Hi all! I'm brand new to this site--just found it this morning.

I am planning a road trip with my 73-year-old mother and 19-year-old daughter and want to ensure, not only beautiful scenery, but mostly road safety.

Being from Florida, I just don't have any skills driving in snow or on ice as well as being unfamiliar with mountain driving. I have done it several times on different road trips but would by no means consider myself an expert.

My questions are these:

1. Going up into Colorado from Central Arizona (through Ouray up the 550) with elevations of approximately 14K feet over the Thanksgiving weekend into early December, can I expect road closures, snow/ice, or any other hazards for a full-size passenger car containing 3 people and luggage?

2. Ditto on canyon-country Utah? Specifically, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Bryce Canyon NP, Zion NP, and back around to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. What kind of weather and road conditions can I expect?

ANY advice would be fantastic as I am the only driver and safety for my family is of the utmost importance. Thanks for any help you can provide!!

~Donna