenzie Pass) clear of snow by mid-month, with 50s-70s°F. Coastal areas dry out (50s-60s°F), and eastern high desert warms to 70s°F.

  • July: Peak riding season—60s-80s°F statewide. High passes fully open, though wildfire smoke can start late in the month.

  • August: Warmest month (70s-90s°F), with clear passes. Smoke from wildfires can be a concern, especially in eastern Oregon, but trails remain snow-free.

Avoid: November-April (snow in Cascades), May (lingering snow, wet trails).

Recommended Best Month: June

Summary: Oregon’s Cascade Range often holds snow in high passes (e.g., Santiam Pass) until late spring. June brings warmer temperatures (50s-70s°F) and clears most mountain routes, while avoiding the heavy rains of early spring and the wildfire smoke common in late summer (August). Coastal areas remain cool but rideable, and eastern Oregon’s high desert dries out.

Washington

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: North Cascades (e.g., Hwy 20) start opening, with 50s-70s°F. Coastal areas stay cool (50s-60s°F), and eastern plains warm up (70s°F).

  • July: High passes fully clear, with 60s-80s°F. Best month for snow-free riding, though early wildfire smoke can appear.

  • August: Warmest and driest (70s-90s°F), with all routes open. Smoke risk increases, especially east of the Cascades.

Avoid: October-May (snow in mountains, cold fronts below 45°F).

Recommended Best Month: July

Summary: Washington’s North Cascades and Olympic Peninsula see significant snow in high passes (e.g., Washington Pass) through June. July ensures snow-free routes with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F, ideal for riding. Earlier months risk cold and snow, while late summer can bring wildfire smoke. Coastal areas stay mild, and the eastern plains warm up nicely.

Idaho

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: High passes (e.g., Lolo Pass) clear by mid-month, with 50s-70s°F. Central mountains and panhandle dry out, though mornings can dip near 45°F.

  • July: Ideal conditions—60s-80s°F, snow-free trails. Southern plains and northern mountains both peak for riding.

  • August: Warmest month (70s-90s°F), with clear passes. Wildfire smoke can affect air quality late in the month. (September and early October can provide beautiful with fall colors, but be watchful for early snow, especially at higher elevations.)

Avoid: October-May (snow, sub-45°F nights in mountains).

Recommended Best Month: July

Summary: Idaho’s rugged terrain, including the Sawtooths and Bitterroots, retains snow in high passes (e.g., Lolo Pass) into June. July offers clear trails and temperatures in the 60s-80s°F, avoiding both snowbanks and sub-45°F mornings common in spring and fall. August works too, but wildfire risk increases.

Nevada

Recommended Months: April, May, September, October

Details:

• • April: High desert warms to 50s-70s°F, with rare snow above 7,000 feet melting out. Mountain ranges (e.g., Ruby Mountains) become accessible.

  • May: Consistent 60s-80s°F, snow-free statewide. Pre-summer heat makes this a sweet spot.

  • September: Post-summer cooling (60s-80s°F), with clear trails. High elevations stay rideable before fall cold.

  • October: Cooler but dry (50s-70s°F), ideal for desert and mid-elevation rides. Early snow is rare.

Avoid: June-August (90s-110°F in deserts), December-February (sub-45°F nights).

Recommended Best Month: April

Summary: Nevada’s mostly desert climate warms early, with April bringing 50s-70s°F across the state, including higher elevations like the Toiyabe Range. Snow is rare except in the highest peaks, which melt out by spring. Avoid summer (June-August) due to 90s-100s°F heat, and winter for occasional cold snaps below 45°F.

Arizona

Recommended Months: March, April, October, November

Details:

• • March: Northern high country (e.g., Flagstaff) thaws (50s-60s°F), while deserts stay mild (70s°F). Passes clear of snow by late month.

  • April: Statewide sweet spot—60s-80s°F. High elevations dry out, and deserts aren’t yet scorching.

  • October: Post-monsoon clarity, with 60s-80s°F. Snow-free mountains and cooler deserts.

  • November: Late-season riding (50s-70s°F), though northern areas may see early snow by month’s end.

Avoid: June-August (100s°F in deserts), December-February (snow in north).

Recommended Best Month: October

Summary: Arizona’s low deserts get brutally hot (100s°F) in summer, while northern high country (e.g., Mogollon Rim) can see snow in winter. October offers 60s-80s°F statewide, with snow-free mountain passes and cooler desert riding. Spring (March-April) is also viable but can be windier and less predictable.

New Mexico

Recommended Months: May, September, October

Details:

• • May: High deserts and mountains (e.g., Sandia Crest) warm to 60s-80s°F, with snowmelt complete by mid-month. Pre-monsoon dry conditions.

  • September: Post-monsoon clarity (60s-80s°F), with clear passes. Mountains stay snow-free, and deserts cool slightly.

  • October: Crisp but rideable (50s-70s°F), with minimal snow risk until late month in high elevations.

