Advice on the Southern Part of the state

Haven't been posting in a while, but trying to get back into it. I'll post some fall colors from last year for critique later, but was hoping for some advice for this year.

Looking at getting out for some fall colors October 4th through 8th. This is the only time I have and I'm thinking I'm going to be decently past peak in the San Juans and most areas North.

Right now, I'm hoping Owl Creek and Silver Jack are still happening, but if not I was going to head toward Sand Dunes and Cumbres Pass but I don't know much about either area.

Does anyone have any areas that they recommend checking out around either of those two. I'm trying to avoid spending all of my time scouting. I'll be car camping for most of the trip in a Land Cruiser.

Thanks in advance. Hoping to have more to post now that the kids are getting a little older.

Lance,

You may want to check Cuchara Pass (Highway 12) at about that time. It is typically very good around the first week in October, although I haven't been down there yet (I plan on being there on the 3rd). There are forest service camp sites at Blue Lakes and Black Lake on Forest Road 422 which comes off of Hwy 12 below the top of Cuchara Pass. I highly recommend this area.

I think the San Juans will be good then, barring an early snowstorm that kills the leaves. That's when I've shot them the last couple times and things seem to be changing a little later this year. Owl Creek, in particular, tends to be later than other places. Even if you were a bit late, places like Cty Rd 5 south of Ridgway should be very nice, with leaves carpeting the forest floor. I prefer to be there late.

The sand dunes actually has some decent colors, with cottonwoods along the eastern edge. Just drive up Medano Creek Road. Surprisingly, I've seen those peak before the San Juans.

Thanks Grant & Bob. I'll stay flexible. If I go I'm planning on heading to Silver Jack on the 4th. I'll post where I'm going to be to see if anyone else is around.