Fall Colors Report

It's that time of year again. While Todd is all the accuracy many of us need, the rest of us with inferior internal color meters like to share here.

Well, apparently the tundra is getting started, but that's about it.

I just wanna know who is going to earn Todd's wrath by being the first to claim that colors are turning early this year... Hey maybe ill do it:
I was just outside and i noticed a yellow leaf....It seems to me that COLORS ARE TURNING REALLY EARLY THIS YEAR!!

Hey yall, I just rejoined after having been away from this great site for a couple years.My wife and I are going to the San Juans to visit family from Sept.17-25.My main thing is pics of course.I hope we picked the dates right what do yall think and I'd appreciate any suggestions as we haven't made strict plans on where we will go.Thanks

Sept 17 is on the early side, Eddie, there will likely still be a fair amount of green then, with pockets of good color--but by the 25 things should be hopping.

That would be my luck, a week early.Well at least we'll be getting out of this S. Louisiana heat for a few days lol.

Was up in RMNP kind of shocked around Wild Basin to see how many Aspen have turned, along along the lower St Vrain...it isn't 'a lot' in the traditional sense, but it sure is 'a lot' to see so many turning this early.

Side note---speaking of early...the Elk Rut in RMNP has started but not on a massive scale. We were in the Sheeps Lakes area and there was action one would expect to be taking place towards the end of the month, not the first couple days of September. One very large Bull with his harem chasing other males all over the place. Maybe they know something we don't know?

Coming into Idaho Springs from Mount Evans this morning, I was surprised at how many of the narrowleaf cottonwoods (or alders, or whatever they are) were about as yellow as they're pro'ly gonna get. Several aspens higher up on the road were showing signs of color, too.

BTW Stan, someone already did that (hinted at an early fall) about two weeks ago.

EDDIE: Welcome back! Depends on where in the San Juans you're headed. The area between Lake City and Spring Creek Pass always seems to go early. I've cruised through there on my b-day (9/13) and seen it at peak more than once.

>>Coming into Idaho Springs from Mount Evans this morning, I was surprised at how many of the narrowleaf cottonwoods (or alders, or whatever they are) were about as yellow as they're pro'ly gonna get. Several aspens higher up on the road were showing signs of color, too.
<<

I was wondering what those trees are. They have bark like cotonwoods but narrow leaves. They're already yellow along Left Hand Canyon but they may be black after this fire.

I hiked to Bierstadt Lake today and the aspens are pretty green but there are a few branches here and there that are yellow.

- Dan

Coming back to Grand Junction on I70 today I noticed a few pockets of color between Dillon & Frisco. Of course shooting from I70 isn't ideal, but was nice to see some fall colors starting already. I can't wait!!

I rode the amtrack train from Denver to Glenwood (follows the Fraser and Colo Rivers all the way up through Winter Park, Kremling before dropping down to Dotsero and GW canyon) and back this past weekend. Going over on Friday everything was deep green. Returning in Monday, a lot of yellow showing both aspens and cottonwoods. I'm not saying anything is "early" as it seems on schedule to me, but it is happening.

Any comments on summer weather conditions in key fall color lcoations like Aspen, Ouray, Crested Butte?

Its been so dry in Denver this summer that we are buring up. Literally. Such extreme dryness, I believe likely means less color and shorter duration as the leaves will dry fall quicker. Maybe I am wrong. But maybe the weather on teh otehr side of the divide has been more favorable.

Any forecats?

Along the Highline Canal this am, some early reds, yellows and some browns were visible. Seems about right for early Sept.

Bill Brennan

Was up in RMNP this morning for a little morning hike and then took a look around the Glacier Gorge region. Looks like the aspens around bear have started to change in the more stressed areas. Should be nice in about two weeks as the others join in. Down lower there is a lot of green and no other colors other than beetle kill brown. Looks like the fall colors are progressing like normal.

I noticed some yellow on the way up to Mt. Evans from Idaho Springs as well, a small amount from Mt. Evans to Evergreen but nothing worth shooting.

Decided to take the dogs for a quick hike around Kenosha Pass today. Also wanted to check out how the aspens were progressing. I don't know what it means for anywhere else but it's definitely starting to look nice up there

Here are 3 shots from the hike.

