> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # San Juan Mountains Fall Colors: Peak Timing + Best Places to Go - URL: https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/san-juan-mountains-fall-colors-a-locals-guide/ - Published: 2026-10-01T17:29:20.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-02T23:16:24.000Z - Description: Planning a fall trip to the San Juan Mountains? Here's my local guide to when the aspens peak, where to go, the best scenic drives, and my favorite photography spots. - Author: Roaming the Southwest - Tags: Colorado Fall Travel ***This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use or trust.** If you're planning a trip to see fall colors in the San Juan Mountains, you're in for a heck of a show. Located in Southwest Colorado, the San Juans are home to some of the most dramatic fall scenery in the state. Think towering mountain peaks, entire hillsides covered in golden aspens, historic mining towns, and some of the most beautiful scenic drives in Colorado. They're also my personal favorite place to chase fall colors. Not that I'm biased or anything. (Yes, if you didn't know, I'm local to the San Juan Mountains.) I've lived in Western Colorado for a decade, and I spend the majority of every fall photographing and tracking the colors throughout the San Juan Mountains. One of the biggest things I've learned is that timing a fall trip here isn't as simple as picking one "peak" weekend. It's not uncommon for fall colors to span two to three weeks in this corner of the state. Areas only a few miles apart can look completely different. Silverton can be approaching peak while Telluride is still mostly green. A week later, those conditions can be completely reversed, with Telluride approaching peak while Silverton has already dropped most of its leaves. I'll walk you through when different parts of the San Juan Mountains typically change, the best towns and scenic drives for fall colors, where to stay, my favorite photography locations, and how to plan your trip so you have the best chance of finding peak color. #### ****📌** More Colorado Fall Colors Resources - [****Colorado Fall Colors**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/colorado-fall-colors/) \- guides, updates, scenic drives, and resources in one place - [****Fall Colors in Colorado: A Complete Guide to Peak Timing, Where to Go, & What to Do**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/complete-guide-to-fall-colors-in-colorado/) - [****When to See Fall Colors in Colorado: Peak Timing Guide**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/when-to-see-fall-colors-in-colorado/) - [****Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/where-to-see-the-best-fall-colors-in-colorado/) - [****How to Track Colorado Fall Colors in Real Time**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/colorado-fall-colors-real-time-tracker/) - [****Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/best-scenic-drives-for-fall-colors-in-colorado/) - [****Maroon Bells Fall Photography Guide**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/photographing-the-maroon-bells-in-the-fall/) - [****Molas Pass Fall Cabin Location + Photography Guide**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/molas-pass-cabin-fall-photography-guide/) ## **San Juan Mountains Fall Colors Map** I've mapped out my favorite fall color locations in the San Juan Mountains, including scenic drives, viewpoints, and photography spots I personally shoot year after year. These are some of the classic shots that should be on everyone's bucket list while shooting fall colors in the San Juans. Use the map alongside the timing information below to help decide where to go based on when you're visiting. ## **When Do Fall Colors Peak in the San Juan Mountains?** If you're trying to pick one exact weekend for peak fall colors in the San Juan Mountains, I have some bad news: there really isn't one. Fall colors typically begin appearing throughout the San Juans in mid-September, with peak fall colors occurring anywhere from late September through the first part of October. But unlike some areas of Colorado, the entire region doesn't peak at the same time. In my experience tracking and photographing fall colors here for the past decade, the San Juans usually change in a fairly predictable progression. Silverton and Lake City usually peak first, typically during or leading up to the last week of September. The areas around Red Mountain Pass tend to follow closely behind. Ridgway, Dallas Divide, the Sneffels Range, Owl Creek Pass, Ophir, and Telluride usually peak later, often about a week behind Silverton. I typically start watching these areas very closely around October 1, and I've seen some years where the best color hangs on well into the second week of October. This is why I consider the San Juan Mountains to have more of a fall color season than a single peak weekend. You can easily have aspens past peak in one area, incredible peak color somewhere else, and mostly green trees less than an hour away. It's not uncommon for fall color to span two to three weeks across the region. [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Colorado-Fall-Guide-Rexby.jpg)](https://www.rexby.com/hello%5Fmallory/coloradoautumn?