Natural History Wanderings

San Juan National Forest just published yet another new fall color report.

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango – 25% (90% oakbrush)
Purgatory – 95%
Molas – aspens – past peak
Silverton –  aspens – past peak

Red Mountain Pass – 90%
Dallas Divide / Telluride – 70%

Pagosa / Wolf Creek Pass – 70% East Fork

Rico – 90%
Dolores – 25% (80% oakbrush)
Mancos – 25% (80% oakbrush)

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:
Purgatory should be peaking saturday or sunday.
Rico to Dolores is good this weekend.
East Fork of the San Juan North of Pagosa Springs.
A little lower to see color this week, and it is changing fast.  Middle Mountain and Missionary Ridge aspens and oak going fast.
The passes are good early in the week (Lizard Head, Red Mountain Molas, Wolf Creek). Then downhill as the week moves on.
Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
Down from the passes this week will be good but will peak sometime soon.
Other passes/ high elevation aspen groves, currently have some good color but are passed prime.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:
Plan on driving a bit to find the best spots.  Around 9000-10,000 feet in elevation.
Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:
Aspens, grasses and low scrub oak.
Oak turned early and fast this year.  It is good at the lower elevations where many trees have not started yet.
For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact:
San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

Related articles

• San Juan National Forest Fall Color Update 9/24/12 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• San Juan National Forest Fall Color Update 9/26/12 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• San Juan National Forest Fall Color Update 9/28/12 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)

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• San Juan National Forest Fall Color Update 9/28/12 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)