#2

#3

Went to Kenosha Pass today as well to look for color. I thought things were about 30% of the way progressed and were looking pretty nice -- Here are some shots to give you an idea.

Drove up Rampart Range between Garden of the Gods and Woodland Park on Sunday. Some of the trees haven't turned yet, some are 50%, some have completely turned and others are even are loosing quite a few of their leaves already. Quite the mix depending on where you look!

Aspens along Peak to Peak Highway between Nederland and Hwy 7 are looking quite good and yellow in spots.

- Dan.

I just got back from the South San Juans, on the Pagosa side. I hadn't gone hoping for colors, which was a good thing: just the barest teasers in that neighborhood.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day in the mountains and I just had to check out the aspens on Buffalo Pass. A few stands are already turning in the area we locals call "Rainbow Ridge," which is about a mile above Dry Lake Campground. The trees look mostly healthy this year, so I'm expecting this area to be top notch for color in two weeks.

Where there is some leaf mold, the trees have already changed and are starting to lose their leaves. I did notice though that the mountain ash is prolific and very vibrant, much like two years ago. I think it's going to be a good one, at least here in NW Colorado.

Color is starting up on the Grand Mesa near Grand Junction.

I was up at Kenosha Pass this morning doing some scouting, it's at least 50% in some parts if not more. I'm going up there again on Saturday. (This is just a compressed phone shot.)

Hiked around Catamount Ranch near Woodland Park today...some stands of aspen are turning, but a lot still hasn't. I give it a week, maybe longer if the weather stays sunny and warm.

I did a hike today above Ouray. From what I could count, maybe 3.6872346% are turning. It's going to be at least a week, probably more. I could see some good sized yellow patches up towards Red Mtn. Pass; that area usually turns earlier.

Oh, also as far as I can tell the tundra is not nearly as colorful as last year around this time. But last year was one of the best years I've seen it.

Drove from Nederland to Ward today on the way to a hike in the Brainard Lake area. There's some nice color along the Peak-to-Peak Highway. Here are two blended shots -- not my best shooting or processing, but just to give you an idea. Aspens are maybe at around 50% or so...

Jack, there are some numbers Todd can live with!
The scrub oak are just getting started over La Veta Pass with just a few aspen turning. A few more are turning higher up in the Sangres, with one stand already gold on one hillside.

Aspen groves around Woodland Park are starting to turn, with some trees fully turned and others still green, looks like about 7-10 days away for peak, which is about 2 weeks early.

The Aspens in the foothills west of Denver look to be peak by the middle of next week. I was hoping someone could let me know how they are looking around Dallas Divide & Owl Creek Pass area. Usually the first week in October is peak there, but I'm wondering if last week in September will be peak. Appreciate any responses.

I was up at Kenosha Pass today with Bill Brennan and Louis Jacquay and I would say that this weekend will be the peak. (For color and crowds.) Some small areas are already past peak, while others are still green, but that's the nature of the area. I'll add a couple of photos shortly.

Here's a panorama from Kenosha Pass on Thursday afternoon. A little farther to the right of this panorama, the aspen were past peak.

Here's another one from Thursday at Kenosha Pass. I really had to compress this file down to a very low quality setting to reach the file size requirements, but this is an HDR processed photo.

I am going to Colorado during the 1st week of Oct. Do you guys thinks if there is much fall color left?

The first week in October should yield tons of good fall photo ops.

Here is a good place for info.

http://mycolorado.org/fall_drives.html

Thanks, Richard.

I am planning to visit San Juan Mountain area (Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray and nearby mountains and passes) for fall colors this year...I will be driving from Los Angeles...I am planning to spend the first night at Williams, NM and second night at Cortez, CO on my way to Montrose, CO...My plan is to stay at Montrose for thee nights as a base camp and drive to nearby mountain and passes for spectacular fall colors.

I have never visited these areas before, so I would appreciate the suggestions/inputs for my questions.

1. When is the best time to visit for the fall color in those area ? I am planning to leave LA on 9/26/10 to arrive at Montrose on 9/28/10...But I can change the plan if this is not the best time to go.

2. Which areas should I visit for fall colors while I am staying in Montrose, CO ?

3. Can you suggest the most scenic route to get to Williams, NM to Cortez, CO ? Then from Cortez, CO to Montrose, CO ? Any area I really should see ?