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) ****Want My Exact Colorado Fall Color Locations?** This map includes 150+ locations I’ve personally scouted across Colorado, with exact locations, scenic drives, photography spots, and detailed planning information to help you plan your fall trip. ****Use code ROAM15 to always save 15%.** [Colorado Fall Colors Guide ](https://www.rexby.com/hello%5Fmallory/coloradoautumn?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) ## **Best Airports for Visiting the San Juan Mountains** If you're flying in specifically to explore the San Juan Mountains, I'd focus on three airports: Montrose, Durango, and Grand Junction. All three are realistic options for this region, and depending on your itinerary, each can put you within roughly two hours of the mountains or closer. You'll probably be tempted to look at larger airports like Denver, Salt Lake City, or Albuquerque, especially if you find a cheaper flight. Unless you're already including those cities or destinations in a larger road trip, I wouldn't. You'll spend a lot more time driving back and forth instead of actually exploring the San Juans. **Montrose Regional Airport** Montrose is a convenient option for exploring Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Dallas Divide, and the western San Juans. **Durango-La Plata County Airport** Durango makes sense if you're focusing on Silverton, the Million Dollar Highway, and the eastern and southern parts of the San Juans. **Grand Junction Regional Airport** Grand Junction is another practical option, particularly if you're combining the San Juans with other parts of Western Colorado. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of these three. Montrose and Grand Junction are usually pretty similar in price, so I'd compare flights for your dates and choose whichever makes the most financial sense. Durango is another great option if the flights work better for your itinerary. For a trip focused specifically on the San Juan Mountains, I would start with these three before looking at airports farther away. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Sneffels-Overlook-with-Snow.jpg) Snowy Mt. Sneffels taken after a fresh overnight snow near Ridgway, Colorado ## **Where to See Fall Colors in the San Juan Mountains** The San Juan Mountains are huge, and the best place to see fall colors depends heavily on when you're visiting. Rather than trying to hit every destination, I recommend following the progression of color through the region. ****Quick Guide: Where Should You Stay?** Late September → Silverton or Lake City Early October → Ouray, Ridgway, or Telluride Want the most remote, quiet experience → Lake City Want the best central base → Ridgway Want hot springs → Ouray Want Telluride without Telluride lodging prices → Stay in Ridgway ### **Silverton** Silverton and Lake City are two of the earliest areas to peak in the San Juan Mountains, with Silverton typically reaching peak color during the last week of September. The earliest I've personally photographed peak color in Silverton was September 18, 2018, but most years I would plan for the final week of September. Silverton is also a great place to base yourself for an earlier-season fall colors trip. When Silverton and the higher elevations around Red Mountain Pass are putting on a show, areas farther west, including Telluride and Ridgway, can still be mostly green. If you're visiting in late September and want to chase peak color as it moves through the San Juans, Silverton puts you in a great position to start. If you're spending the day chasing fall colors around Silverton, Elevated is my favorite stop for a fall-themed coffee. Coffee Bear is another option, but I prefer the seasonal drinks at Elevated. For a snack, grab a funnel cake from Rocky Mountain Funnel Cake Factory, and if you're looking for breakfast, Kendall Mountain Cafe is my go-to. Their breakfast sandwich is always my pick. One of my favorite places to photograph in Silverton during fall is Hillside Cemetery. The historic cemetery, mountain backdrop, and surrounding aspens make for such a beautiful combination. Be sure to look for the red phone booth for some fun morning compositions. If you're staying overnight, I love The Wyman Hotel for its views and proximity to Kendall Mountain Cafe. And don't leave the area without driving toward Molas Pass, including the famous Molas Pass Cabin and the overlook along US-550 looking back toward Silverton. I have a separate [**Molas Pass Cabin Fall Photography