San Juan National Forest officials estimate that the peak times for viewing fall colors likely will wrap up this week.
In the forest near Mancos and the La Plata Mountains, about 75 percent of trees were showing color as of Wednesday, Sept. 28. From Dolores to Lizard Head Pass, 75 percent of aspens were starting to show their golden leaves, according to the forest’s website.
The forest recommended driving the San Juan Skyway from Dolores north to Telluride, Ridgeway, Ouray and Silverton.
The forest’s fall color report, updated weekly, is available at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/fall. More updates are available via the San Juan National Forest Twitter account, @SanJuanNF.
Oakbrush changes colors first, followed by aspens and cottonwoods.
The area from Durango to Purgatory is at about 30 percent, and Molas pass is at 55 percent. Near Pagosa Springs, 40 percent has changed, mostly in the higher elevations.
Near Silverton and Red Mountain Pass and on the San Juan Skyway near Ouray, 75 percent of changed leaves were showing.
For more information, call the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874 or the forest district office in Dolores at 970-882-7296.