If you’ve been meaning to get out and see the fall colors, this is the time of year when where you go really matters.
By mid-October, Southwest Colorado is no longer all on the same schedule. Some of the higher country has already passed its brightest point, while several spots around Durango and Telluride are looking really good right now.
So if you’re trying to decide where to go this week, here’s the October 12 update.
🍂 AT PEAK — GO NOW
According to Visit Durango’s Leaf-o-Meter, several areas around Durango are still at peak right now. Visit Telluride’s latest foliage update, posted October 11, also has a couple of great options if you’re heading that direction.
La Plata Canyon
This would be high on my list if you want to stay close to Durango.
You get the aspens, the river, mountain views, and plenty of places where you can slow down and just enjoy the drive. You don’t have to make it all the way into the rougher upper canyon for the trip to be worth it.
Coal Bank Pass to Molas Pass
If you want that classic San Juan Mountain fall drive, head north from Durango on Highway 550.
The stretch from Coal Bank Pass to Molas Pass is still in its best-color window, and there are several places along the way where you can pull over and take in the views.
One tip: bring layers. Molas Pass is close to 11,000 feet, and the weather can feel completely different up there than it does when you leave Durango.
Hermosa
If you’d rather stay closer to town, Hermosa is another good option right now.
It’s an easy area to work into an afternoon drive without committing to going all the way into the high country.
Vallecito & Lemon Reservoir
For something a little more relaxed, I’d head toward Vallecito or Lemon Reservoir.
I love this kind of fall drive because you get the color around the water with the mountains behind it, and you can enjoy the scenery without spending the whole day in the car.
Downtown Durango
And you really don’t have to go far at all.
Downtown Durango is still holding onto its fall color, so you can grab lunch, walk around town, and enjoy the trees without making a whole day out of it.
Dallas Divide
If you’re heading toward Ridgway or Telluride, Dallas Divide would still be one of my picks.
The view of the Sneffels Range behind the open ranchland and aspens is one of those scenes that looks exactly like what people picture when they think of fall in Colorado.
Last Dollar Road
Last Dollar Road is another great option right now if you want something a little more adventurous.
Just know what you’re getting into before you go. This is an unpaved back road, not a casual paved scenic drive, and conditions can change quickly. I’d definitely check the road and weather before heading out.
🍁 PAST PEAK — STILL PRETTY, JUST LATER IN THE SEASON
Past peak doesn’t mean everything is suddenly bare.
There’s still plenty to see. You just shouldn’t expect the same full mountainsides of bright gold you might have seen a week or two ago.
Silverton to Ouray / Red Mountain Pass
If seeing fall color is the main reason for your drive, I’d choose the Coal Bank Pass to Molas Pass stretch over Red Mountain Pass right now.
The Silverton-to-Ouray section has already moved past its peak. But it’s still one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado. You’re just catching it a little later in the season.
Telluride & Mountain Village
Telluride and Mountain Village have also moved past their brightest point.
Visit Telluride’s October 11 update describes both as post-peak but still nice, which feels pretty accurate. There’s still color around, but you’re seeing the later part of the season now.
And the free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village is still a great way to take in the valley from above.
Trout Lake
Same idea at Trout Lake.
The strongest color has passed, but if you’re already exploring around Telluride, I still wouldn’t skip it. The setting alone is worth the stop.
If You’re Going Out This Week
If I wanted the best chance of seeing strong color right now, I’d choose La Plata Canyon, Coal Bank Pass to Molas Pass, Vallecito, Dallas Divide, or Last Dollar Road.
If I wanted something easy and close to town, I’d go with Downtown Durango, Hermosa, or Lemon Reservoir.
And if I couldn’t get out this week, I’d keep Mesa Verde in mind. Because it sits lower than much of the San Juan high country, its fall color tends to run later, and current forecasts have its best window coming later in October.
That’s one of my favorite things about fall here. You don’t necessarily get one perfect weekend and then it’s over. The color moves with the elevation, so you can almost follow it through the season.
Check Before You Go
Fall can change fast in the mountains.
A few windy days, a hard freeze, rain, or an early snow can make a big difference in a very short amount of time.
Visit Durango’s Leaf-o-Meter is updated daily, so I’d check that before heading out. And if you’re planning to drive through forest roads or head into the higher country, check the weather and road conditions too.
If you’re reading this a few days after October 12, definitely take another look before you grab your keys.
Enjoy It While It Lasts
There’s still plenty of fall color left in Southwest Colorado. You just have to know which direction to drive.
And if you’ve been saying, “Maybe next weekend,” I probably wouldn’t wait too long.
Sources: Visit Durango Leaf-o-Meter, Visit Telluride 2026 Fall Foliage Update, San Juan National Forest, National Park Service, and current Mesa Verde foliage forecasting.