Guide**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/molas-pass-cabin-fall-photography-guide/)with the exact location, parking information, and photography tips. ### **Lake City** Lake City is another one of the earliest areas to peak in the San Juan Mountains, making it a great option for an earlier-season fall colors trip. It's also in one of the most isolated counties in the Lower 48, so crowds typically aren't as much of an issue here. If avoiding crowds is a priority, choose Lake City. Be sure to drive Slumgullion Pass and stop at Windy Point for the view of Uncompahgre Peak. In town, take a walk across the suspension bridge, then stop by Michael Underwood's store. Give him a big hello from me, find some super cute Colorado souvenirs, and consider taking home one of his photographs. He's one of my favorite photographers in the state. If you're limited on time, a weekend is plenty to see most of what Lake City and the surrounding area have to offer. And if you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and conditions are dry with no snow, you can pop over to Silverton via the Alpine Loop. This is a rugged backcountry route, so check current conditions before heading out. One important thing if you're planning to explore the Alpine Loop by OHV: OHVs are not allowed on any streets within the town of Silverton, including ATVs and UTVs/side-by-sides. If you're using Silverton as part of your route, you'll need to plan where you can legally park before heading into town. ### **Ouray** Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride typically peak about a week after Silverton. In the decade I've been here, I've never photographed Telluride or Ridgway at full peak before October 1\. If you're visiting during the first week of October, these are exactly the areas I'd be watching. Ouray is a great option if you want a mountain town with easy access to the surrounding fall color and hot springs. My favorite burger in town is from Maggie's, and stopping at Ouray Brewery is a must. Grab a drink, sit on the balcony, and enjoy that crisp fall mountain air. The Ouray Mercantile is another fun stop where you can make your own custom hat. And if hot springs are your thing, Ouray gives you several options right in town. Ouray puts you close to Ridgway, the Sneffels Range, and the fall color routes around Dallas Divide and Owl Creek Pass. It is farther from Telluride, though, with the drive taking about an hour each way. If you're planning to drive to Telluride every day, that gas and driving time can add up quickly, so keep that in mind when choosing where to stay. ### **Ridgway** If I'm staying in the San Juans during the later part of the fall color progression, Ridgway is probably where I'm staying. It's one of the best central locations for exploring this part of the San Juans, putting you close to Mount Sneffels, Dallas Divide, Owl Creek Pass, Last Dollar Road, and Telluride. And Ridgway has surprisingly good food for a small mountain town. You can't visit without getting a prickly pear margarita and tacos from Gnar Taco. Cimarron Coffee is my favorite coffee stop, and Thai Paradise, Colorado Boy Brewery & Eatery, Eatery 66, and True Grit Cafe are all great options too. One thing to know: check hours before you go. Some restaurants in these mountain towns close surprisingly early, sometimes around 8 p.m. If you're trying to decide between staying in Ridgway and Telluride, I'd personally choose Ridgway. Telluride is convenient, but my goodness, is it expensive. If you're camping or car camping, Telluride is a different story, but I'm personally not paying Telluride prices for a hotel. I'll stay in Ridgway and drive over Last Dollar Road or Dallas Divide to spend the day in Telluride instead. ### **Telluride** Telluride is one of the most beautiful places to experience fall in the San Juan Mountains, and it's typically part of the later-season progression. If you're visiting during the first week of October, I'd absolutely have Telluride on my list. For me, though, Telluride is out of my tax bracket when it comes to where I want to stay. If you're camping or car camping, it's a great option. Otherwise, I'd rather stay in Ridgway and drive over for the day, especially when I can make the drive part of the experience by taking Last Dollar Road or Dallas Divide. Once you're in Telluride, you have to ride the free gondola. I'd also make time to hike to Bridal Veil Falls and drive Highway 145 while you're in the area. Those are all worth adding to a fall itinerary. If you're spending time in town, Baked is an incredible bakery and coffee stop, or grab a cup from Telluride Coffee Roasters. Brown Dog Pizza is another favorite, and Last Dollar Saloon has what I think is one of the best rooftop views in the San Juans. 🍂 Explore Colorado Fall Colors Planning to chase fall colors beyond the San Juan Mountains? Find all of my [Colorado fall color](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/colorado-fall-colors/) guides, updates, scenic drives, and resources in one place. