Natural History Wanderings

White River National Forest Reports
October 10, 2011: Colors have changed quickly. Several districts are past peak color now.

 District Updates

• Aspen/Sopris Ranger District: Fall colors are just beyond peak in Aspen as of October 6, 2011.
• Blanco Ranger District/Meeker and Flat Tops NW: 10/11/2011, Peak color has passed. Some trees never changed, and are dropping green leaves. Scrub oak is still very pretty in lower elevations.
• Dillon Ranger District: 9/26/2011, Dillon colors are peaking this week.
  
• Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District: 10/11/11: There is still some decent color left, but trees have begun to lose their leaves.
  
• Rifle Ranger District: 10/11/2011. Peak color has passed. Scrub oak is still very pretty in lower elevations.

see reports and slideshows at:White River Fall Colors

San Juan National Forest  FALL COLOR REPORT Date 10/11/11

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

• Durango/Missionary Ridge/Purgatory – 85%
• Molas Pass – a bit past peak
• Silverton – a bit past peak Lake City – a bit past peak
• Ouray/Red Mtn – 90%
• Pagosa/east – 90% aspen
• Pagosa /west – 60% aspen
• Dolores/Rico – 75% aspen, 90% oak, 90% cottonwoods
•  Mancos – 70% aspens

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas: Dolores to Lizard Head Pass. Mancos Plateau above the Jersey Jim Lookout. Pagosa Blanco and East Fork. Cottonwoods in the river valleys are good.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period: The Dolores to Lizard Head will be peak this week. Purgatory should be getting to peak as well. Pagosa East and north east.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips: Sunny week may be the last one for great color.

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

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