Natural History Wanderings

Date: 9/21/12

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango – 15% (70% oakbrush)
Purgatory – 35%
Molas / Coal Bank Pass – 90%
Silverton – 100% aspens

Red Mountain Pass – 90%
Dallas Divide / Telluride – 50%

Pagosa / Wolf Creek Pass – 20%

Dolores/Rico – 25% (70% oakbrush)
Mancos – 15%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:

Silverton should be the best place to see color this week, and it is changing fast.
Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass are lagging behind a bit, but getting good this week.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:

Highest country, this weekend will be good but may peak this week sometime.
Other passes/ high elevation aspen groves, currently have some good color.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:

Plan on driving a bit to find the best spots, but Silverton is the highest percentage location reported.

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