Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at San Juan Mountains
Peak fall color is predicted around September 30. Plan for the strongest viewing window from September 20 to October 10.
Predicted peakSeptember 30
Best windowSeptember 20 – October 10
Confidence range±9 days
The prediction is a 24-year climatology built from NASA MODIS MOD13Q1 vegetation-index data, with the definition of peak calibrated against PhenoCam ground cameras. The ±9-day window captures roughly 68% of observed years. Actual peak timing varies with each year's weather.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near San Juan Mountains
Driving distance and time by road, not straight-line.