Natural History Wanderings

San Juan National Forest has a new fall color report for 10/3/14

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:
Durango/Purgatory – 50% aspens, 70% on Missionary
Molas Pass – 90% to Coal Bank
Silverton/Red Mountain Pass – 90% on Red Mtn, Silverton past
Pagosa –10% aspens high, 30% cottonwoods along river 
Dolores/Rico – 40%, 75% Rico and Lizard Head
Mancos – 30%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:
Rico to Lizard Head to Telluride.  Red Mountan Pass.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:
High country this week should be getting good.  9-11,000 feet

The slightly lower areas below 9,000 ft should be another week next week.  Pagosa, Dolores, Mancos still to change.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips:
Aspen changes are spotty but very good where they’ve turned.
Not much cottonwood or oakbrush yet.  Give Purgatory, Pagosa, Mancos another week.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:
Aspens, some areas of oakbrush.

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