Need trip advice: San Juan Mts in September

[masphx]

My Birthday is September 29th and thought I would do a long weekend road trip with my girlfriend around that time. I was thinking about hanging out in the San Juan mountain range during that time off-roading and camping/hotel. I also like trains so also aiming on taking the Durango-Silverton Railroad.

I have skied in Telluride multiple times but have never been in this area besides winter time. Is it still a good time to explore that area at the end of September? Cold?

Planning on buying the Fun Treks guide book for the trip.

 

[cdrewferd]

It'll be cold depending on how high you go. Might be snow, but hard to say for sure. It'll be a great time to explore the area. If you could go a couple weeks later, you might be able to catch more of the changing colors on the aspens.

 

[white_n_slow]

Late September will be a little brisk for camping, but should be good scenery wise. I would be prepared for snow.

 

[HOJeepster]

The leaves should be in prime color by then. I'd suggest checking out Engineer Pass if you want a mild 4x4 road. Or hike Ice Lakes just west of Silverton.

 

[masphx]

Was planning on doing the Telluride-Ouray pass and maybe something else high in elevation off road wise. Kind of sounding like this would not be the optimal time to do that though.