Great Parks South to North 2025?

[c.giles]

Hi.
We're planning our bike tour for next early summer of the Great Parks North Rte and South Rte connecting the two routes with the Trans American Rte 4, 5,6/or Lewis & Clark Rte, even considering jumping on the GDMBR here and there is possible. Looking at mid-June for departure. Was considering starting in Jasper, AB and going South to Durango, CO. We live in Arizona. But a friend suggested starting in Durango to Jasper instead to stay with the WSW winds. Wondering if this direction is the best way to ride it. We also realize if we start in Durango we can start riding a little earlier like early June.  We plan to camp mostly, 30 - 50 miles, and considering not camping at elevation.
We appreciate your feedback on riding South to North on this route.

Thanks,
Colleen

[John Nettles]

Hey Colleen,
You might check out WeatherSpark.com.  It has a really good database of climate averages.  Then you can decide what is best for you. 

Couple of thoughts.  While the wind may be overall WSW, the direction in the mountains can be quite localized due to the mountains forcing wind a certain direction so even if you are heading ENE, you could have a headwind.  Certain open areas like Wyoming can have a strong preponderance of wind direction and that wind can be quite strong.  I would not think the wind is that big of a factor overall as you will get wind from all directions regardless of the route's direction though if I had to guess, I would think the N>S would be SLIGHTLY favorable based on experience. 

Another factor is are you an early riser or late riser.  If early, N>S might be slightly better as the sun will be slightly less in your face. 

Also, you don't say if you live at higher elevations currently.  If you do not, you really should add a few days in Durango to acclimate (1 day per 1000 feet difference from the home elevation is recommended).  If you go N>S, the wait can greatly be eliminated.  However, if you go S>N, the temperature will be much more consistent than N>S. 

Finally, be sure to check on the status of Jasper as it endured a major fire last summer.  Certain services may not be available. 

Hope you have a wonderful tour!  Tailwinds, John

[jamawani]

I had to dig through some pretty deep, hard-packed snow in the Colorado Passes around June 21st.
Then, four years later there wasn't much at - again in mid to late June.
Snow depth and snow melt vary considerably from year to year.
Plus, with climate change average melt dates have moved forward a few days.
But early June is likely to put you in snow - even getting snowed on in a late spring storm.

[c.giles]

Hi.

Thank you for the replies and the information you both gave. I live at about 2300 ft, but would still need to acclimate to Durango elevation, which I didn't think of before. Leaving early June I see can still be a problem weather wise. I'll check out weatherspark. I am aware of the fire Jasper had this past Summer. I've been looking over the Canadian website for their National Forests. Jasper National Forest CG are supposed to open for Summer 2025, but still, services in the town itself might be limited. I'll look further into that as well.

Good points made all in all on which direction to ride.

Thanks again,
Colleen