2008 Fall Color Reports

Please share your fall color reports for the 2008 season is this thread.

Was up in the Summit County area last weekend. Saw the beginnings of the color change (especially with the smaller aspen) up on Fremont Pass. The image above was shot at Sylvan Lake (south of Eagle). There was very patchy change there as well. Then there were all the reds along the Gore Range.....wait those were dead pines!!

Oh yeah, I look forward to this thread so much every year!!! Woo hoo!

I don't have any first hand info I'm afraid, but wanted to pass along a link to an image taken from near the top of the Maroon Bells this past Sunday, the 14th. a little bit of change going on down there by Maroon Lake!

Bells 9-14-08

I was scouting for elk hunting season on Wolf Creek Pass last Saturday. There were a very few aspens that each had one branch turned yellow. Very few.

This shot was from the west lake at Twin Lakes last Saturday looking north toward Elbert. Things were just starting to turn up high.

Kebler/McClure area reports anyone?

Santa Fe area aspens are were barely, barely starting Monday: couple yellow branches, but no full trees yet.

anyone hear anything from the Tetons, yet?

I was up to the old Hancock town site on the 16th. I didn't see much in the way of colors until a mile or so up Road 295 from where it cuts off just before St. Elmo. There were some nice patches of Aspen that had turned, but lots that were still green.

As for the Aspen/Maroon Bells area: I've got a chance to take a overnight trip up that way early next week. Anyone think that will be a good time for photos, or will it still be too soon?

This was the view from the top of Moraine Park, RMNP today, some color but most still to come.

Any idea if the Marble area is turning, would like to shoot the Crystal Mill with Aspen but have missed 3 years running.... Thanks!

Tim,
I live in the PNW and plan to leave Monday for western Colorado to catch the foliage turn. I was planning on hiking into Crystal Mill because I was under the impression that my Sabraru won't be able to make the 4-5 miles to the mile. Give me some information about how far I can drive and then hike the rest of the way. I was hoping to make it to the lake, park, and then hike from there. Any suggestions? Jarv

It's starting to happen near Steamboat---this is in the canyon off of Hwy 131 north of Oak Creek. The mountain aspens are maybe a week away though. Nevertheless, I'm headed out tomorrow on a 7-day jaunt to see what I can find.

Rod

We just spent the last week on Cameron Pass. Some areas have small stands that are at peak. Most areas are still quite green or just starting to change. Temps have been getting down below freezing at night, so I imagine the progression will accelerate now.

Drove the Peak-to-Peak Highway from Nederland to Ward today on the way to hiking in the Indian Peaks area. While there are small pockets of aspens turning (some even at peak), the big stands are still quite green. I'd say at least 80% of the aspens look unchanged, 10% look like they're just starting to lighten, and the other 10% are gold.

Hello all - I dont usually post to this forum (because I am usually somewhere else) so here goes

17th - tetons just getting started some small areas of color but was at least a week away from being good

18th - Maroon Bells - the classic scene maybe about 30% turned - elsewhere very spotty - Sopris - green - backside of McCure mostly Green - large patches of color visible on the south flanks of the Anthracite Range and Castles but a lot of green up there - not much color near Black Canyon

19th - patchy color south side of Silverton where it turns early but very limited opprotunities

3rd hand reprots from non-photographers of good color today around Creede and Lake city

hope this helps - i am probably headed to Bisti rathe than chase color on unfmailiar ground but if I head back to leaf country will try to post again

Nye Simmons

Thanks for the Teton update, Nye.....

If you were hoping (as i was) to see some snow mix with the Fall colors this year, you may be out of luck. There may be some high elevation snow mon-tue but beyond that it looks very warm and dry through the end of the month. May have to wait to October to get some real snow.

Bummer to hear that, Stan. Almost makes me wish for a late turn again. I was in the San Juans as well on the 19th and concur with Nye's assessment...the most color can be found just south of Silverton. Here's a shot of Mineral Creek just outside of town to illustrate. There was patchier color in the Molas Pass area. Being curious, I drove up to Red Mountain Pass to see if there was any change in the large aspen forest to the north, but it was still mostly green.

I was on Guanella Pass this evening, and the aspen are still mostly green, maybe about 25% turned. The willows and cottonwoods, however, are almost all turned and were various shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Maples are at peak in the Northern Wasatch mountains. Aspens are 50/50, depending on location.

Guy

Some groves are showing good color already.

Guy

Carl,

Just left the Tetons on Friday. Color was coming on fast. Very cold nights and warm days.
Should be peaking around Moran by Monday-Tuesday timeframe. If you see this post you can E'mail me I have a friend there that can give an update.

Wonderful work, as usual, Guy. Your passion for these maples always shows through.

Aspens in RMNP are only changing in pockets, which was true of any I saw turning from there south to Ward. Only a few here and there. Nice small stand on the road to Brainard Rec area.

Following up on Don's recent post - the Tetons are changing fast. Some areas are in full fall glory but most are just a couple of days away.

Most of the low-lying willows are completely golden and there are plenty of red, orange, and yellow aspens although the majority are green/yellow. The cottonwoods are looking nicely yellow at the moment too.

Since I shoot film and don't have any images to post, y'all will just have to take my word for it or, better yet, head over here yourselves!

Update for the Ouray area: The aspens are still very much green. This stand here was one of the only yellow patches in sight. Notice in the background, the slopes of aspens are almost all green. However, in town the cottonwoods and other trees are all starting to turn yellow.

