It’s fall color season in the San Juans, and the leaves are beginning to show their change.
According to the U.S. Forest Service foliage is right on schedule this year.
The earliest bursts of gold are showing up near Silverton, where aspens are moving toward partial color, with peak expected in about a week.
From Red Mountain Pass to Ouray and along the Dallas Divide toward Telluride, conditions range from patchy to partial.
Closer to home, areas like Dolores, Rico, Mancos, and La Plata Canyon are still just starting, with minimal change so far.
Pagosa Springs is also just beginning to turn.
Forest officials say most of the San Juan Mountains will reach peak color from late September into early October.
While drought may affect brightness in some groves, most aspens are looking healthy and vibrant this year.
