Natural History Wanderings

Rio Grande National Forest reports on 10/10/17

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:
Conejos Peak District – 100%         2017 photos       2016 photos
Alamosa Canyon – 100%
Conejos Canyon – 100%
Cumbres Pass – 100%
Divide District – 100%                    2017 photos       2016 photos
Creede to Spring Creek Pass – leaves are beginning to fall
Wolf Creek Pass – 100%
Saguache District – 100%               2017 photos       2016 photos
Cochetopa Pass – 100%
Poncha Pass – 100%
Sangre de Cristos – 100%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas: Higher elevations – most of the leaves are off the trees. Lower elevations cottonwood trees still have some leaves

Estimated Peak Viewing Period: The third week of September is usually the best time for the higher elevations, above Creede and up river, and the fourth week for the rest of the forest.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips: Best views are Pool Table Road 600,  FS Road 523 to Love Lake,  FS Road 520 to Lost Trail, Hwy 149…scenic byway, Hwy 17 Cumbres and La Manga Passes, FSR 250 and Cochetopa Pass

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color: Cottonwood and bushes.