I will update here as soon as I can get out again and know more.

Cottonwoods in the canyons around Moab are still green. Aspens, scrub oak and maples in the La Sals are all starting to look really good. Probably will have great color for the next 2 weeks above 8,000'.

Killer photo, Jack!

Ran into Rene Pirolt and Don Grall at Maroon Bells Sunday morning. Aspens there are maybe halfway turned and just a skiff on snow on the peaks. Should be terrific by next weekend. But Ashcroft is more than halfway there in spots and there's still many areas that are fully green. Here's a view of the beginning of the Pearl Pass road past the end of the pavement.

Rod

And here's a view of some pink-red aspens up the hill from the last picture. Having traveled from Steamboat to Vail, then Brush Creek road south of Eagle down to the Frying Pan River, then around Aspen yesterday, it appears to me that it's going to be a banner year---the aspens for the most part look very healthy, not dull like they did in many places last year.

Rod

Anyone know the status of the small aspen grove near the Miner's Shrine in Silverton? This area seems to turn before other areas in the San Juans and even though it is small it usually has great reds, oranges, and yellows. Just wondering what its lookin' like. Might try a day trip this weekend. Thanks.

Things are looking a little more optimistic for the end of the month, Sept 28-30th. A storm should drop through NE Colorado sun-tue, and if all goes well might see some snow even at lower elevations. Im targeting this time and hoping for the best!

That's good news Stan. I should be around Kebler and the San Juans during those days. Snow on the peaks would be great.

I was in the Quandary Peak area south of Breckenridge today. Aspen are about 50% turned around there, I'm guessing that is probably the case for most of Summit County right about now. The ground brush is looking nice too. Aspen between Hoosier Pass and Alma were a little further along, maybe about 80% turned.

Also went over Kenosha Pass, where aspen have just begun turning - say about 15%, and over Guanella Pass which is beginning to turn quickly - should be peaking late this week. The weekend should also be good up there. Beware of 30 min -1 hour waits for road construction on the Georgetown side of Guanella though. I also heard a road construction project was beginning on Boreas Pass today too if anyone is headed in that direction this week. Will post images when I process a few RAWs.

Made it up to Aspen today. Some swaths of color across Maroon Lake that should make for some good shots, and plenty more swaths on the road up to the lake. Independence Pass had some nice colors in areas, mostly on the east side and at lower elevations. Afternoon lighting at Maroon Lake was so-so at best, but hopefully it'll be better in the morning.

Plan on being in Crested Butte Monday-Wed next week and then heading to Ridgeway for a week, Anybody going to be in the neighborhoods a that time? Always enjoy the company.

Johnny

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/rangerdistricts/aspen_sopris/mb_scenic_site/index.shtml

FYI..above is a link with a picture showing the Maroon Bells colors from earlier today...

I'll tell you what strikes me the most about that picture from the Bells today is how HEALTHY those trees look! That's great news! The last few years they've looked so sickly as they were changing, and never did really get to that classic, golden yellow color. I think this year might just be the year to find great color at Da Bells!

I've been trying to upload a picture from there, but can't get it below the size limits and still make it big enough to see.
Todd, the trees do indeed look quite healthy. Lets hope the beetles don't invade this area.

Johnny,
I'' making my way to western Colorado from the Seattle area and I have never been in the area. I have been using this thread to keep me posted on the area and the timing...right now I'm in Burley, Idaho and should be in GJ Tuesday with the idea of hitting the Grand Mesa and staying at Marble and hiking in to Crystal Mill on Wednesday. Jarv

Independence Pass yesterday. (Thanks for your help, Rick!)

Real nice catch, Bob!
Glad things are working out for you on your trip.

Jarv. Re: Crystal Mills- Wed may be a bit early, I would aim for Sat or Sun at the earliest. It's amazing what just a few days will do as the aspens turn from a medium to light green to full on yellow. I was in the Maroon Bells area this past Sunday and based on those observations the Crystal Mills aspens are about to go but probably won't be prime for a few more days.

Any shots of Kebler pass and the San Juan area, particularly Telluride and around Mt. Sneffles. I'm trying to decide if we should go out there this weekend, or wait until next weekend?

Just now leaving the Maroon Bells and today was a great morning for shooting. It's not quite at peak, but if you're planning on coming up this weekend, you shouldn't be disappointed.

Rachel - Go out both weekends!

Looking forward to a great week and a half with my dog hiking, riding the mtn bike, sleeping in the back of the truck, and capturing fall colors! Be on the lookout...

We will first arrive in Fruita on Thursday and ride 18 Road for a few hours, continuing on to the Maroon Bells parking lot. Planning on a day or two in/around Aspen (Independence, Twin Lakes, TN Pass) with mornings spent at the Bells before proceeding on to the Crystal Mill. A little exploring around Crested Butte (Trail #401, Kebler/Schofield Pass) before moving along to a night at the North Rim of the BCOTG NP. From there we will finish the journey in the San Juans. Once arriving in Ridgeway, we'll explore the North Slope of the Sneffels along Highway 62, check out the colors around Telluride and the Lizard Head Pass, and then come back east across Ophir Pass to Molas and Red Mtn Passes. After several days and the colors starting to fade, we'll head back to Salt Lake City via Mesa Verde NP and hit up some of my favorite rides around Moab along the way.

Is there anything I gotta shoot in SW CO that I left out??...I am up for suggestions and I got the time!

Don't be a stranger to the dude and his dog in the white Ford Explorer with Utah plates and a cargo box/mountain bike on top!

