SAN LUIS VALLEY — The aspens are in full color at higher elevations in and around Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The lower cottonwood and aspen trees are just starting to turn to a golden yellow.
To view color, the Montville Nature Trail is an easy hike that follows Mosca Creek through aspens. Colors should start next week on this short loop. Lower elevation trees will be at peak change during the first part of October. The more arduous Mosca Pass Trail, accessed off the nature trail, offers more colors now that can be seen at higher elevations.
On the Rio Grande National Forest, foliage is similar both south and north of the park.
The South Zapata Lake Trail (south), Willow Lake Trail, and North Crestone Creek Trail (north) offer hikers a wonderful leaf-peeping experience.
Foliage in the San Juan Mountains is happening, Highway 17 over La Manga Pass and Forest Service Road 250 near Platoro in Alamosa Canyon, and on Highway 285 Saguache North to Poncha Pass offers excellent colors.