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Highway-145-Sunset.jpg) Sunset from Highway 145 south of Telluride, Colorado ## Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in the San Juan Mountains One of the best ways to see fall colors in the San Juans is from the comfort of your own vehicle. It's also one of the best ways to see a lot of the region if you're short on time. One drive I absolutely have to do every year is the Million Dollar Highway. I've driven it more times than I can count, and somehow every fall looks completely different. Keep in mind that several of these routes cross high mountain passes, where weather can change quickly. Snow, ice, wind, and other inclement weather can show up surprisingly early in the season, so always check conditions before you head out. ![Moody conditions along the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Moody-Million-Dollar-Highway.jpg) Moody conditions along the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado ### Red Mountain Pass & the Million Dollar Highway Distance: About 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray Connects: Silverton and Ouray via US-550 Best fall color timing: Late September Notable stop: [**Red Mountain Pass**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cP733ctePFjLEpZS6?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) This is the one I never skip. EVER. I've driven the Million Dollar Highway more times than I can count, and somehow every fall looks completely different. Entire hillsides are lined with aspens, and it never fails to take my breath away. Once you experience the feeling, you'll understand. ![Sunset at Deb's Meadow, famously featured in John Wayne's True Grit Movie, off Owl Creek Pass near Ridgway, Colorado](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Deb-s-Meadow-Owl-Creek-Pass.jpg) Sunset at Deb's Meadow, famously featured in John Wayne's True Grit Movie, off Owl Creek Pass near Ridgway, Colorado ### Owl Creek Pass Distance: About 46 miles for the drive over Owl Creek Pass and through the Silver Jack area Connects: Ridgway and the Cimarron/Silver Jack area Best fall color timing: Early October Notable stop: [**Deb's Meadow**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DDYoZDCm4pLc9pmS7?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) \- Famously featured with John Wayne in the movie True Grit. Owl Creek Pass is not paved, so expect a dirt and gravel road rather than a typical mountain highway. Conditions can change quickly, especially after rain or snow, so check current road conditions before heading out. One important 2026 note: Owl Creek Pass was affected by the Gold Mountain Fire, but the main drive and Silver Jack Reservoir area reopened in September. Some surrounding roads and trails remain closed because of post-fire hazards, so don't assume everything you remember from previous visits is accessible. Check current conditions and closures before you go. For the full 2026 update, including exactly what reopened and what remains closed, read my [**Owl Creek Pass Will Be OPEN for Fall Colors 2026**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/owl-creek-pass-will-be-open-for-fall-colors-2026/). ![Close-up of Mt. Sneffels taken from Dallas Divide between Telluride and Ridgway, Colorado](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Dallas-Divide-Moody-Clouds-Ridgway-Colorado.jpg) Close-up of Mt. Sneffels taken from Dallas Divide between Telluride and Ridgway, Colorado ### Dallas Divide Distance: About 23 miles along CO-62 between Ridgway and Placerville Connects: Ridgway and Placerville (paved) Best fall color timing: Early October Notable stop: [**Dallas Divide Overlook**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ViXeUbcmYzGEBRMQ6?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) ![Road view from Highway 145 just south of Telluride, Colorado near Ophir](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Highway-145-Near-Ophir.jpg) Road view from Highway 145 just south of Telluride, Colorado near Ophir ### Highway 145 Distance: 117 miles from Cortez to the junction with CO-141 Connects: Cortez, Dolores, Rico, Placerville and the Telluride area (paved) Best fall color timing: Early October Notable stop: [**Sunshine Mountain Scenic Overlook**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/BbrRqR3i5uJYWg496?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) ![Sunset from Last Dollar Road looking towards Wilson Peak near Telluride, Colorado](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Last-Dollar-Road-Sunset.jpg) Sunset from Last Dollar Road looking towards Wilson Peak near Telluride, Colorado ### Last Dollar Road Distance: About 21 miles Connects: Ridgway and Telluride Best fall color timing: Early October Notable stop: [**Wilson Range views near the pass**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fH1jCEsiyKNb77Z4A?