Still the lurker here and haven't posted any pics anywhere (cameras were both stolen in a house breakin 4 wks. Have one replaced now) anyways......I am heading to the Ouray area Sept.26-30th. Will be in a Kansas tagged green Jeep Wrangler.

You guys are all such great photographers....may see some of you there (like I'd know who you are) Anyways maybe someone will see me in the Jeep and say hey

Brian,

Here's a trip that will take less than an hour of your time:
On Hwy. 145 about 5.5 miles south of the turnoff to Telluride, and a half mile south of the Sunshine Campground, go east on the Alta Forest Service Road. This is a good dirt road for about 4.5 miles as it winds through lush aspen forests.
When you get to the old mining town of Alta, park and check out one of the building walls to the east (ignore the sign).
If you're there early in the morning, you might come away with an image like this.

Don,
Thanks for theupdate on the mill...I drove Grand Mesa and out to Land's End and I'm now spending the night in Hotchkiss stealing the school's wi-fi from my room. Grand Mesa is turning but there is still lots of green in the aspens...maybe early next week...I'm so new to the area I don't have a good feel for the turn...thanks again for the update...I will check in again Wednesday morning before I set out...Jarv

Hello All, I plan to be in the Ridgway area this Sat to next Wed and hopefully the following Sat to Mon. I will be in a silver outback xt w/ CO plates.

Golden Gate Canyon area Aspen are just getting good, should be excellent this weekend. Perhaps 25-30% but turning very fast, as there was just the beginning of color over the past weekend. There are already some excellent patches here and there.

I'll be leaving for a Utah trip this weekend, starting in Moab and working my way along Routes 24 and 12 down toward Zion; hoping to catch some good color over Boulder Mountain as I take the tour. It's a family event, so not sure how much photography I'll get in, but surely some...

John,
Thanks for the tip...I have actually been through the Alta ghost town (great spot) on my last trip to the San Juans. We didn't venture out to explore as rain was threatening and I wanted to make it on to the nearby lakes/basins. I will definitely try that perspective should I pass through that area again this year (likely). I love those kind of tips and welcome any others!

Ron,
Thanks for the offer but I'm in Hotchkiss and won't make in time for your trip in...I'll look for you at Maroon Bells Thursday morning...i'm driving a silver Forester with Washington plates.
Be sure to post a report on the color at the mill when you have a chance...enjoy. John

Ron,
I just looked at the map and reread you post...I'll try to be in Marble in early afternoon and will look for you...where? John

Ron,

Rene & I will be out in Marble this weekend. How does the road to the mill look?

RichieV

Unfortunately it looks like my early instincts were correct and it will be basically dry and warm through the peak week. Best chance at some high elevation snow should come Sunday night with a weak cold front, so i will target monday and hope for the best
It's encouraging to see the reports from the Elks etc that show healthy color, and at least there wont be any hellacious storms to knock all the leaves off.

Went to Grand Mesa yesterday. Excellent pockets on the North Side at the Mesa
Lakes level. The majority of the North Side has a few more days to go. The South
side needs more time.

From Maroon Bells last Sunday.

I'll be in the Ridgeway area this weekend. Any further developments on the aspens there?

Great, great info and pics everyone! Keep them coming! I'm headed out this Saturday AM for nine days, and I can't tell you how much this thread has got me jazzed up!

I've been in touch with Jimmy Gekas who's on the road as we speak. He e-mailed me these snap shots this afternoon, and I said I'd post them for him. All shot mid-day today along Highway 550 from Silverton up towards Ouray. He also reports that the west side of Owl Creek Pass looks like it has barely started at all, 90% green!

Thanks for the updates, Stan.
Looks like I'll be out for two weekends in a row then, concentrating on the east side of the Loop this weekend. That gives the west side a chance to gather some snow (fingers crossed) next weekend.

Hope to see you (and others) on the road!

John, the computer forecasts are very stable right now--this is pretty rare so it gives me a fair amount of confidence in what im predicting. It still looks like maybe some light high elevation snow with the front Sunday night, then a strong ridge will build (warm, dry) but should break down by next weekend. So, could see significant mountain snow in the Oct 5-7 time frame. Hopefully that will work for some (wont for me )

Thanks Stan,
I had no doubts whatsoever about your forecasts.
Just hoping for a miracle the weekend after this one, so Oct. 5-7 would work for out for me.

Uh oh...will be traveling over US 160 from the 4 Corners to Walsenburg on the 7th...Is the snow going to be south, Stan?

Virtually impossible to say, Bob. I should have been more clear in my statement, what i was saying is that there is the potential for significant snow around Oct 6,7, If i had to put a number on it id say about 40 percent chance. But that's actually a very high confidence for this far out, you certainly wont find any "official" statement like that anywhere. It could end up being warm and dry, but based on experience i suspect that the jet stream will almost certainly make its way back to the Rockies in that time frame, and the pattern and past history suggest a decent mountain snow. What i can say with a great deal of confidence (99+ percent) is that there wont be any significant widespread snow events before then.

Thanks all for your continued updates! The only changing trees I have gotten out to see lately are the ones in front/backyard. That will change soon though!

Tuesday morning.

Pennock Pass near Fort Collins today. Color about 50% turned. HDR to adjust exposures.

Grand Mesa: Along the road at the Mesa Lakes Level on the North side of the mesa.

Grand Mesa: Along the road near the top side of the North Side looking down on the
Powderhorn ski area.

