Posted by GUYHARRISON on August 17, 2007 at 1:13 PM
I know it's early, but are there any early predictions on how the fall colors are shaping up (ie has it been too wet, too dry, etc. so far this year). I am planning a trip the last two weeks of Sept/first week of Oct and am trying to get a feel for things.
Thank,
Guy Harrison
Posted by Jody Grigg on August 17, 2007 at 2:13 PM
I guess its time to start the sticky thread for fall colors. Maybe the first post could say approx. when the fall colors turn.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 17, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Thank you Darren! To those who want predictions on what the fall colors will be like, listen to each prediction carefully, and then throw it out the window. DK has it exactly right. Once in a while there are off years, but even then you can usually find something to shoot. Come anytime from mid-September to (nearly) mid-October, and if you don't find any color, no one else did either.
Wow - it starts earlier every year. Fall can't come soon enough for me, especially with this heat. I'll put up a sticky thread soon (note to self...take down the wildflower sticky... ).
Guy, I agree with Darren - with a 3 week window, you can't miss. It will be a matter of mapping out a general schedule that starts you in the spots that turn earlier and ends in the spots that turn later, with enough flexibility to adjust as conditions dictate. Wet or dry conditions seem to influence the magnitude and variety of colors more than the timing. In the four years that I've made the fall trip, there hasn't been any significant change in when things start, only in what happens afterwards. For example, last year early snows tinged aspen leaves and brought a different color to the stands, but they were still beautiful. In fact, I thought it was a nice bit of variety and enjoyed the different look/feel.
As things start to turn, there will be no shortage of info on how things are progressing at different locations, so be sure to keep an eye on the forum. If you get out early, be sure to let us know what you find!
Posted by George Hager on August 17, 2007 at 3:59 PM
PLEASE - whenever possible attach a picture or two. One person's fantastic - best ever is another person's yucky. They don't have to be great shots. No one will hold a bad shot against you if it gives them the information they need. Words just don't say it as well as pictures. I guess that is why we are photographers.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 17, 2007 at 4:30 PM
Everyone is right. You have given yourself a very nice window to capture something. Be sure to report what you see. I'm looking forward to fall, but I don't know where the summer has gone. I hope it is a long fall. I could do without the several feet of snow we experienced last year on the Front Range.
Posted by GUYHARRISON on August 17, 2007 at 4:56 PM
WOW, thanks for all your hospitality. Since my timing is good, I noted that Rick suggested mapping out a route would be a good step, since it seems that some areas turn earlier than others.
If I wanted to do a multi-state tour, when would the turning begin up in Idaho, say, in the Sawtooths and working down to Colorado. Any suggestions of good spots for color in ID/WY?MT? If I wanted to stay more in Colorado, what general itinerary would you suggest?
Thanks Again,
Guy Harrison
www.guyharrisonphoto.com
Posted by Scott Bacon on August 17, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Guy, I've been shooting Colorado's Fall colors for quite a while now, and if I was to take a three week trip like that, I'd do exactly what you mentioned, last two weeks of September, first week of October. Really can't go too wrong! And since I've come across this timing type of question before, I've gone back on all my Fall trip web pages and put in dates of when each image was shot to give a feel for it. Have a look when you have a chance: 2006 A 2006 B 2005 2004 2003 2002
I really like George’s thoughts too. When fall color info starts coming in from folks out and about, let’s see some images. Point and shoot ones are fine!! I think people are a little intimidated to put up images that aren’t there “best” sometimes, but for seeing how things like Fall colors are progressing, it’s such a huge help! A picture is worth a 1000 words couldn’t be more true.
Every year (and I’ve been as guilty as anyone in the past) we get posts that say things like “Maroon Lake is 20% turned, and not looking good this year” , and is so subjective. Last year for example, all the talk for a week or so was how bad Kebler Pass area was. Well, I was up there for a couple days around October 1st, and what I found, to me, was some incredible stuff! .(see image above, October 1st)
Enough rambling from me. Best of luck on your trip Guy, and keep checking back here, as you really will get tons of invaluable info as Fall comes along!
oooooh boy got me excited. The nice crisp cool air and the colors and snow on the high peaks and the........the....... I love Autumn
Posted by Kalin Wilson on August 18, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Speaking of snow... Pikes Peak got a little dusting today! It was gone by the evening but there were a couple of spots lingering. I really hope that's not a harbinger. I don't want a repeat of last fall either (although I did like the snow on Owl Creek Pass!)
I just posted a listing of some of the resources I used in planning my fall Colorado trip in 2006. They are on the Fall Colors Thread. I had a great time last year and started working on my plans for this fall.
Discussion
11 repliesThank,
Guy Harrison
Guy, I agree with Darren - with a 3 week window, you can't miss. It will be a matter of mapping out a general schedule that starts you in the spots that turn earlier and ends in the spots that turn later, with enough flexibility to adjust as conditions dictate. Wet or dry conditions seem to influence the magnitude and variety of colors more than the timing. In the four years that I've made the fall trip, there hasn't been any significant change in when things start, only in what happens afterwards. For example, last year early snows tinged aspen leaves and brought a different color to the stands, but they were still beautiful. In fact, I thought it was a nice bit of variety and enjoyed the different look/feel.
As things start to turn, there will be no shortage of info on how things are progressing at different locations, so be sure to keep an eye on the forum. If you get out early, be sure to let us know what you find!
If I wanted to do a multi-state tour, when would the turning begin up in Idaho, say, in the Sawtooths and working down to Colorado. Any suggestions of good spots for color in ID/WY?MT? If I wanted to stay more in Colorado, what general itinerary would you suggest?
Thanks Again,
Guy Harrison
www.guyharrisonphoto.com
Guy, I've been shooting Colorado's Fall colors for quite a while now, and if I was to take a three week trip like that, I'd do exactly what you mentioned, last two weeks of September, first week of October. Really can't go too wrong! And since I've come across this timing type of question before, I've gone back on all my Fall trip web pages and put in dates of when each image was shot to give a feel for it. Have a look when you have a chance:
2006 A
2006 B
2005
2004
2003
2002
I really like George’s thoughts too. When fall color info starts coming in from folks out and about, let’s see some images. Point and shoot ones are fine!! I think people are a little intimidated to put up images that aren’t there “best” sometimes, but for seeing how things like Fall colors are progressing, it’s such a huge help! A picture is worth a 1000 words couldn’t be more true.
Every year (and I’ve been as guilty as anyone in the past) we get posts that say things like “Maroon Lake is 20% turned, and not looking good this year” , and is so subjective. Last year for example, all the talk for a week or so was how bad Kebler Pass area was. Well, I was up there for a couple days around October 1st, and what I found, to me, was some incredible stuff! .(see image above, October 1st)
Enough rambling from me. Best of luck on your trip Guy, and keep checking back here, as you really will get tons of invaluable info as Fall comes along!
I just posted a listing of some of the resources I used in planning my fall Colorado trip in 2006. They are on the Fall Colors Thread. I had a great time last year and started working on my plans for this fall.
Phil Schwarz
E2311 530th Ave
Menomonie, WI 54751
e-mail: schwarzp@uwstout.edu
web: http://philipschwarz.zenfolio.com/