Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

Recreation

September 26, 2008. Autumn color changes on the GMUG are approaching peak with 50-60% of the aspen changing at higher elevations. At lower elevations, 60-80% of the oakbrush and serviceberry have turned bright red and orange. This weekend is Color Sunday on the Grand Mesa, with many special activities scheduled around the Grand Mesa Area.

Rocky Mountain Fall color report (Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas)

Personal Reports

E. Jane Jones - (10/2/08) - Hwy 90 (Uncompahgre Plateau) is at it's peak. The aspens are beautiful.

Ouray District Personnel - (9/26/08) - The Dave Wood road is a pretty drive, with a nice assortment of color.
One can follow it and come into Hwy. 62 at "Sam's" just on the other side of Dallas Divide, then drive back easterly over Dallas and into Ridway to Montrose. A nice loop.
--- Or, one can turn onto the Divide road from the Dave Wood road - follow it to where it intersects Hwy. 90, turn easterly and follow 90 back to Montrose = another loop.
--- Or, one can go out Hwy 90 and follow the Divide road westerly coming back into the Montrose/Delta valley by way of

1. Transfer Road (rough/bumpy dirt road)
--- Or
2. 25 Mesa (Delta- Nucla) Road (graveled, with washboard bumps in some areas. Wider than the transfer road.)

The colors on the plateau should peak sometime between 9/28 and 10/5. this is an opinion, but it's as good as it gets.
Silver Jack area is changing and has not peaked yet. It's the same with other areas at about the same elevation.

Monica Klingler - 9/26/08 (Grand Valley RD) - North side of the Grand Mesa, in the Cottonwoods area and around Bonham Reservoir, from the north entrance to the Forest on Forest Road 121. The colors in this area are changing fast- about 1/2 changed. However, east of us, on the road (Forest Road 265) from Collbran to Highway 133/Paonia, the trees are only about 1/4 to 1/3 changed. It sure is beautiful!!!

Peggy Dobie - 9/25/08 (Gunnison District) - I drove to Denver and back yesterday. The entire drive is alive with color...I'd say about 70% change...some areas more. Kenosha Pass and Monarch Pass are both looking great.

Sally Crum - 9/25/08 (Grand Valley District) - Oak/aspen between Kannah Creek and Lands End Road (S. of the rim) a lovely autumnal mix of green/ yellow/orange. Top of the mesa on Lands End Road mostly yummy yellow. Mesa Lakes from the top exquizzz. Mucho yellow. N. side near Kiwanis Camp still pretty green. PERFECT for Color Sunday.

Art Haines - 9/25/08 (Gunnison Ranger District) - Taylor Canyon is looking very good today.

Kebler Pass Area -10/06/08 - Judy Schutza

Kebler Pass Area -10/06/08 - Judy Schutza

Kebler Pass Area -10/06/08 - Judy Schutza

Click this link to see more Fall colors in and around the GMUG National Forest - Len Donner

View from Lake City - 9/26/08 - John Stites

Slumgullion Pass Area - 9/26/08 - John Stites

Lake San Cristobal- 9/26/08 - John Stites

Spring Creek Pass Area (Hwy 149) - 9/26/08 - John Stites

Link to a panorama photo - Lake City from Hill 71

Dallas Divide - 9/27/08 - Elizabeth Allridge

Beautiful reds at Ridgway State Park.- Photo By Cora-Lee & Len Donner

Highway 24, fall is in the air! - Photo By Cora-Lee & Len Donner

A Drive from the Ridgway side of Owl Creek Pass - Photo By Cora-Lee & Len Donner

North side of the Grand Mesa, in the Cottonwoods area and around Bonham Reservoir, from the north entrance to the Forest on Forest Road 121. Battlement View - Photo by Monica Klingler

North side of the Grand Mesa, in the Cottonwoods area and around Bonham Reservoir, from the north entrance to the Forest on Forest Road 121. Big Creek Canyon - Photo by Monica Klingler

North side of the Grand Mesa, in the Cottonwoods area and around Bonham Reservoir, from the north entrance to the Forest on Forest Road 121. Bonham Reservoir - Photo by Monica Klingler