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) If you're staying in Ridgway and heading to Telluride, Last Dollar Road is one of my favorite ways to make the drive part of the adventure. It's an unpaved route, so a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended, and conditions can change quickly after rain. These are just a few of my favorite drives in the San Juan Mountains. For a much more detailed breakdown of Colorado's best fall-color drives, including road conditions, vehicle considerations, timing, photography stops, and what to expect along each route, check out my [**Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Colorado**](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/best-scenic-drives-for-fall-colors-in-colorado/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com). [Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in ColoradoFind the best scenic drives for fall colors in Colorado with peak timing, road conditions, vehicle tips, and photos from my favorite drives across the state.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/icon/Roaming-the-Southwest-Mallory-Logo-5-af5531ad-3194-4d27-9b83-1ff8314d3ca4.png)Roaming the SouthwestRoaming the Southwest![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/thumbnail/Moody-Million-Dollar-Highway-0e5299b1-9312-4093-b8e2-152d1016694d.jpg)](https://www.roamingthesouthwest.com/best-scenic-drives-for-fall-colors-in-colorado/) ## **Moose & Wildlife in the San Juan Mountains** Fall isn't just about the aspens. The San Juan Mountains are also an incredible place to look for wildlife, and moose are one of the animals people most hope to see. ### **Where to Look for Moose** I won't publish exact moose locations because I don't think sending unlimited traffic to sensitive wildlife areas is responsible. But there are a few general areas where I've consistently had good luck finding them during the fall. - Wetlands around Ironton and Red Mountain Pass - Along Mineral Creek near Silverton - Wet, willow-filled areas around the San Juans. Seriously, just keep your eyes peeled, they're everywhere! I've never not seen moose in the Ironton and Mineral Creek areas during fall, although wildlife is wildlife, so obviously I can't promise you'll have the same experience. If you're looking for them, slow down and pay attention to the areas around wetlands, creeks, ponds, and willows. They're easy to miss when you're focused on getting from one photography stop to the next. And please give them plenty of space. Fall color season overlaps with the moose rut, which typically runs from mid-September into October. Bulls can be more aggressive and unpredictable during this time, especially when cows are nearby. Don't approach wildlife for a photograph, don't block the road while watching them, and never put yourself between a cow and her calf. Moose are much faster than they look, and if one changes its behavior because of your presence, you're too close. A telephoto lens is your friend. ![Momma moose with two calves near Red Mountain Pass off the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. Look at the section below for general areas where to search for Moose during fall colors.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Moose-in-Ironton-during-Fall.jpg) Momma moose with two calves near Red Mountain Pass off the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado. ## **Photographing Fall Colors in the San Juan Mountains** The San Juan Mountains are one of my favorite places in Colorado to photograph fall colors, and after a decade of chasing them, I've learned a few things that can make a huge difference in how those golden aspens actually look in your photos. ### **Look for Backlight** Morning light is great, but when I'm photographing aspens, I'm specifically looking for backlight. When the sun is behind the trees and shining through the leaves, the aspens glow and the colors really pop. If the sun is behind you and hitting the front of the aspens directly, the trees can look extremely dull and muted in photos. Look for opportunities where the sun is shining through the leaves instead, especially when you're photographing an entire hillside of aspens. ### **Don't Give Yourself a Tight Schedule** Give yourself more time than you think you'll need. Seriously. The San Juans have views around every corner, quite literally. You might think a drive will take 30 minutes and then find yourself stopping every few minutes because the light changed, a mountain suddenly came into view, or an entire hillside of aspens opened up in front of you. The driving distances may look short on a map, but these are not roads where you're going to drive straight through without stopping. Give yourself plenty of extra time for viewpoints, photography