Just got back from a trip to the Crested Butte area. Hoosier Pass (south of Breckenridge on the way to Fairplay) had some very nice groups of peaking aspen. Kebler Pass still has a way to go, but fortunately the trees look very healthy. There are definitely pockets of gold, but there's still a lot of green (at least 50%). The reds on the Dyke are very red -- much better than last year. Driving down from Kebler to Paonia, the leaves became much more green, with little change visible at the lower elevations. The smaller stuff (scrub oak?) was a nice shade of brownish-red and should be a nice contrast when the aspens finally go. McClure Pass has barely started changing, but the leaves look healthy (and are all still there!). The aspens from Ohio Pass (in the foreground of the typical Castles shot) were quite green as well. Should be a late season, I guess -- wish I had the second weekend of October off too!

Left the Tetons yesterday morning. Color was awfully "purdy" throughout park with plenty of yellows. Oranges and reds were just starting and some trees were still lime colored. here's a shot from Oxbow Bend Wed. 9/24. Hope you are all out having fun and getting great results!

Just drove through South Park and the aspens on the surrounding hillsides are probably 50-75% turned, though the top of Kenosha Pass is probably only 30-50% at best.

Ditto Ron,
Going to stay in GJ to catch some of the air show tomorrow then head up to the Mesa either tomorrow pm or Sunday am.
I'll likely be in the Silver Jack/ Ridgeway area mid next week and then around Kebler/McClure weekend of Oct 4.

Just in case anyone needs to know, I drove on highway 67 south today towards Cripple Creek. The colors are turning nicely all over the place.

Based on the above photo of oxbow bend, it looks to be perhaps a week away from peak; others think differently? i have 2-3 days and had been thinking of going sunday based a few earlier posts here, but not sure now.

ed- i'd say this sunday would be a good time to go. i spent this past saturday-wednesday morning there and, although there was plenty of yellow at the lower levels, there was plenty of stuff yet to turn.

I had the ride of my life with Ron Bailey on the way to Crystal Mill...it was worth it to see the icon although the best was shooting the late evening light at Lizard Lake which had great color and reflections that were mirror like. Maroon Bells was nice but too crowded and no clouds...stayed an extra day when clouds came in late but they moved out in the later hours...today I drove Independence Pass which had nice color...down to Cottonwood and loved the west side with the aspen and granite rocks...drove up Kebler Pass and onto mile marker 11 and sat for hours waiting for a storm to pass through...it was in the distance and by the time it got to me it frizzled...drove back up the pass and shot the huge aspen under the canopy and ran into a bunch of photographers at mile marker 20 (at the ranch) and shot some red aspen across the valley...drove to Gunnison via the Ohio road...it was beautiful in the late evening light...got to Gunnison in the dark..forgot to mention Twin Lakes...shot it at 10 am and it was like a mirror! Beautiful reflection of the aspen across the lake...all in all, I experienced in all areas harsh light, good clouds today, lots of yellow...not much red...lots of green ready to turn...some brown out...moving on to the San Juan area Saturday...I'm from the PNW and have enjoyed your scenes and friendliness and helpfulness from all I have met. A special thanks to Ron for taking me to Crystal...and to Morris for his helpful hints on locations. John Jarvinen

Drove up to RMNP this morning, no clouds and calm wind at Bear Lake this morning. More reds in some of the aspens then earlier this week, but trees are starting to lose their leaves as well. Wind started picking up mid-morning and some clouds moving in now with a possibility of weather. If a couple of days of breeze come up this could be done by early next week. Lots of color along Bear Lake Road as well, and I would say it is at it's peak this weekend, which is also free weekend at the park so plenty of people around Estes and the park.

Here's a shot of the Sneffels Range on Saturday evening (9/27).

...and from Saturday afternoon.
Saturday was windy and rainy throughout the San Juan Skyway. Here's a report:

From Dolores to Rico, aspens are about 50-70% changed. A very pleasant surprise is that the cottonwoods in the Dolores River valley are changing at the same time, making for a very beautiful scene! This section of the Skyway may lack the dramatic mountain peaks, but it's hillsides and lovely river valley more than make up for it.

From Rico to Ridgway, still another weekend or two from peak color change.
I took this quick and dirty pano. from my first trip up County Rd. 5, where the view of the Sneffels Range is the best I've ever seen from anywhere (..without climbing).

As noted earlier, the aspens from Ouray to Molas Pass are at or near their prime.

Aspens in the Santa Fe ski basin are at about 40% yellow. Aspens above Los Alamos in the Jemez mountains are just beginning to turn--probably at 15-20%. Santa Fe should be pretty nice by next weekend.

Cottonwoods, willows and other trees are beginning to turn in Bandelier National Monument (Frijoles Canyon) but are still a couple weeks out for peak colors.

I was up in Clear Creek and Missouri Gulch in the Sawatch yesterday, and though I didn't get any real keepers, I can't imagine the foliage being a whole lot better. I'm a little surprised the place isn't more renowned in the annals of Colorado fall colour.
http://frishmanphoto.smugmug.com/photos/382379163_Kbz7o-L.jpg

Here's what the Dyke along Kebler Pass road looked like on Wednesday afternoon. Sorry for the not-so-timely showing, but I went through again day before yesterday and it had progressed probably 15-20% beyond what you see here. This is what much of the aspens on the western side of Kebler, from Horse Ranch Park west to the road end at Hwy-133, and pretty much all the flanks of Chair Mountain on the south side of McClure Pass, look like right now. We can probably count on finding some decent fall color for another couple of weeks, barring any sudden wind event.

