San Juan Skywayfall foliage
No reports yet this season for San Juan National Forest. It usually peaks Sep 11–Oct 20.
Next 7 days
Flood WatchFlood Watch issued September 27 at 11:27PM MDT until September 30 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO- Frost likely · low 31°FTonight, Tuesday Night, Wednesday Night, Thursday Night, Friday Night, Saturday Night, Sunday Night
- Rain or snow likely · up to 97% chanceToday, Tonight, Tuesday, Tuesday Night, Wednesday
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:17 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
San Juan National Forest through the year
- Chimney Rock National Monument openNowMay–Oct
- Wildflowers on Lizard Head PassJul–Aug
- La Plata Canyon Road winter gateDec–May
Best spots around San Juan National Forest
- San Juan SkywayA 232-mile paved loop, open all year except brief snow closures
- Million Dollar HighwayOuray to Silverton: one of the country's most scenic fall drives
- Molas TrailAbout 3.7 miles from Molas Pass down to the Animas River10,600 ft10,600 ft
Around Colorado this week
- Black Canyon56 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Maroon Bells102 mi · usually Sep 21–30Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedfrost (32°F)Thudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Great Sand Dunes118 mi · usually Sep 21–Oct 10Todayrain likelyTuerain likelyWedrain likelyThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest fall colors report (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest current conditions (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest scenic drives (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Colorado Trail - Molas Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Chimney Rock National Monument (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Lizard Head Pass and San Juan Skyway wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in San Juan National Forest in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Sep 11–Oct 20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in San Juan National Forest right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Where does the color start in the San Juans?
Near Silverton, in mid-September. It finishes in early to mid-October around Pagosa Springs, Purgatory and Dolores, and the Forest Service says the dates rarely move by more than a few days.Source: US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest fall colors report ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there an official fall color report?
Yes: the San Juan National Forest updates its Fall Colors Report weekly from September 1 through the end of October, with estimates along the San Juan Skyway.Sources: US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest current conditions ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, San Juan National Forest fall colors report ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in San Juan National Forest?
San Juan Skyway: a 232-mile paved loop, open all year except brief snow closures; Million Dollar Highway: ouray to Silverton: one of the country's most scenic fall drives; Molas Trail: about 3.7 miles from Molas Pass down to the Animas River.
What is San Juan National Forest like through the year?
Chimney Rock National Monument open (May–Oct), Wildflowers on Lizard Head Pass (Jul–Aug) and La Plata Canyon Road winter gate (Dec–May).