Colorado is home to four pronounced seasons. Across the San Juan Mountains, fall is settling in. The ever shortening days, paired with fresh winter storm systems create prime conditions for the fall color change, which peaks mid-September through mid-October (depending on the year). The color change is a spectacular event only offered for a 3-4 week window in which the deciduous trees in the area (Gamble Oaks, Aspens, and riparian trees like Cottonwoods) put on a massive display of color, celebrating yet another season of growth.
An all time favorite route, is to follow the San Juan Skyway on a loop heading west from Durango on 1-60 to Telluride. After spending the afternoon in Telluride, drive to Ridgeway, then to Ouray over Red Mountain Pass to Silverton and back to Durango. The trip can be completed in one day and provides some of the most iconic and memorable views of the mountain west.
Check out this gallery of local images from the Fall of 2015
Time lapse courtesy of Alex Pullen
