Natural History Wanderings

San Juan National Forest has a new fall color update 9/30/13

• Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:
• Durango – 15%
• Molas Pass – 25%
• Silverton/Red Mountain Pass – 65% aspens
• Pagosa – 15%
• Dolores/Rico – 10% aspens, 50% Cottonwoods
• Mancos – 5%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:

• The best area right now would be Red Mountain Pass, north side into Ouray, and the alpine loop on the Lake City side. Dallas Divide between Ridgeway and Telluride.
• This weekend (Sept. 28-29) should be good on Hwy 550.
• 10,000 to 12,000 feet should be changing fast, especially north aspects.
• Dolores River valley improving quickly.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:

• High country this week and next weekend
• Other passes/ high elevation aspen groves.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips: 4WD in Silverton and the alpine loop. Lake City to Creede. North side of Red Mountain Pass

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

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

Related articles

• San Juan National Forest Fall Color 9/23/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• San Juan National Forest Fall Foliage 9/10/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)
• San Juan National Forest Fall Color – Updated 9/27/13 (naturalhistorywanderings.com)