SJNF Fall Colors Report

Estimated Peak Viewing Period

Peak foliage dates are generally pretty consistent, rarely wobbling by more than a few days. Over the past several years, the colors in the San Juan Mountains tend to start mid-September near Silverton and finish up early to mid-October around Pagosa Springs, Purgatory and Dolores.

"Generally, fall colors begin with golden yellow quaking aspen at the highest elevations and narrow leaf cottonwoods in low-lying cold areas as early as late August. But aspens, which put on fall’s brightest show and account for 20% of Colorado’s forests, usually peak near the end of September to early October, which is typically a few weeks later than trees in most of the rest of the state." - SJNF Forester, Matt Tuten

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is a great tool for estimating when fall colors will peak nation-wide.

Estimate of Current Fall Foliage

Updated: October 7, 2025

San Juan Skyway

Durango to Purgatory: Near Peak
Purgatory to Coal Bank: Peak
Coal Bank to Molas Pass: Peak
Molas Pass to Silverton: Post Peak
Silverton area: Post Peak
Silverton to Red Mtn Pass: Peak
Red Mtn Pass to Ouray: Peak
Ouray to Telluride (Dallas Divide): Peak
Lizard Head Pass to Telluride: Peak
Rico to Lizard Head Pass: Peak
Dolores to Rico: Peak
Mancos Area: Peak

Other areas

Pagosa Springs: Near Peak to Peak at higher elevations
Missionary Ridge: Peak
La Plata Canyon: Near Peak to Peak at high elevations

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas

With the forecasted storm approaching this weekend, make sure you find time this week to get out and see the peaking fall colors throughout the San Juans. The colors are golden and vibrant in most areas of the San Juans with some Silverton area post peak (since it's always the first to peak). Enjoy!