(image not sharpened at all, in order to keep it to a manageable file size for posting...)

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the aspens around Crested Butte look awesome right now. Aspens along Slate River, Washington Gulch and Gothic roads were maybe a day or so from absolute peak, and looked healthier than I've seen them in probably 15 years. Same goes for almost every other place I've been, save for Kebler, where they look better than recent years, but not quite as stellar as elsewhere. In other words, the aspens are back, baby!

I'll be headed for Kebler and the San Juans in a day or so but first I'm gonna exploit a couple of places around Steamboat like this area on Buffalo Pass we call "Rainbow Ridge" which was totally saturated with color this afternoon (no saturation added in PS). You gotta check this place out if you're coming to NW Colorado.

Rod

Here's the sunset from about the same place.

The Sand Dunes are pretty nice right now. The fall colors are getting close to peak and the flowers are a bit past peak. Here's a sample of all the vegetation.

http://www.gcollier.com/dunessample.jpg

I'm just back from Ohio & Kebler Passes and Maroon Lake -- Kebler Pass is progressing from the picture Todd posted above so this week should be great for the west side of the pass. The east side is farther along and closer to peaking. Ohio Pass is very close to peak if not fully peaking with stunning healthy colors of gold and a few greens and reds. Maroon Lake is pretty much peak right now, there is the one stand of Aspens that changes late every year, but the rest are nice-just a few small bare spots below the peaks. I drove home over Independence Pass and its also fantastic, I was kicking myself for not having time to stop. The crowds were thick this weekend, if you're lucky enough to be out during the week be thankful.

This is a 5 exposure panorama taken from near the top of McClure Pass on 9/28. I think that area is close or at its peak. The west side of Kebler probably needs another week. Ohio Pass is at its peak.

Bear Lake again, sorry! Anyway the color in Rocky Mtn NP is getting close to peak with some nice oranges and reds in among the gold.

For those in the Colorado Springs area, I ventured up Gold Camp Road in area of (but not quite all the way to) Rosemont reservoir. It's about 50% changed, but there are large swaths of aspen that have changed and are quite colorful. I'll post a picture or two later.

Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah have amazing colors right now. This past weekend was the peak I believe. The color palette is one of the best I've ever seen here. Aspens are just starting but the maples are slowly ending.

We're getting good color north of Red River in Cabresto Canyon and in the Valle Vidal area. Saturday, Mother Nature delivered our first dusting of snow in the Valle Vidal high-country. I think the color will last until this upcoming weekend.

I've got pics on my blog, if anyone is interested.

I was in the Carbondale/Marble/Sopris area the last 3 days. Although much of the area around Sopris is at peak with leaves dropping around Dinkle Lake, McClure had a lot of green left on Saturday. The McClure area has patches at peak, but will probably be best later this week.

This is a slope near Marble - lots of color in the oak brush.

Just got back from a 3 day trip:

Maroon Bells: I'd say it peaked this past weekend, get there immediately if you want some leaves left in the classic shots of the bells. Further down the valley you will have more time as they still had some changing to do. Surprisingly, the crowds on the weekend were less than Monday morning; go figure.

McClure: Marble side - close to peaking as of Monday if you like some green patch work in the shots. If you would rather have more color, but don't mind some bare spots, then later this week will probably be fine too.

McClure: Paonia side - about 50-60% changed as of Monday night. The aspen that have changed are glorious and the green ones complement them really nicely (see Dave S's shot above for a perfect example). Scrub oak looks really nice all along this area. Give it another 2-3 days (Weds night) and it will be peaking.

I got back Monday afternoon (9-29) from a 5 day camping trip at the North Clear Creek Falls area near Creede. Most aspens had turned yellow to very light orange. After a couple of days of rain storms and wind, the ground became a golden carpet. It was "raining" leaves yesterday morning. Not many reds or oranges along HW149 from South fork to North clear Creek Falls road. Returning over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa yesterday revealed most of the aspen stands are still green. Photo is Bristol Head from our camp spot on the North Clear Creek road.

Snow Update: the storm i saw coming a week ago has sped up a bit and should hit the western mountains Saturday. Snow levels will initially be high but will lower below 10K feet Sunday--if i can swing it with my crazy schedule i will try for Sun-Mon, ti should be amazing with colors still strong and tons of fresh snow!!

Just got back from 4 day tour to Aspen and then over McCLure to Kebler and back. Photos can be seen in my RMNP post below. Basically, east side of Independence was peak and outstanding, west side only 50% except Maroon which was at or near peak. Lots of green and brown going across rd 12 and Kebler, but plenty of beautiful patches, as seen in Todd's Dyke photo.

Stan,

You saw the storm?! Yeah, right. Live by the model - Die by the model.

It does indeed look good. Have to watch the following wave too as you might have another on the heals of the first one (if you buy the GFS solution). Definitely a nice time to get out there after this weekend's storm.

For an easterner relatively unfamiliar with Colorado what areas do you think this storm could hit and what roads, etc., would that lead you down to find that combination of great colors and snow capped peaks? Does it make sense to fly into Montrose on Saturday or Sunday then?

Ed,

Stan is the forecaster (I just do research), but if it was me, I would fly in Saturday ahead of the storm. I would rather travel when conditions are dry. And I don't know the roads around that part of the state (blind leading the blind?).