stops, wildlife, changing light, and all the inevitable “oh my God, look at that” moments. With unreal conditions, it's taken me 3+ hours to drive the 25 miles between Ouray and Silverton because I had to keep stopping. ### **Don't Skip a Rainy Day** If rain is in the forecast, go anyway. Some of the most incredible conditions I've ever photographed have come from days that didn't look perfect on the weather app. The clouds add dimension to the mountains, create dramatic skies, and can make the golden aspens really pop against the darker background. Obviously, don't put yourself in a dangerous situation if severe weather is moving in. But don't automatically cancel a fall photography day just because there's rain in the forecast. ### **Look Beyond the Famous Viewpoints** Some of my favorite photographs haven't come from the most famous overlooks. The San Juans are full of unexpected compositions, from historic buildings and cemeteries to isolated aspen groves and mountain roads. Hillside Cemetery in Silverton is a perfect example. You're not standing at a famous mountain overlook, but the combination of the historic cemetery, aspens, and surrounding peaks makes for a completely different kind of fall photograph. Give yourself enough time to slow down, look around, and photograph what's actually in front of you instead of racing from one pin on a map to the next. ### Looking for the Exact Location of the Dancing Aspens Near Ophir, Colorado? The Dancing Aspens, sometimes called the Wavy Aspens, is one of those fall photography spots that is surprisingly difficult to find. Located in the Telluride and Ophir area, I get why people search for the exact location. The way these trees curve makes for a truly incredible photo. It's a classic shot most every photographer has on their bucket list. I intentionally didn't publish the exact location here. Parking is extremely limited, and I don't want to send unlimited traffic to a spot that can't safely accommodate it. The trees are also starting to suffer from people sitting on and climbing them, which can damage the trees and compromise their long-term health. I do have the exact location mapped in my [**Colorado Fall Colors Guide**](https://www.rexby.com/hello%5Fmallory/coloradoautumn?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com), along with tips on when to photograph it for the best light and color. I intentionally keep the exact location within my paid guide so I can be more thoughtful about how sensitive locations are shared and provide guidance on responsible visitation alongside the location. ![Dancing aspens near Telluride and Ophir, Colorado. Looking for the exact location of the dancing aspens? I have the coordinates, responsible visitation, best time to shoot, and more in my Colorado Fall Colors Guide linked above.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/10/Dancing-Aspens-of-Ophir.jpg) Dancing aspens near Telluride and Ophir, Colorado. Looking for the exact location of the dancing aspens? I have the coordinates, responsible visitation, best time to shoot, and more in my Colorado Fall Colors Guide linked above. ## Want My Exact Colorado Fall Color Locations? This map includes over 150+ specific photography locations I've personally scouted throughout Colorado, including locations that aren't included on the public San Juan Mountains map above. ## **Final Thoughts** **...From Someone Who Plans Their Life Around Fall Colors:** Literally though. I LIVE for fall colors in Colorado. I take time off work for 2-3 weeks every single year for fall—and it’s always the same weeks. Because they work *consistently.* If you give yourself flexibility and understand how the timing actually works, you won’t miss it. > Visit the last week of September or first week of October. You’ll have a great chance of finding peak color somewhere in the San Juans, just be willing to be flexible and adjust your location. ## Planning a photography trip to Colorado for fall colors? If you want my 150+ exact locations, drives, and photo spots already mapped out (with time of day to shoot them): Check out my [**Colorado Fall Colors Guide**](https://www.rexby.com/hello%5Fmallory/coloradoautumn?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com). You can even download the guide in the app for offline access, so you'll always have it with you—even when you don't have cell service in the mountains. And be sure to join my [**Fall Colors Channel**](https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbahMT4dsFi8RJCq/?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com) on Instagram where I update live color changes on the West Slope. **See you out there!** Mallory ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/64/3a/643ad7a2-7c45-42c5-80e2-a2c2017106b6/content/images/2026/05/6.jpg) #### Fall Colors in Colorado [Get the Guide](https://www.rexby.com/hello%5Fmallory/coloradoautumn?ref=roamingthesouthwest.com)