This information is posted on the Durango & Silverton site:
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
2000 SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
Inquire about these and other special events at the railroad by calling (970)
247-2733.Watch the web page for additional information.
The Color Report
A quick look at the fall foliage along the D&SNGRR. Updated Sept. 21
Highlights
* Colors are a little later than usual, but they are the best display in years.
* Lower elevations offer lots of different early season colors (yellows, reds, purple,
heather) in the shrubs and late-blooming flowers. Hillsides offer a hint of things to come.
Maples and cottonwood trees are just starting to turn.
* High elevations: Aspen trees are at about 80% changed to color, mostly at 10,000 feet
and up. Spectacular pockets of color are common around Silverton. Berries plants and
riverside foliage displays are particularly fine. Surprises come daily.
The Details
Durango to Rockwood. The best colors can be found among the many summer flowers still in
bloom and the native shrubs, such as Rabbit brush in full orange and yellow bloom around Shalona
Lake. A mix of brilliant reds from the Sumacs and Virginia Creeper with patches of Serviceberry,
Wild Rose, Apricot and Mountain Mahogany create islands of color among the still beginning to
turn leaves. The Gambel Oaks display beautiful rusty bronze and orange pathes while many
lavender Asters are still blooming along tracks. Overall, about 50% of lower-elevation foliage is in
fall color.
Rockwood to Needleton - The higher elevation and different ecosystem bring new types of
foliage into view. The Redtwig Dogwoods that grow along the Animas River are a bright crimson.
The Rocky mountain Maples are beginning their electric orange/red display and the Narrow Leaf
Cottonwood trees have changed. Watch for the most stunning red Currant bush in the country just
after the train whistles for the Tank Creek water stop (Mile Post 474.6). Along the line, you can
see a late-season treat: some lingering yellow blooms from Evening Primrose and views of the
Aspens looking up toward the higher elevations are striking. The avalanche chutes offer a
wonderful mix of shrubs in their autumn best. Overall color 60%.
Needleton to Silverton - The understory plants are in their glory, while the Aspens are coming up
to full color. Brilliant Chokecherry, Serviceberry, various ferns, Thimbleberry and Elderberry are
everywhere and the first red Fireweed, with tops of fuzzy seeds, can be seen. The last Raspberries
of the season cling to bright bronze plants. The avalanche chutes between Elk Park and Silverton
are blazing. Alders along the river are at their peak of yellow and gold. Around Deer Park Creek
(Mile Post 494.2) is simply glorious. Overall color 70%.
Silverton area - Here in the highest sections of the railroad line, the brightest colors can be seen
at the base of Anvil Mountain, with its display of scarlet and orange Aspens. The Champion and
Kendall slide chutes are also outstanding. Aspens on Bounder Mountain are coming up fast and
should provided quite a show over the next week to 10 days. Overall color 80%.
Notes: The fall colors this year are a little late, but it's the best display in several years. Colors are
best seen from the train and changes come rapidly. For best viewing, an immediate trip is
suggested, as unpredictable fall weather can change the color display rapidly.