This storm appears to be timed for starting Saturday evening/Sunday morning. Again, snow levels will be relatively high so I think you would be fine on the roads around Montrose (about 6K MSL) to Gunnison (near 8K MSL) and up towards Crested Butte (about 9K MSL). Probably will have some snow fall on the high passes and peak if there is precip Sunday evening (forecast says likely). Roads are warm so that should help. As Stan said, the models suggest rain early (snow really high) and changing to snow down to the 9000' level (maybe a little lower) later in the weekend.

Like I said, I am not a weather forecaster (but I play one from time to time). That is my best guess this far out.

I got back last night from 2 days in Crested Butte / Marble area. Everything around there is nice. Some things are still not quite at peak, but it didn't matter. There were good photo ops every where I went and the colors were more vibrant than I've seen in the past.

Just getting back from a 4 day trip - here are some updates. I was up on the Flat Tops scenic byway Sat - Sun. I went from Ripple Creek Pass (posted image) all the way up to Dunckley Pass. Conditions were very nice up there and pretty much at the peak - especially farther north. There were still some late changer pockets of green in areas, but very nice overall. Cottonwoods were a little on the green side closer to Buford and Meeker. Shot Capitol Creek area on Monday night and the Bells on Tues morning - definetely peak around Aspen as other have noted!

I think Steven's assessment is pretty on target (good job, Steven ) it will start off at the higher elevations then drop below pass level sun-mon. I personally would be prepared for anything at this point, there's a lot of uncertainty about where the storm is gonna hit hardest so there's a wide range of possibilities, but im extremely confident this will be the first op for some nice wintry scenes (with hopefully some color thrown in!). I am targeting mon-tue morn. If i had the time id be out in the San Juans or northern mts but wont be able to leave until after the storm has hit, so i will hopefully catch something closer to home. As Steve noted there is another potential storm following on the first one's heels--could be a good start to the snow pack this year!

I was up at Crested Butte and Kebler Pass today and I agree with Grant's assessment. From Horse Ranch Park to Crested Butte - lots of really nice vibrant color. For a Wednesday, there were plenty of other photogs around too. I finally got a pic of the Dyke with good color after trying for several years.

The fall colors along the Grand Tetons have been great today. Get here immediately if you can as I expect this weekend's storm to really knock out most of the colors.

Oxbow Bend is as vibrant and colorful as I've seen it in years and is near peak. The surrounding valley around Jenny Lake, and the outside of the park is peaking or just past peak conditions depending on the spot. The traditional ranch shot looked like it needed a few more days til it peaks, but overall a trip this way is worth the time.

Reporting in from Ridgway. Just got into town after 2+ days in Silver Jack Res. area. It's off the hook! Above is a quick snapshot from the famous viewpoint(sorry if its cruddy, can't see worth beans sitting in my car, on a laptop!). Looking great that whole area. Headed to Telluride next, so will hopefully report if I have a chance. I think Last Dollar today, and Wilson Mesa tomorrow, then over to Cnty Roads 5, 7 & 9. HOpe to see some of you there this weekend!

Brent,
You're killing me!! Might not be able to get down there this year as time is limited. Heading for McClure, Kebler, etc. area in an hour. Since I likely won't get down there, can I have your culls?

Update: everything looking on target for some exciting shooting conditions with the coming storm this weekend. Looks a bit too warm for low elevation snow, but at Passes and higher the snow will be flying! I tentatively expect mon sunset and especially tue sunrise to produce some great stuff, i will definitely be there. No gaurantees, but you gotta take advantage of these rare ops.

Got back last night from a 5-day trip through the Elks and San Juans. Here's what I observed:

Capitol Peak TH: Great aspen color last Sunday night, but a few stands still were green. Should still be shootable this weekend.

Maroon Bells: Like others have said the peak was probably last weekend, but the trees next to the lake that usually turn late should be ready to go this weekend.

Crystal Mill: From what I heard, this has probably been the best year there in at least the last two or three. On Monday the aspens looked pretty gold, but still had a few green leaves. Peak there was probably the end of this week, but if the wind has spared the leaves it may still be very shootable this weekend.

McClure Pass: Marble side is at peak right now. Paonia side was a little behind as usual but should look good into early next week.

Kebler Pass: West side of the pass is peaking right now. On the roadsides the leaves are beginning to get blown off, but in the hillsides there are still a few green stands. I shot the photo above on Monday night, went back on Wednesday and many of the leaves in the aspen stand in the foreground had blown off already. Things on the east side are nearing peak as well. Shot the Dike instead on Wednesday night (I was one of the many photographers with you there Doug), and like he said it was incredible! Get there now if you can!

Ohio Pass: Peaking late this week. Looks fantastic from the top of the pass! Lower elevations still had a few green stands to go still, but not many. The aspen are really looking healthy there as mentioned above. Get there now.

San Juans: It is surprising how much green was still in the Sneffels range during the middle of this week. Shots from CR5, CR7 should be great WELL into next week! Wilson Mesa is about 70% turned and starting to go faster. Shot from Last Dollar Road and noticed even with the dry weather there is at least a little bit of snow still on Wilson Peak. Red Mountain Pass area is a bit past peak now.

Good luck shooting everyone!

That little snow on WIlson will grow substantially tomorrow nite. San Juans are defintiely the place to be this weekend, especially after the storm clears. It's speeding up a bit, i suspect Monday sunrise will be incredible in the San Juans, wish i could be there, hope to see some crazy photos.

Tetons got the first of the weather last night, and some stands around Oxbow Bend were affected, but the traditional stands next to the river are still going strong and peaking with about 90% turned.

