Strangely, it’s already September. And while summer seemed to pass in a fleeting wink, there’s something wonderful about autumn that reminds us to slow down and enjoy that pumpkin spice latte while taking in the multicolored tree splendor on display in the mountains. It presents as a wave. It starts high, somewhere up around Molas Pass in mid-September, and rolls downhill for about a month until the cottonwoods along the river finally join the party sometime in October. That means there isn’t really a wrong time to go looking, if you’re at the right elevation.
And if you’re a leaf peeper like me, here’s where to hike, walk, and drive to find the color wherever it happens to be that week.
When Do the Leaves Change Near Durango?
Fall color near Durango usually peaks between mid-September and mid-October, moving downhill roughly 1,000 feet a week.
Here’s a table to help guide you:
| Elevation: | Where that is: | Typical peak: |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000–11,000 ft | Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Engineer Mountain, Red Mountain Pass | Mid to late September |
| 8,000–10,000 ft | Purgatory, La Plata Canyon, Hermosa, Vallecito | Late September into the first week of October |
| 6,500–8,000 ft | Animas Valley, downtown Durango, Oxbow, Third Avenue | Early to mid October |
Aspens in the San Juans tend to peak a couple of weeks later than most of Colorado, which is one of the quiet advantages of living down here. The San Juan National Forest publishes a fall colors report every week during the season, and it’s the best real-time information there is. It’s definitely worth a look before you commit to a long drive.
Fall Hikes Near Durango
Engineer Mountain: The trailhead is at Coal Bank Pass around 10,600 feet, making this the earliest color on the list. The first mile or two through the aspens is the whole reason to come, but you’re welcome to continue up for some amazing views.
Colorado Trail at Junction Creek: The closest trail to town and the best answer to “I’ve got two hours.” Walk as far as you feel like walking, then turn around.
Spud Lake: Short and gentle, with spectacular views of aspen trees the whole way in. This is the one to do with kids, or with visiting parents who want to capture a photo without too much exertion.
Cascade Creek: Just off Highway 550 at mid-elevation, touting golden aspen leaves in the fall, lush forest areas, and water features, including streams and waterfalls. It’s a perfect six- to eight-mile hike around the first week of October.
Castle Rock via Elbert Creek Trail: The trail starts above 8,500 feet, which means you skip the brush and go straight into big aspen groves. Fall also trades summer’s afternoon monsoons for cool, dry, settled weather, making the climb much more pleasant. From the top, the color runs in ribbons down the Animas Valley against the dark rock beyond.
Andrews Lake to Crater Lake: South of Molas Pass, and probably the most photographed high-country walk in the area. This 11-mile round-trip hike is strenuous, but the views and colors make it worth the effort. The lot fills early on weekends, so go on a weekday if you can.
Easy Fall Walks in and Around Town
Animas River Trail. Cottonwoods turn later than everything else. If the mountains are already past peak, the river trail is usually where you’ll see some pretty colors.
Oxbow Preserve. Quiet, flat, full of birds, and close enough that you can go in the early morning or after work. Caveat: no dogs are allowed within the preserve.
Third Avenue. The boulevard’s old street trees run in front of the historic homes. This walk takes no more than 15 minutes, requires no gear, and is arguably the prettiest walk in Durango in mid-October.
Fort Lewis Rim Trail. The view down over the whole valley makes this one well worth it. Go late in the afternoon, when the light comes in sideways, bathing the entire valley in a golden autumnal light.
Scenic Fall Drives
The San Juan Skyway is the big one: a 236-mile loop through Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Dolores, and Mancos. Give it a full day and start early.
Short on time? Durango to Silverton on Highway 550 and back is a half day, and the pullouts at Coal Bank and Molas Pass peak first anyway. If you’d rather not drive it at all, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs the same canyon and lets somebody else do the driving.
Heading west, Highway 145 over Lizard Head Pass toward Telluride is worth the time. Loop back around by Dallas Divide on Highway 62, and you’ll recognize the view of the Sneffels Range from roughly a hundred Colorado calendars.
If you’ve got good clearance on your vehicle and don’t mind a bit of a rough road, Hermosa Park Road behind Purgatory is a perfect candidate for a “scenic drive.” La Plata Canyon is another great option. The paved road turns into a dirt and gravel forest service road about 4.6 miles in. In addition to the brilliant colors, look for roadside waterfalls, old historic mining remnants, and local wildlife.
And one more worth taking: Missionary Ridge Road runs through the scar of the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire, which burned somewhere around 73,000 acres northeast of town. In the years since, aspen have come back across the burn where the pines couldn’t. Forest Service crews have spent more than a decade replanting conifers up there. That means some of the best fall color near Durango now grows exactly where the fire burned hottest.
Make a Day of It: James Ranch and the Pumpkin Patch
About 10 miles north on 550, you’ll find the James Ranch Market and Grill, which fits well with just about any drive on this list. Stop for lunch or dinner at the restaurant, check out the market for cheese and produce to take home, and the kids can say hello to the goats. The pumpkin patch at James Ranch is always a fall favorite, and typically opens around the last weekend of September and runs into early October, though it depends on the weather. Check with the ranch before you build a day around it.
Before You Head Out
It’s hunting season. Colorado’s big game seasons run from early September through late November, with the rifle seasons starting in mid-October. If you’re on National Forest land, wear blaze orange, and put some on your dog, too. Season dates vary by unit, so check Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go.
Weather and roads. High passes can pick up snow in September, dirt roads turn to grease when it rains, and midday light beats midday light for both color and photos. Check COtrip for conditions.
“Fall” in Love With Durango
Here’s the thing about Durango. Every season offers so many opportunities, not only to go outside and enjoy all Mother Nature has to offer, but also to connect with friends and the community. Fall is no exception. There’s the Durango Autumn Arts Festival and The Good Food Collective’s Apple Days festival, though it will look a little different this year because of a late spring frost that severely impacted the apple crop. There’s still lots of family-friendly fun to be had, however! It’s this time of year that turns a lot of weekend visitors to Durango into residents.
And if you’re considering a move to Durango, we’re here to help!