Primetime of the fall color change is a wondrous time in the San Juan Mountains. Most any place you venture into the forest will have good colors. I’ll suggest a few drives sure to please. The numbers relate to the forest service map.

Buckles Lake Road

(#663) South of Pagosa about fifteen miles.

A lovely gravel road for any vehicle Buckles has some great views into Spring Creek Valley and then up to the trailhead and short hike to the lake.

Mill Creek/Nipple Mtn. Road

Turn just south of the HWY 160/84 junction east on Mill Creek Road. This is a nice long drive in aspen forests with several side roads to investigate.

Wolf Creek Pass including side trips on Jackson Mtn. Road

See the spectacular view from the Treasure Falls Scenic Overlook looking west toward Pagosa. Jackson Mtn. Road (#037) is a short drive to the trailhead for a nice trail walk into aspen forest.

Plumtaw Road

( #634 from the west, Four Mile Road side) or (#633 from the east, Piedra Road side) A lovely ride with huge vistas and close-up aspen views.

Williams Lake Area:

Up Piedra Road to and around the lake. Take the side trip on Poison Park Road at the lake or hike the first few miles on the trail above the lake.

Mosca Road (# 631) Turn left just south of Williams Lake for a long drive. This road does climb to above the aspen level about half way in.

East Fork/Elwood Pass;

Caution Four Wheel Drive AND High Ground Clearance Only

The first seven miles can be driven in any vehicle but when the sign says four wheel drive it means it. At this point lock up the four wheel drive and put it in low range. Be careful at the two river crossings and judge for yourself the depth and speed of the water. After a hard rain the river can fill to unsafe levels anytime of the year. This is a lovely drive in aspen forest topping out at 11,875 foot elevation on Elwood Pass. For history of this area and details of the drive see Off-Road Section on Pagosa Country Adventure Guide site. Once on top a right turn will take you to Platoro Lake for lunch and on to Chama, New Mexico or turn left and go to Summitville and down Park Creek Road to HWY 160 east of Wolf Creek Pass.

It is beautiful out there and it will not last long, get out while you can. Happy viewing.

WARNING: As the colors change in Colorado it is time for the big game hunting seasons. All people entering the forest should wear bright orange vest and caps available in sporting goods shops. In September and early October there are bow and black powder gun seasons with fairly low hunter densities. From October 15th on, a high density of rifle hunters will be in the forest. Be alert!