Here's a quick and dirty edit from this morning

http://www.pezpix.com/photos/386031060_wY3Xc-L-1.jpg

And on a sidenote, the weather brought incredible conditions this morning with clouds bouncing off the peaks and some of the best shooting conditions I've had over there. I made the midday trek down to the San Juans and am hoping to catch a few shots before this winter storm bears down tomorrow night.
First word I've heard is that we are under a winter storm watch here in the San Juans with some potential for big snow and lots of wind. Lets hope the early colors can hold steady through the weekend storm.

Hi Everybody,

I'm planning on going to McClure Pass and Kebler Pass this weekend from Boulder, but I'm not sure how to navigate the approaching storm. When do you think the best time will be to go in order to make it there (via I-70) and perhaps shoot some snow with the fall colors? My choices are to leave today or Sunday morning. Either way I have to come back Monday mid-day.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Everybody,

I'm planning on going to McClure Pass and Kebler Pass this weekend from Boulder, but I'm not sure how to navigate the approaching storm. When do you think the best time will be to go in order to make it there (via I-70) and perhaps shoot some snow with the fall colors? My choices are to leave today or Sunday morning. Either way I have to come back Monday mid-day.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Everybody,

I'm planning on going to McClure Pass and Kebler Pass this weekend from Boulder, but I'm not sure how to navigate the approaching storm. When do you think the best time will be to go in order to make it there (via I-70) and perhaps shoot some snow with the fall colors? My choices are to leave today or Sunday morning. Either way I have to come back Monday mid-day.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Everybody,

I'm planning on going to McClure Pass and Kebler Pass this weekend from Boulder, but I'm not sure how to navigate the approaching storm. When do you think the best time will be to go in order to make it there (via I-70) and perhaps shoot some snow with the fall colors? My choices are to leave today or Sunday morning. Either way I have to come back Monday mid-day.

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Everybody,

I'm planning on going to McClure Pass and Kebler Pass this weekend from Boulder, but I'm not sure how to navigate the approaching storm. When do you think the best time will be to go in order to make it there (via I-70) and perhaps shoot some snow with the fall colors? My choices are to leave today or Sunday morning. Either way I have to come back Monday mid-day.

Thanks for any advice!

I drove the road from Durango to Silverton this afternoon and it was socked in with rain. Aspens are largely changede with some stands still green.

Wolf Creek is snowpacked and some restrictions in place fro 550 and 160. Take it easy driving tomorrow, and good luck--can't wait to see the snow pics!

I left Phoenix this morning and arrived in Cortez and it is raining hard with a thick cloud layer. I'm moving on to the Sneffels (CR5, CR7, & CR9) via Telluride tomorrow morning so if you know the conditions there please let me know. I'm hoping for colorful aspens and snow at the higher elevations and a break or two in the clouds. John

For our New Mexico contingent: I was up on the peaks above Ski Santa Fe this morning. There's almost a foot of snow above 11,000'! The aspens weathered the storm pretty well, though, and it's looking very, very nice up there. I'll try and get a pic up soon. If anyone's been thinking about going to the New Mexico Sangres, right now's a great time. I do expect there will still be worthwhile color there through next weekend, though.

The east side of Kebler Pass is going pretty quickly. The rain/snow continued last night and there is a perceptible difference in some spots. Snow did not go as low as the Saturday night but there was still a fair accumulation above tree line.

On the Dyke the aspen above the red area have dropped their leaves. The other areas on the Dyke seem to be holding leaves and there is some nice snow showing on all the surrounding peaks.

Justin, Tom, and Arlen nice talking with you. Jason, you left some fog on top of Kebler so there was no cloud color this morning at Lost Lake. I did manage some good reflections to add to my collection .

After leaving the lake, I drove over to the west side of Kebler and talked to another photographer who said the clouds there where good this morning. I should have followed my hunch! The color is incredible and leaves there seem to be holding pretty well.

By the way the highway folks started grading Kebler Pass road this morning. Not sure how long it usually takes for them to complete the work.

Alright, it's not one of my keepers, but here's a taste of Santa Fe's colours today:
http://frishmanphoto.smugmug.com/photos/388593507_5oTcW-XL.jpg

And here's how the high country is looking:
http://frishmanphoto.smugmug.com/photos/388593516_wXwYs-XL.jpg

Jackson,

Those are both awesome shots! I get dizzy looking at the second one! Two questions for you:

1.) How did you get up that high? Chair lift? Snow Shoes? Helicopter? Alien ship?
2.) Where was that first image shot? I don't remember any split-rail fences that high up. Somewhere near the Winsor Trail?

Excellent work!

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for the tips about the Kebler Pass.

I was there on Sunday as the storm blew in and the light and the leaves were incredible, especially on the west side. Even after the storm (on Monday morning, 10/6), the aspens were still gold and orange all across McClure Pass and the surrounding area. Plenty of green still on the west side of Kebler, which surprised me. Here's one of my shots from Kebler on 10/5:

http://www.jkestler.com/photos/index.php?showimage=310

Thank you, Phillip! I just walked. Usually I go up Raven's Ridge, but yesterday I just hiked up Sunset in the ski area. I hadn't been expecting quite that much snow, and frankly it was a bit of a miserable slog in the dark. I was wishing I had snowshoes, or better yet skis. But definitely worth it.

The first shot is the drift fences on Gayway, within ski area bounds. I think they're running the quad for aspen viewing, which takes you halfway up the mountain. It'd be worth a ride right now.

