I know the peak for autumn color in RMNP cannot be predictded precisely, but is the week of Sept 8-15 a little early?I will be spending a week there this fall and trying to pick the best time to get autumn color , yet still beat the closing of the roads into the highest part of park. I would like info from natives of this area in helping me select week that will have good chance of colors and also have good chance of being able to drive the main roads thru the park. Not asking for much , am I? Any info and advise will be greatly appreciated by this son of the south. Ray Dove, Comer, Ga.
Generally, usually, on a "normal" year, (enough caveats, for ya? ), that might be a week early. But we've had quite a bit of unseasonable weather the past couple of years. Like today, June 5th, and it's snowing in the high country. If it were me, I plan for the following week.
September can be glorious in CO. Your odds of getting good weather in RMNP the 2nd and 3rd week of September are pretty high. But it can also be HOT. And it can also snow, especially up high. So be ready for anything and just enjoy what you get. HTH
That week is probably going to be a little early. The peak varies across the state, generally starting in the north and moving towards the south, but the rules are not that clear cut. Some areas always tend to turn earlier than other areas.
On the plus side, the tundra should have moved to a nice fall palette by that time.
Also, keep in mind that there are many high passes in Colorado that stay open year round. It is possible to get from Estes Park to the west entrance of RMNP year round by taking Berthoud Pass. Its certainly a much longer drive, but is always an option. Only a few paved passes in Colorado close in the winter. Independence Pass, Cottonwood Pass and Trail Ridge Road (in RMNP) are the main ones that come to mind. The majority stay open.
Also consider that while Rocky Mountain National Park has some aspen and spectacular scenery, it is by no means the aspen hot spot in the state.
Its really tough to predict when the best time will be to view the aspens, but roughly September 20th through October 5th might give you the best window across the state in general. If I had to bet from 6 months out, I'd shoot for September 20th to be in the week I arrived. Of course the weather can be somewhat difficult as last year was. Last year much of the aspen foliage went from green to brown as repeated early frosts and hard winds took a heavy toll.
I hope this is somewhat helpful and that you'll have an excellent trip.
RMNP really for the most part does not have a lot of Aspens, compared to other parts of the state, if you are coming out to shoot Aspens I would think elsewhere. If you are confined to the RMNP area I would highly recommend looking into the Peak to Peak Highway south of the park. You really want to contact Mr. RMNP (Erik Stensland) about aspens etc. morninglight.us
I agree with the above views of RMNP. When I first moved here, I thought "I'll drive to RMNP and see all those glorious aspens I see in photos"...not true...most of the color is in the southwestern half of the state in the old aspen groves...starting at around Twin Lakes near Independence Pass, Crested Butte, San Juans etc. RMNP is great to visit but don't go there if you're ONLY looking for fall color...go for hiking, tundra, elk, lakes and mountains.
All that said about the aspens in RMNP (and it is true that the San Juans, Crested Butte and Aspen areas have much larger stands) there still are some opportunities in the park you should remember. There is an oft-photographed stand on the shores of Bear Lake that has been turning somewhat early in the past few years (probably near the end of your already proposed timeline) as well as some stands that turn about a week later such as on the trail toward Alberta Falls, the Bierstadt Moraine and near the foot of Trail Ridge Road. The Peak to Peak byway is also a wonderful suggestion.
The stands near the Bear Lake Junction and in Horseshoe Park are also often-photographed, usually with Elk coming down for the evening. But both of those are relatively late turners due to their relatively low altitude.
While it has been said RMNP may NOT have that many Aspen, don't let that discourage ya. There are some excellent spots. And Estes is loaded with them as well, you want some killer Aspen scenery, take HWY 7 leaving Estes, and travel along the St Vrain River. Take an exit for the town of "Riverside" and be ready. It is other worldly! There, I gave out one of my secret spots lol
I am grateful to all who shared their knowledge. Accordingly, We have decided to come to RMNP the week of Sept 24 - Oct 1. I think that week will give better possibilities. Thanks to all who shared their locations advise and all other info. Ray Dove
Discussion
8 repliesSeptember can be glorious in CO. Your odds of getting good weather in RMNP the 2nd and 3rd week of September are pretty high. But it can also be HOT. And it can also snow, especially up high. So be ready for anything and just enjoy what you get.
That week is probably going to be a little early. The peak varies across the state, generally starting in the north and moving towards the south, but the rules are not that clear cut. Some areas always tend to turn earlier than other areas.
On the plus side, the tundra should have moved to a nice fall palette by that time.
Also, keep in mind that there are many high passes in Colorado that stay open year round. It is possible to get from Estes Park to the west entrance of RMNP year round by taking Berthoud Pass. Its certainly a much longer drive, but is always an option. Only a few paved passes in Colorado close in the winter. Independence Pass, Cottonwood Pass and Trail Ridge Road (in RMNP) are the main ones that come to mind. The majority stay open.
Also consider that while Rocky Mountain National Park has some aspen and spectacular scenery, it is by no means the aspen hot spot in the state.
Its really tough to predict when the best time will be to view the aspens, but roughly September 20th through October 5th might give you the best window across the state in general. If I had to bet from 6 months out, I'd shoot for September 20th to be in the week I arrived. Of course the weather can be somewhat difficult as last year was. Last year much of the aspen foliage went from green to brown as repeated early frosts and hard winds took a heavy toll.
I hope this is somewhat helpful and that you'll have an excellent trip.
Mel-
RMNP really for the most part does not have a lot of Aspens, compared to other parts of the state, if you are coming out to shoot Aspens I would think elsewhere. If you are confined to the RMNP area I would highly recommend looking into the Peak to Peak Highway south of the park. You really want to contact Mr. RMNP (Erik Stensland) about aspens etc. morninglight.us