Natural History Wanderings

Here is the updated fall color report from the San Juan National Forest as of 9/20/11

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

• Durango – 5%
• Silverton – 25% aspens
• Pagosa – 5%
• Dolores/Rico – 5%
• Mancos – 45% oakbrush

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas: 

• Silverton area and above.  10,000 to 12,000 feet a
• Transfer area north of Mancos and oak between Dolores and Durango.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:

• Highest country, this weekend (Sept 24-25), may be at 50% by this weekend.
• Other passes/ high elevation aspen groves are just starting and may be a bit longer.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:

• Colors getting going in Silverton and at treeline in the La platas but not much elsewhere.
• The oak seems to have started earlier and is making for some good viewing in the Animas, La Plata and Dolores valleys.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color: Aspens, grasses and low scrub oak.

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact: San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango  (970) 247-4874