Colorado Just Reopened One of Its Best Fall Drives

Sunshine and mild fall temps are in place over Western Colorado the first week of October, and if you want to enjoy one more fall drive, you may not have heard that this popular fall drive has reopened following wildfire closures.

Over the last couple of weeks, the Forest Service has restored access to Owl Creek Pass and the Silver Jack Reservoir, putting a scenic stretch of the San Juan Mountains back on the fall road-trip list for one more round of fall color.

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Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Are Open Again

Colorado Just Reopened One of Its Best Fall Drives

Read More: When Will the First Fall Frost Hit Western Colorado?

The Ouray Ranger District reduced the Gold Mountain Fire closure on September 15. They did not cancel or end fire-related closures, but they reduced the size of the closed area. While conditions allow, you can once again access Owl Creek Pass, West Fork, East Fork, and the Silver Jack area. Silver Jack is about 40 miles southeast of Montrose, while the scenic Owl Creek Pass drive stretches 46 miles through the San Juan Mountains.

The Timing Is Perfect for Fall Color

Weather remains mild this week around Owl Creek Pass and Silver Jack Reservoir. The reopening came just in time for locals to enjoy a couple of weeks of golden aspens. The Colorado State Forest Service specifically highlights Beaver Lake and Silver Jack Reservoir as places to enjoy fall colors, so the reopening was a stroke of luck for late September and early October. The pass typically closes around November 1.

Open Again Does Not Mean Everything Is Open

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While the Forest Service reduced the closure, it has not ended it. Several areas remain closed to the public due to post-fire hazards. Middle Fork, Cow Creek, Dexter Creek, and Cutler Creek roads and trails are still closed due to falling trees, snags, rolling debris, unstable ground, lingering smoke, airborne particles, and ash pits. These areas will remain “high risk” for flash flooding. While some areas may be open, the landscape is still recovering and has a way to go. See the latest closure maps and announcements from the Forest Service here.