The Best Time to See Fall Colors in Silverton, Ouray and Durango

Every fall, the San Juan Mountains trade their summer greens for brilliant shades of gold, orange and red. Mountainsides glow with golden aspens, cooler temperatures settle into the valleys and the scenic drives surrounding Silverton become even more spectacular.

If you are planning a fall trip to Southwest Colorado, timing matters. Fall color season is beautiful but brief, and peak conditions can vary depending on elevation, temperature, rainfall, wind and early snowfall.

In most years, the best time to see fall colors around Silverton, Ouray and Durango is between mid-September and early October. If you want the best opportunity to experience color throughout the entire region, the third and fourth weeks of September are typically the sweet spot.

When Do Fall Colors Peak in the San Juan Mountains?

Peak fall color season in the San Juan Mountains generally runs from mid-September through early October. Higher elevations usually begin changing first, followed by the lower mountain valleys and towns.

This elevation difference creates an opportunity to see multiple stages of fall color during one trip. If the trees around Silverton have already reached their brightest gold, you may still find beautiful color at lower elevations closer to Ouray, Ridgway or Durango.

However, fall colors never follow an exact calendar. A stretch of cold nights can accelerate the change, while warmer weather may delay it. Strong winds or an early snowstorm can also cause leaves to fall sooner than expected.

For the best chance of seeing fall colors across all three communities, consider planning your visit between approximately September 20 and September 30.

Silverton Fall Colors: Mid- to Late September

Because Silverton sits high in the San Juan Mountains, the trees surrounding town and along the nearby mountain passes tend to change earlier than those in Durango’s lower valleys.

The first signs of fall may begin appearing in the high country around mid-September. Color often becomes more widespread during the second half of the month, when golden aspens contrast beautifully against Silverton’s rugged peaks, historic buildings and deep-green evergreens.

Some of the best places to see fall colors near Silverton include:

• The Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray
• Red Mountain Pass
• Molas Pass
• Coal Bank Pass
• South Mineral Creek
• Kendall Mountain
• The Alpine Loop and surrounding backcountry
• Highway 550 between Silverton and Durango

Silverton Lakes RV Park is an ideal home base for exploring the region because guests can travel north toward Ouray, south toward Durango or directly into the backcountry depending on where the colors are strongest.

Start your morning with complimentary coffee at the park, check current conditions with our office staff and then head out for a scenic drive, hike or fall photography adventure.

Ouray Fall Colors: Mid-September Through Early October

Ouray offers a wide range of elevations, which can help extend the fall color viewing season. The high mountain passes and backcountry surrounding Ouray often begin changing first, while trees in town and along the river may hold their color later.

The Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray is one of the most impressive fall drives in Colorado. Golden aspens cover the mountainsides while historic mining structures, waterfalls and towering peaks add to the scenery.

Once you arrive in Ouray, enjoy the changing trees while walking around town, visiting Box Cañon Falls or strolling along the Uncompahgre River. The Million Dollar Highway, downtown Ouray and the surrounding backcountry roads are all popular areas for fall color viewing.

For expansive views, continue north toward Ridgway and the Dallas Divide. This area is especially popular with photographers because of its open views of colorful aspen groves beneath the San Juan Mountains.

Durango Fall Colors: Late September Through Early October

Durango sits at a lower elevation than Silverton, so many areas around town tend to change slightly later. When the highest elevations have started moving past peak, the valleys and lower hillsides near Durango may still be filled with color.

Peak foliage around Durango frequently occurs during the final two weeks of September, although some lower areas can remain colorful into early October.

Popular places to experience Durango fall colors include:

• The Animas River Trail
• Hermosa Valley
• La Plata Canyon
• The Colorado Trail near Molas Pass
• Old Lime Creek Road
• Highway 550 between Durango and Silverton

Ride the Train from Durango to Silverton

One of the most memorable ways to experience fall in the San Juan Mountains is aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Ride the historic train from Durango to Silverton as it travels alongside the Animas River and through remote canyons filled with golden aspens. The journey offers views you cannot experience from the highway, with dramatic cliffs, mountain forests and stretches of the Animas River unfolding outside the train.

When you arrive, spend time exploring historic downtown Silverton before returning to Silverton Lakes RV Park for the rest of your fall getaway.

Fall train rides are extremely popular and can fill quickly during peak color season. Purchase your tickets early and review the available round-trip, one-way and transportation options before planning your day.

How to Plan Your Fall Color Trip

If seeing peak fall colors is the main purpose of your trip, give yourself at least three or four days to explore. Weather and elevation can create very different conditions between Silverton, Ouray and Durango, even though the towns are relatively close together.

A longer stay gives you the flexibility to follow the best color each day.

When packing for a fall visit, bring:

• Warm layers for cold mornings and evenings
• A waterproof jacket
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water and snacks for scenic drives
• A camera or fully charged phone
• A paper map for areas without reliable cell service

Mountain weather can change quickly during fall. A sunny afternoon can become cold, rainy or snowy with little warning, especially on the mountain passes. Check the forecast and current road conditions before leaving for the day.

Stay in the Heart of Colorado’s Fall Colors

When you stay at Silverton Lakes RV Park, you are surrounded by some of the most beautiful fall scenery in Southwest Colorado. Our location makes it easy to explore Silverton’s historic downtown, drive the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, travel south toward Durango or spend the day discovering the San Juan Mountains.

While there is no way to guarantee one exact peak weekend, visiting during the second half of September gives you an excellent chance of experiencing the mountains dressed in gold.

Reserve your fall stay at Silverton Lakes RV Park and make Silverton your home base for an unforgettable fall color adventure through the San Juan Mountains.