4. What would be the most scenic way to drive home to Los Angeles from Montrose, CO ? I hear the million dollar highway (highway 550) through Ouray, Silverton, and Durango is beautiful. Would that route be better than going through highways 62 and 145 for fall colors ?

It's a pity that I don't get that many chances to travel to the beautiful God's country often..I just want to get the most out of this trip when I get there this year...I would appreciate all your inputs...Thanks.

I'll be up at Kenosha Pass all tomorrow if anyone wants to say hi. I'll be in a blue subaru WRX wagon or walking around with a Sony Alpha 900 and an red/white cattle dog following me.

Be sure to keep an eye on this thread from 14ers.com, lots of folks there get out a lot and are reporting in: 14ers.com Fall Reports

Also check out The Denver Channel's site (Channel 7 Denver). Year to year they consistently show a good slideshow of viewer-submitted photos. It's live for 2010 with some nice shots showing the color at Kenosha & Boreas Passes already and the color appears to be starting in the Twin Lakes area.

Link: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/slideshow/weather/25018030/detail.html

I'll be in Edwards tomorrow afternoon for a book signing so will check the colors on the way and around the Eagle Valley. Meanwhile, it seems to me that at least in NW Colorado, we're off to an early start. The Following pictures were all done on Buffalo Pass late this afternoon.

These folks stopped along the Buffalo Pass road to get a few pictures.

Colorful undergrowth too....

The mountain ash is particularly colorful and vibrant.

I've been able to see from town the last couple days that the Big Tesuque aspens above Santa Fe are just beginning to roll. They're barely started, 10% at the most, but I expect that northern New Mexico color will start to be worth exploring by next week.

Drove from Cortez to Telluride for the Blues Festival yesterday.
The deciduous trees (aside from aspens) in the Dolores River Valley from Dolores to Rico are turning early. Looks like next weekend for prime viewing in that area (again, not aspen trees, which are almost 100% green).
Aspen trees from Rico to Telluride are changing in patches and are just getting started, with 80% (+/-) still emerald green.
My best guess for prime viewing is the last week of Sept./first week of Oct.
In other words, the usual times.

Thanks John, that makes me feel better since I probably won't get out for a couple weeks! :) Have you heard any reports at all for the Ridgway/Ouray area yet?

Sure haven't, Brent. I've been eyeing this thread looking for a report.

Rod, you photo of the other folks taking photos of the fall colors looks like it would make a good tourism photo...
Just saying...

Was up at Twin Lakes today. I got there about 9am and stayed for about 5 hrs before other obligations made me leave. It was incredibly beautiful. Definitely peaking - way over 90% has turned. On up the road toward Independence Pass the high hillsides were 95% golden while the trees flanking the roadside were still green. Seems early to me to be so far along already.

Was up at Guanella, Boreas, and Kenosha passes today, all I can say is get there. Now. It is really incredible, a lot of red and orange Aspen

Thanks John D. Headed up there in the morning.

Anyone been to the Crested Butte area yet?

Grand Mesa has some great color going right now, and more to come as still lots of green to be found. Shot yesterday from the Crag Crest Trail looking north toward the Book Cliffs. I hope to get up there later this afternoon but we'll see...

Was up at RMNP on Saturday. Good color showing around Glacier Gorge/Bear Lake areas. Everything from green to orange, but should only get better through the week. Lower elevations in Moraine Park just gettin started.

I was going to say the same thing as Jared about Glacier Gorge and Bear Lakes. Looks like it's about half turned, but Erik says wind is due today and tomorrow, so the ones that have turned may be stripped. The same for the Peak to Peak highway as some are still green and some have completely turned. Still a gorgeous drive!

The road through the Taylor River area ( from Taylor Park Reservoir), has at least another week. Still looking for a report on Kebler Pass & the San Juans???? My friend who is a traveling salesman & lives in Montroose says the Aspens in San Juans are just starting to change. But I would like to hear a report from a fellow photographer.