Well played, Mr. Hardeman!

I just got back to VA after 3.5 days in Ridgway. Many thanks for all the useful advice here. I will post a few images later this week but Silver Jack and Owl Creek were great this weekend as the storm swirled around; CR 7 was magical with the clearing storm on Monday a.m. with great colors; Dallas Divide is good still but there are some bare patches and likewise further up Rt 62 a lot has been blown; CR 9 was beautiful this a.m. right before the forest area begins and around the horse farm. I thought Wilson Mesa and around Silver Pick had the best colors of anywhere on Monday. I wish I could go back up there more than anywhere. Met a numer of folks from here and saw Brent D's car on Owl Creek and David Brookover on CR 7. Cheers.

I drove to western Colorado sometime around 9/19 and hit all the areas that I thought would be good for fall foliage: Cyrstal Mill, Maroon Bells, Kebler Pass, Independence Pass, Cottonwood Pass, Ohio Creek, Owl Creek, etc. I settled in on Ridgeway because of the snow capped Sneffels and the ripe aspens. This is really a photographer's paradise. CR5, CR7, Owl Creek Pass, and Last Dollar roads have provided me with plenty to do and enough dust for a lifetime.
People I have met have gone out of their way to be helpful and provide hints of best locations and times. The info from the forum was outstanding and helped me plan my trip. I camped out most of the time and I am now "stuck" at Orvis Hot Springs for the night. It's nice to have a warm bed and some time to soak my bones. I am leaving for home (Seattle area) Thursday after the golden hour morning shoot of some aspen on CR5 that light up prior to anything around them. They are just livid with color at 7:32 am and I'm hoping for a dab of clouds for some red in the sky tomorrow. Thanks to all who helped me directly (Ron, Morris, Jo Ann, and the couple who invited me to their home for dinner) and to all who allowed me to share a special location with them. I will be back! Thanks. Happy shooting. John Jarvinen

Mods,

Can we possibly get this page locked and start a second page due to the size and number of images in this thread? Another idea would be to start a second thread to cover fall color south of the 37th parallel.

Jackson,

As Phil said, excellent work! I wish I had the energy to get up on the peaks right now.

...start a second thread to cover fall color south of the 37th parallel

That would preclude Zion and Escalante, etc.. How about a "Non-Aspen" Fall Color Thread?

That would preclude Zion and Escalante, etc.. How about a "Non-Aspen" Fall Color Thread?

That's fine, except that I'm pretty sure we have aspens here in New Mexico, and I seem to remember seeing aspens in Utah, too. Maybe we could have an "Everywhere but Colorado" fall color thread?

While I'm thinking about it, I've got recent pictures of fall color in New Mexico on my blog.

I'm pretty sure we have aspens here in New Mexico, and I seem to remember seeing aspens in Utah, too.

Adam, You are obviously delirious! Utah and NM are deserts! They don't have aspens!

Yesterday (Wed 10/8) I got a bird's eye view of half of the state of Colorado, on a flight from San Diego to Denver, then Denver to Montrose.

There are still LOTS of colorful aspens out there! Telluride area looked good, as did the region generally west of Kebler Pass (see picture).

Bandelier Update:

Called the Visitor Center at Bandelier and they tell me that the fall colors in Frijoles Canyon are at about 60-65%. She said there was a good amount of yellow but still some green. This is mainly up by the ruins. She said the trees down by the two waterfalls generally change a little later.

Telluride is still good.

Ridgway lost a TON of leaves today with the wind coming in with the front arriving tomorrow.
County Road 7 is finished, majority of the leaves have been blown off.

Owl Creek Pass is losing a lot of leaves also.
From Ridgway - Silverjack has a lot of brown spots, looks like it lost a lot of leaves today.

Jemez Springs and Los Alamos (NM):

The Jemez Springs Ranger Station reports that the cottonwoods along the Jemez River between San Ysidro and Jemez Springs are at about 40-50%. Still a bit of green but some good areas of yellow.

Went for a hike above Los Alamos yesterday and the aspens are in pretty bad shape. Many of the leaves have been severely eaten (lots of holes!), many have just turned brown, and some are a milky green and crunchy! There are some patches and groves with nice color (and difficult to get to) but overall its a pretty bad year. Still some green with about 75% having turned yellow or gone crunchy. No where near as healthy as the aspens in Colorado!

Sneffels Range this morning. The wind was blowing pretty good, and it looks like it will storm soon... hopefully it won't blow all the leaves away!

I awoke this morning to high winds up on Rampart Range above Woodland Park. High winds, as in, blowing trees down across the road high winds. (granted, just three smallish aspens, but still, hard to take a picture of leafy trees in those conditions.)

For those of you who are still craving some fall color photography you should come to Moab. The cottonwoods, poison ivy, water birch, scrub oak and single leaf ash are all coming along nicely. We've probably got another 2 weeks of nice color in the canyons before the bare brances of winter set in.

Is this thread dead yet?? No?

Just got back from the Guadalupe Mountains in west Texas. The McKittrick Canyon area is on the downhill slide. Was there on Oct 30th and there was still a bit of color near the Pratt Lodge. The Smith Spring area, while small, is really singing now! Lots of outstanding reds and yellows. The Devil's Hall trail up Pine Spring Canyon is currently at peak up to Devil's Hall. Beyond that the color drops off rapidly. About a quarter mile past Devil's Hall the leaves are down. Lots of red, yellow, orange, green, and burgundy! Really beautiful! Might still be good for a few more days.