Planning a two week +/- trip to out west in the spring, looking for info on:
-best dates for the area, not too cold, not too hot, snow is melted/roads should be open
-info on the planned climbs, any to avoid, any better options.
-how to deal with goat heads - which tires to use.

Coming from sea level, so starting from the lowest elevations and working my way up, with some stops at higher elevations along the way to help acclimatize - like overnight in Flagstaff for example.

Thinking late May?

First pass at a plan - would either do Moab or Pikes Peak, not both. Days in bold are optional, would be used to help acclimatize, rest legs...MD to Tucson AZ – 3 day drive, 2400 miles

Flat Ride in Tucson – 1 day

Mt Lemmon – 1 day

Tuson to Independence CA – 1 day drive

Semi flat ride around death Valley – 1 day

Climb Horseshow Meadows – 1 day

Climb Onion Valley – 1 day

Moab option
Independence CA to Moab – 1 day drive
Climb La Sal Loop – 1 day

Pikes Peak option
Independence CA to Colorado Springs – 1 day drive
Climb Pikes Peak – 1 day

Moab to MD – 3 day drive

Colorado Springs to MD – 2 day drive.