Just got back from the Crested Butte area. Kebler is very green still. I'd guess maybe 10-15% ? At least two more weeks till peak. The leaves also appeared rather sparce - like they're just falling off and not even turning gold first. They're doing road construction on Kebler Pass causing some long traffic delays.
On the other hand, Slate River road was just about completely turned.
Ohio Pass had a few patches of color, but not even close to peak, probably a week and a half to two weeks.
Monarch Pass had some areas that were still green, and some areas that were 100% and gorgeous. Cottonwood Pass is still about a week to 10 days from peak, but starting to look nice.

Drove over Kenosha Pass and Boreas Pass this morning. In keeping with previous reports, these areas are PEAK. Not only that, there are a lot more reds and oranges than I remember seeing in previous years.

Red Mountain Pass is looking GOOD! I'd say it's right around 50% yellow, or more, and looking glorious! There are some areas that are almost all yellow, others quite green, and lots of areas are a beautiful mix of the two. The whole next week will be great there.

I do not know what the aspen colors are doing in the Sneffels Range and Ridgway area. Sorry, haven't made it over that way recently. Note that (in my experience) Red Mountain Pass does usually turn a week or so earlier than other areas around here.

**Please, no need to email me about conditions... I will post here when I know more.**

Here's an area off Red Mtn. Pass where it's mostly yellow already.

I was up at Kenosha and Boreas Passes this afternoon and compared to last Thursday, they are already generally past peak. There are still some good areas, if you look though. Here's a panorama from the same spot as my shot uploaded in my previous report from Thursday.

hi guys, i wonder if you could answer a quick question. i have seen this view, or similar, often of bear lake from above. i pasted in a sample here that i found online as i'm sure many of you will recognize it...i see this vantage point all the time in postcards and calendars and such. i've always wanted to photograph it for myself when the aspens are right but don't know how to get to it. if it's not giving away any kind of trade secret, i'd appreciate the help. is this just a view from that beirstadt lake trail that comes off of the bear lake loop? i took that once years ago but don't remember if it had this view down to the lake framed by aspens. any help would be great and also do you think if i head for this on wed or thurs of this week that i might get lucky with the aspens framing this shot or is it too late? thanks

woops, sorry, here is the view i was talking about above...courtesy of glenn randall's website

http://www.glennrandall.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Four_Seasons_images_only/Longs_Bear_AT_5.5x7_500.jpg

@ Tim:

Morris just posted his take on this shot in the forum HERE. This will give you an idea of what the color looks like now, and should be good through this week. As for getting there, I've never been but I'd suspect you could just look for the boulder field from Bear Lake and start hiking up? As an aside, I would also suggest reading the Text Style Menu at the bottom of the page and hyperlinking your websites or you may hear about it from TC!!
http://www.glennrandall.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Four_Seasons_images_only/Longs_Bear_AT_5.5x7_500.jpg

Tim,
This view is on the way to Odessa Lake...here are some directions:
The trail to Odessa Lake begins along the Bear Lake loop trail, at the Flattop Mountain Trailhead. Follow the Flattop Mountain Trail to a junction about 0.8 mile from Bear Lake, and bear right toward Odessa Lake.

You should arrive at this location within that first .8 miles on the Flattop Mountain trail.

Holy cow, I have never even seen Randall's shot of this, and it looks like I had my tripod legs in the same spot as his. So much for originality.

On closer comparison, it looks like I was 6' to the right and 4' higher. I think I like his comp better.

thanks dana and morris for the advice.

Tim,
I'm planning to go there for sunrise on Wednesday and was also looking to find that spot. It may end up being a race to get to the right rock!

Dana,
Thanks for the directions. I was also wondering how exactly to get there in the dark.

I just spoke with a friend who lives in Elk Meadows. She said that not much is happening around there (Sneffels Range) yet... nothing like the Red Mountain Pass photos I posted above.

Colors are popping on the underbrush on Hwy 50 outside of Montrose on the way to Cimmaron before Morrow Point Resevoir
http://www.pezpix.com/Galleries/Mountains/Autumn/KING0741/1015459374_t6n7f-L.jpg

From there, good color can be spotted all the way before Gunnison and some great color near the top of Monarch Pass where I'd say it is near peak.

Like others I checked out Kenosha pass on my way back to the Front Range this weekend. The gold rush there is slightly past peak near the top of the pass but is still very vibrant. Beware the HUGE crowds and road construction on 285 this week. They are dynamiting part of the hills and delays could be long.

If you see a big ugly guy with a goatee and Canon gear, its probably me LOL. See you guys out there!