Avoid: July-August (monsoon mud), November-March (snow above 7,000 feet).

Recommended Best Month: September

Summary: New Mexico’s high deserts and mountains (e.g., Sangre de Cristos) avoid snow by September, with temperatures in the 60s-80s°F. Summer monsoons (July-August) bring rain and mud, while winter risks snow above 7,000 feet. September strikes a balance, with clear passes and pleasant days.

Utah

Recommended Months: May, June, September

Details:

• • May: Wasatch Range and high plateaus (e.g., Boulder Mountain) clear by late month, with 50s-70s°F. Deserts warm (70s-80s°F) but aren’t brutal yet.

  • June: Peak season—60s-80s°F, snow-free passes. Ideal for both mountains and canyons.

  • September: Cooling trend (60s-80s°F), with clear trails. Post-summer heat fades, and early snow holds off.

Avoid: July-August (90s-100s°F in deserts), November-April (snow in mountains).

Recommended Best Month: June

Summary: Utah’s varied landscape—deserts, canyons, and Wasatch Range—sees snow in high passes (e.g., Guardsman Pass) into May. June clears most routes, with 60s-80s°F temperatures ideal for riding. Avoid summer heat (July-August) in lowlands and late fall/winter snow in the mountains.

Colorado

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: High passes (e.g., Imogene Pass) start opening, with 50s-70s°F. Snow lingers early but clears by mid-month.

  • July: Best month—60s-80s°F, all passes open. Afternoon thunderstorms possible but manageable.

  • August: Warm and dry (60s-80s°F), though late-month storms increase. Snow-free until September cold fronts.

Avoid: October-May (heavy snow, sub-45°F).

Recommended Best Month: July

Summary: Colorado’s Rockies hold snow in passes like Independence Pass until June. July ensures melted snowbanks and 60s-80s°F weather, perfect for dual-sport routes. August works too, but afternoon thunderstorms increase. Earlier months are too cold and snowy, and fall brings early freezes.

Wyoming

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: Bighorn and Wind River ranges clear by mid-month, with 50s-70s°F. High plains dry out, though mornings can be chilly.

  • July: Optimal—60s-80s°F, snow-free passes. Wide-open riding season.

  • August: Warmest (70s-90s°F), with clear trails. Wildfire smoke and early cold fronts possible late in the month.

Avoid: September-May (snow, sub-45°F nights).

Recommended Best Month: July

Summary: Wyoming’s high plains and mountains (e.g., Bighorn Range) retain snow into June. July offers snow-free passes and 60s-80s°F temperatures, avoiding sub-45°F nights common in spring and fall. August is viable but riskier for wildfires and early cold fronts.

Montana

Recommended Months: June, July, August

Details:

• • June: High passes (e.g., Beartooth Pass) open by mid-month, with 50s-70s°F. Snowmelt finishes, and trails dry out.

  • July: Prime riding—60s-80s°F, all routes clear. Best balance of warmth and accessibility.

  • August: Warmest (70s-90s°F), with snow-free mountains. Late-month wildfire smoke or early cold snaps possible.

Avoid: October-May (snow, sub-45°F).

Recommended Best Month: July

Summary: Montana’s Continental Divide and Glacier National Park area hold snow in passes (e.g., Logan Pass) through June. July clears most routes, with 60s-80s°F days ideal for riding. Earlier months risk cold and snow, while September can see early freezes in higher elevations.

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Summary of Multiple Months

• April: Nevada, California, Arizona

• May: California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona

• June: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana

• July: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana

• August: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana

• September: California, New Mexico, Utah

• October: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico

• November: Arizona

Summary of Best Month Recommendations

• April: Nevada

• May: California

• June: Oregon, Utah

• July: Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana

• September: New Mexico

• October: Arizona

Important Considerations

• Year-to-Year Variation: Snowfall and melt can vary significantly from year to year. Always check local conditions and weather forecasts before your trip. Websites for local authorities, national forests, and Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs) can provide valuable updates.

• Elevation: Be aware that even within the recommended months, higher elevations will always be cooler and have a greater risk of unexpected snow.

• Mountain Passes: Specific high mountain passes may open later or close earlier than the general riding season for a state. Research the passes you plan to traverse (e.g., via state DOT websites).

• Weather Forecasts: Check detailed weather forecasts for your specific route and dates of travel, paying attention to temperature predictions, precipitation chances, and any potential for early or late season snow.

• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your travel plans if weather conditions are unfavorable. Having alternative routes or destinations in mind can be helpful.

By considering these month recommendations and always checking local conditions, you should be able to plan fantastic dual-sport motorcycle rides across these beautiful states while minimizing the risks of encountering snow, cold temperatures, or excessive heat. Enjoy your adventures!

Note: These are just my opinions based on many years of riding in these areas -- you may have developed a different opinion based on anomalies :-)