Owl Creek Pass Will Be OPEN for Fall Colors 2026
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 15, 2026
USFS GMUG Official Closure Order
Updated September 19, 2026: Good news for anyone planning a fall colors trip to the San Juan Mountains! As of September 15, 2026, Owl Creek Pass, Silver Jack Reservoir and several surrounding recreation areas have reopened to the public following closures associated with the Gold Mountain Fire.
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests reduced the Gold Mountain Fire closure beginning September 15 at 12:01 a.m., reopening several popular travel corridors just in time for fall colors.
📌 More Colorado Fall Colors Resources
- Colorado Fall Colors - Find all of my Colorado fall color guides and resources.
- Complete Guide to Colorado Fall Colors - Everything you need to plan a Colorado fall colors trip.
- Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado - Find the best regions, mountain towns, and destinations for fall colors.
- When to See Fall Colors in Colorado: Peak Timing Guide - Learn when fall colors typically peak across Colorado.
- How to Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time - Track current color progression and know where fall colors are changing now.
- Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado - Find the best Colorado fall drives and mountain passes.
- San Juan Mountains Fall Colors: Peak Timing & Best Places - Plan where and when to see fall colors across the San Juan Mountains.
What is OPEN?
As of September 15, the following areas have reopened:
- Owl Creek Pass
- Silver Jack Reservoir area
- West Fork Cimarron
- East Fork Cimarron
This means you can once again drive Owl Creek Pass between Ridgway and the Cimarron/Silver Jack area, making this one of my favorite fall scenic drives in Western Colorado accessible for the 2026 season.
Some Areas Are Still CLOSED
The entire Gold Mountain Fire area has not reopened. Several roads and trails remain closed because of post-fire hazards, including:
- Middle Fork Cimarron
- Cow Creek
- Dexter Creek
- Cutler Creek
Please respect all posted closures and do not use older maps or closure information from earlier this summer to determine where you can travel.
What to Know Before You Go
While Owl Creek Pass and the Silver Jack area are officially open, this landscape was impacted by the Gold Mountain Fire and conditions are different from a typical fall season.
The Forest Service warns that recently burned areas can still have hazards including falling trees and snags, unstable ground, rolling debris, burned root holes, lingering smoke and ash, and an increased risk of flash flooding and debris flows.
Check current conditions and the weather before you go, stay on open roads and trails, and never enter an area that is posted as closed. Conditions and closures can change quickly.
Driving Owl Creek Pass for Fall Colors
Owl Creek Pass is one of my favorite fall drives in the San Juan Mountains. The route connects the Ridgway area with the Cimarron Valley, passing huge aspen groves, views of Courthouse Mountain and Chimney Rock, and the Silver Jack Reservoir area.
The road is primarily unpaved but is generally maintained and normally passable to most passenger vehicles when conditions are dry. Rain, mud, early snow and post-fire conditions can quickly change that, so always check current road conditions before heading out.
For the most up-to-date information on the Gold Mountain Fire closure, check the official GMUG National Forests closure information before your trip.
Please remember: Reopening does not mean every road, trail or recreation site in the surrounding burn area is open. Stick to the reopened travel corridors and obey all signs and closures you encounter.
Alternatives to Owl Creek Pass
If you're looking for alternatives, West Kebler Pass, Dallas Divide, and Telluride typically peak at the exact same time as Silverjack Reservoir and Owl Creek Pass.
📌 More Colorado Fall Colors Guides
- Colorado Fall Colors - Find all of my fall color content in this hub
- Complete Guide to Fall Colors in Colorado - Everything you need to plan a Colorado fall colors trip.
- Where to See the Best Fall Colors in Colorado
- When to See Fall Colors in Colorado: Peak Timing Guide
- How to Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time