"If you see a big ugly guy with a goatee and Canon gear, its probably me LOL."

That really doesn't pare it down very much.

I was actually trying to deflect references to Jesse

Any Tetons update from this past weekend?

Big ugly guy with Canon gear and a goatee? I represent that remark!

Damn, so do I!

Mellow morning shoot up at Bear Lake this morning. Had a fun chat with Erik our RMNP guru hehe. Colors are really getting good at the usual spots and no wind damage from the storms yesterday. Still alot of smoke/haze hovering around the area though.
Colors around Ypsilon are a bit past peak on the underbrush but still showing some good variety. See you all out there.
Xoxo the big ugly guy (no no no not you Todd) LOL

hey bryan, if i wait til friday to hit rmnp and bear lake area, do you think it will be too late or maybe prime time? i know you don't know about storms and wind until then, but based on your experience there last weekend, should i be rushing up there now or will friday be good? thanks

Tim, I was at Bear Lake today and it was prime color...should last until Friday unless we get heavy rain or a lot of wind.

Silverton area is at its peak according to this news story and images from today's 'Durango Herald'.
The area near Telluride is nowhere near this close as is usual.

Has anyone heard of reports of Crystal Mill?

The aspens around Pikes Peak haven't started doing anything yet. Probably will be another week for them to kick into gear. But if this calm weather holds, Rampart Range and Old Stagecoach could be really good this year.

I'm heading to Salt Lake for the weekend, so I'll be able to put in a report on the Wasatch maples and aspens early next week when I get back.

I'm in Telluride right now - sorry no images - I forgot my card reader.

I started at Red Mountain - at peak and past peak in some areas. I traveled over Ophir Pass and there's a very nice peaking stand near Ophir. The stand below the Ophir Needles has about a week to go, as does most of this area. Wilson Mesa is a mixture of peaking stands to many that are barely starting to change. Lots of leaves down from the epic driving rain/thunder/snowstorm last night. It should be great around here late next week into the following week.

I shot sunrise and moonset along the road to Mt. Evans from Idaho Springs. A lot have turned as you get higher up. Some gone already. Some look bad with the leaves gone to brown already. The aspen in the valley below Squaw Pass are still changing with some yellow, some orange, and quite a bit of green still. Kenosha Pass is just about gone. I walked a couple of miles up the Colorado Trail to the clearing with the bench and the aspen there were still nice with great views across South Park.

Just got back from 4 days in the Elks. Here's what I can report:

McClure Pass: Lots of sick, dull aspens. Kind of depressing.

Marble area: Looking good, maybe 50%. I'm referring to the valleys beyond Marble, such as where the Crystal Mill is, though I didn't actually drive up in there, I was just looking from near Marble.

Capitol Creek: Looking really good. About a 50% mix of yellow/green, more green lower down, mostly yellow up higher (if you go hiking up the trail).

I got back last night from week long Geo field trip with students. Camped in Maroon Canyon Monday night and then shot the Bells Tuesday AM . Just about peak color with nice still conditions for the reflection. Went through Lake City and over Slumgullion and Spring Creek Pass Friday mid day: Excellent color at or very close to peak: the best I have ever seen there with some nice red patches and vibrant yellow. Unfortunately I could not do much shooting as we were on a schedule and it was mid day light. Hope some of you get out this weekend.

Today we drove through Grand Mesa National Forest - brilliant stands at the site of the old ski area. Also drove over Kebler - it's gorgeous, lots still to turn, but some already dropping leaves. Around Crested Butte, the leaves mostly seem past peak.

Flew in to Durango today - lots of color flying over - difficult to get oriented but much of what I saw was probably the Rio Grande drainage. South of Molas Pass still al ot of green Molas North getting very good and seems at peak as you get close to Silverton. Most trees at peak, a few w/ lost leaves. Have not figured tomorrow yet but it looks like the color is here!! Its still a bit early for the bones to be showing which is what we are looking for most, but the eye candy is really sweet. Would love an update for the Telluride Area, Last dollar etc. Dave's post noted Stephen - thanks for that post - Lake City area is a possibility for us.

Best and Hello to all - long time absent from NPN - long story

Nye

Kebler area report from this morning, September 26: West beckwith mixture of green and turning. Large golden areas higher up towards the western most flank. Mile marker 11 and 13 should be good in about 4-5 days.

