Snowy Peaks and Fall Colors, plan a trip now to Pagosa Country

The Eastern Divide received a nice coat of snow in the last few days. With the colors are just beginning to change it is a wonderful time to be in the San Juan.

Tom Mozer traveled up Wolf Creek Pass to get up close and personal with the storm.

The Journal will post the latest information on the color season from the U.S. Forest Service.

Primetime Color Prediction

It looks as if the best of the fall colors will be starting this weekend. The grasses and lower brush are turning quickly and yellows reach farther down the slopes every day. The addition of snow on the divide makes Pagosa a great place to be for the next few weeks.

The San Juan, on the east side of town, is beautiful now.

See the photo above in expanded format here.

The fall colors are beginning in Pagosa Country. The highest slopes of aspen are turning more each day as are the cottonwood along rivers and streams. The best colors are found at highest elevations, a 4-wheel drive tour is a good idea. A simple drive over Wolf Creek Pass allowed the panorama photos above. For a more adventuresome drive try the East Fork of the San Juan jeep trail off 160 east of Pagosa. The Park Creek Road a few miles east of the summit is a better condition road ending in the same area on top. These roads will keep you in the colors for many miles. Passing through Summitville allows a long drive to South Fork. Don’t miss going to Summitville ghost town. Soon the colors will be more intense, watch here.

WARNING: With the color-change in Colorado comes the big game hunting seasons. All people entering the forest should wear bright orange vests and caps, available in sporting goods shops. In September and early October there are bow and black powder gun seasons with fairly low hunter densities. From the second week of October, a high density of rifle hunters will be in the forest. Be alert!

Town becomes beautiful with natural and other species.

Dawning Autumn by Lynn Moffit

Centennial Park Vivid Spectrum

Forest Service Fall Color News

Date: 9/11/12

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:

Durango – 5%
Silverton – 25% aspens
Pagosa – 5%
Dolores/Rico – 5% oakbrush
Mancos – 10%

Plan your color trip now in the next three weeks. Below is a sample of our views from Nation Forest Access Roads.

As you drive on Buckles Road, stop for a panorama view into Spring Creek Valley and the many peaks to the east and south.

The trailhead was busy Sunday with many photographers and a few early hunters beginning to pack in camps.

One of a billion views from the road.

To get this classic shot of Square Top Mountain you have to stand in a foot of soggy marsh. I almost lost a boot!

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas:

The Alpine Loop between Silverton and Lake City currently has the most color.
Silverton area and above. 9500 to 12,000 feet
Oakbrush in the river valleys is beginning to change.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period:

Highest country, this weekend will be good but may peak next week sometime.
Other passes/ high elevation aspen groves, currently have some good pockets of color.
Viewing Suggestions / Tips:

Plan on driving a bit to find the best spots. Four wheel drive is handy.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color:

Aspens, grasses and low scrub oak.

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact:

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