Natural History Wanderings

Rio Grande National Forest reports

Fall Color Updates & Photo Albums – Falls colors in the higher elevations will begin to show their beauty around the third weekend of September.

Conejos Peak District      2015 Photos  2016 photos   October 3 – Color change is past it’s peak, still lots of color along the rivers and streams

Divide District                  2014 photos   2015 photos  2016 photos    October 3 – Color change is past it’s peak, but still quite colorful.

Saguache District             2014 photos  2015 photos  2016 photos    October 3 – Color change is past it’s peak, lower elevation still has a lot of color.

Region 2 fall color information

There are a lot of beautiful autumn drives in the upper Rio Grande; here are just a few:

  The Silver Thread Scenic Byway. The diversity of shrubs in the canyon between South Fork and Creede turn a rainbow of colors. The aspen and cottonwood in the canyon tend to turn a little later than the aspen between Creede and Lake City.

 Middle Creek Road and Love Lake. Middle Creek Road takes off from Highway 149 just before Marshal Park Campground and is accessible to sedans up to Love Lake. A high clearance vehicle is needed to drive past Love Lake. Peak fall colors at Love Lake are so bright they hurt your eyes. Excellent reflection shots to be had on calm days.

National Forest Service Road 250. This trip can be turned into a loop by coming back on pavement. NFSR 250 runs through both Alamosa and Conejos Canyons with Stunner Pass between them. Colorful aspen, willows, cottonwoods and a variety of dry hillside shrubs in the lower section of Alamosa Canyon. Moderate clearance vehicle, such as a crossover, is recommended for this route.

County Road 41G. This trip can also be turned into a loop. CR 41G follows Carnero and Houselog Creeks and tops out at Carnero Pass. Aspen, willows and low elevation shrubs provide many photo opportunities. This beautiful drive connects with Highway 114, which is also a gem. Okay for sedans if you’re careful.

These are just a few of the many spectacular autumn drives in our area, there are many more including the always majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains.