Red, gold and yellow are starting their seasonal sweep through the forest, and you can soak in the colorful display from many vantage points.
Only about 5 percent of foliage has turned, so colors are likely to extend through mid-October – plenty of time to enjoy the vivid vistas.
Here are some areas to explore by car and on foot, as suggested by Alan Peterson, director of San Juan Mountains Association visitor’s services, and Cristy Brown, a spokeswoman with Mesa Verde National Park.
Animas ForksThis ghost town northeast of Silverton on County Road 2 near timberline provides a good view from above, Peterson said. It is about 12 miles past Silverton. The sign will be on the left side of the road. Colors change early in Silverton, so if it is possible, this weekend would be a good time to see Animas Forks’ colors. The road to Animas Forks closes in the winter.
Spud LakeThe Spud Lake Trail, also known as Potato Lake Trail, is about two miles round trip, and it takes visitors through aspen stands. The trail gains about 400 feet in elevation.
“It’s a nice one for even kids or any age group,” Peterson said.
To reach the trailhead, take U.S. Highway 550 north for about 28 miles. Turn right on Old Lime Creek Road (Forest Service Road 591) and travel 3.5 miles to the trailhead. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the final 2.5 miles to the trail head.
Forest Service Road 561Past Mancos State Park, this road provides a good view of the west side of the La Plata mountains, and near the end of the October they are generally capped with snow. It also features plenty of gamble oak and aspens.
To reach Forest Service Road 561 from Durango, head west on U.S. Highway 160 to Mancos and turn right at Colorado Highway 184. Within a half mile, turn right at County Road 42. Past Mancos State Park, also known as Jackson Lake, County Road 42 turns into Forest Service Road 561. There are several trailheads in the area.
Park Point at Mesa Verde National ParkPark Point is the highest point along the main road within the park, and it has the most oak brush in Mesa Verde. It is just starting to turn, said Brown. A short trail near Park Point leads to an overlook. Fall colors can be seen on your way into the park from U.S. Highway 160. The Mesa Verde turnoff is about 39 miles west of Durango.
Piedra RoadThe Piedra Road cuts in and out of forested areas and leads to Williams Creek Reservoir.
To reach Piedra Road (Archuleta County Road 600) travel east on U.S. Highway 160 from Durango and turn left. The road turns into Forest Service Road 631.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
Fall color report
The Forest Service’s fall color report can be found online at http://bit.ly/1h54OQM or by calling the San Juan Public Lands Center at 247-4874.
