Fall Destinations: San Juan Mountains of Colorado

The many aspen groves throughout the San Juan Mountains transform from bright green to brilliant yellows and golds in the fall. Typically, autumn colors start in mid to late September and last for up to three weeks. Before the ski season sets in, visitors can enjoy countless outdoor activities to enjoy the gorgeous views.

Activities

– A memorable way to see the fall foliage is on a guided 4×4 tour to Tomboy Basin and Imogene Pass. The tours head into Telluride’s high country, where you’ll get spectacular views of the entire valley. Book a full-service guided tour from Telluride Outside.

– There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout the San Juan Mountains. Jud Wiebe Trail is a favorite short hike that starts in Telluride and travels through groves of aspen trees, wide open views, and opens up to views of Bridal Veil Falls to the Valley floor. Early morning or late afternoon light is especially beautiful against the golden leaves.

– The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway covers 236 miles of terrain across southwestern Colorado. This scenic drive travels through Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Stoner, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, and Silverton. The trip has been recognized as one of America’s most beautiful fall-color drives.

Telluride

We suggest staying in Telluride, Colorado, and after your day of exploring, check in to the Madeline Hotel or The Peaks Resort & Spa. Take the free, scenic gondola ride down the mountain to spend some time in one of the most charming small towns in the country. Telluride offers a unique assortment of independent shops, galleries, and a variety of restaurants. Get an overview of the local history at the Telluride Historical Museum and make a reservation for dinner at 221 South Oak.

Upcoming Events

– Shop local and eat fresh at the weekly Telluride Farmers’ Market. The Market will run on South Oak Street every Friday, 10:30am-4:00pm, until October 9th.

– The Telluride Art Walks have resumed, taking place on the first Thursday of each month. Participating venues host receptions from 5:00pm – 8:00pm throughout the Telluride Arts District.

– The Telluride Historical Society is hosting tours during the months of September and October. Check the calendar for the Historical Walking Tour, Lamplight Cemetery Tour, and the NEW! Pandemic Cemetery Tour.

– Join fellow scary movie enthusiasts at the Telluride Horror Show Festival, taking place October 15 – 18, 2020. Experience Colorado’s first and largest horror film festival that attracts the latest and best genre films from around the world. Don’t miss three days packed with an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and dark comedy in Telluride’s unique theaters, with many of the films showing for the first time in the U.S.

Photo: by Ryan Bonneau, Courtesy of Visit Telluride