Mile marker 10 classic shot of Marcelina aspens in foreground by road have pretty much lost their leaves.

Ferns are in decline around the "portrait rock" area. Some decent patches further in, but mostly on the way out.

I'd say that between mile marker 14 and horse park, the aspens are doing well...lots of gold and yellow. Some have lost their leaves and some are a bit dull, but all in all it looks great. The smell of fall is all around.

The colors beneath the Dyke are a mixed bag, but still early as you can see from the photo.

I went down Ohio pass past the Beaver Ponds trailhead and it looks close to peak in some areas. Ferns there are also on the way out.

Bald blue sky all over the place, so it's time for lunch and a beer in CB. The images are all from my iPhone, so no judging :)

If you see a tan 4Runner with California plates, that's me.

Ohio Pass

East Beckwith

Jimmy, don't apologize for the iPhone, these images are terrific considering the sensor in that thing. Ohio pass seems to have quite a bit of brown/dull leaves, but still lots to change there or was the lower left just the iPhone?

Keep on sending these images as they are worth more than a thousand words. If you make it over to the south side of McClure I'd love to see how it's progressing.

Sorry to hear about the skies, but I'm afraid it's going to continue for most of this week...

Craig

Here's a snap from Big Tesuque above Santa Fe this afternoon. Overall color is around 50%, with a couple nice red-orange stands higher up (they look a little brown in this quick edit, but they are very nice in the flesh). There are a few crummy looking ones, particularly along the road, but there are lots of very nice looking trees.

Lots of color on the Grand Mesa, especially on the north side, but still large areas of green too. I shot this on the Lands End Rd. late yesterday afternoon.

Storms predicted for the Telluride region next weekend....just in time for peak colors.
Woo-hoo!!!

Nice, Angela. My dad used to take us up Lands End Road all the time. You say the colors are good on the north side.....how about around the Collbran area and the various "shrubberies" near Vega Reservoir? Did you go that far? Thanks.

Report from 19th thru 24th. Just spent the past 5 days driving a loop from Denver-Moab-Durango-Gunnison-Denver.
Mid-week drove HWY 550 (in the torrential rain), the colours in the San Juan's were looking pretty good though, and far more advanced yellow than I would of expected, 50% changed at least or more along the highway.

Kebler Pass is a mix depending on the mile marker, closer to CB was yellower, and south facing slopes close to or at peak. Mile marker 10/11 looking south was still pretty green. The rain has brought down some leaves too in areas, the Aspen Forest area was looking good though.

St Elmo/Mt Princeton area, close to peak/at peak on hillsides behind town.

Was up on Keebler Pass this past weekend. Quite disappointed in the colors this year. Kind of a muted gold. Not the bright yellow as in years past. There were a few stands on Ohio pass & Keebler Pass that had the brighter yellow. I will check out Owl Creek Pass & Dallas Divide this week---hopefully they are not the same. Very little red-orange stands on Keebler.
The San Juans really have the better majestic views in the Fall IMHO. Enjoy

Was up at Maroon Bells and Crystal Mill this weekend. There was a dusting of snow on the bells which was very nice. Crystal Mill was not quite at peak. I would say this weekend coming up would still be good for Crystal Mill, probably peaking sometime this week.

South of McClure Pass seems healthy...maybe 40 percent changed. I didn't shoot any from there on my way to Kebler on Sunday morning. I have to agree that the colors on Kebler are not the best I have seen, but everything seems a lot better than last year. Oh, and of course I have to leave on Thursday, just in time to miss the storm that John says is gonna hit Telluride

Here is one from Kebler in the fern area.

Here's one from this morning on Kebler. I missed a good sunrise with some nice high pink clouds, but then I would have passed up this opportunity. Oh, well. I'd like to see what that sunrise looked like from a vantage spot other than my 4Runner

Jimmy those shots are really nice, especially the second one.

I am going to be Telluride this weekend if any members want to get together please shoot me an email.

I came from Aspen over Kebler Pass and on down through Lake City and North Clear Creek Falls yesterday. I'll echo what others have said - McClure Pass was depressing; Kebler pass was so-so at best. The cottonwoods between Crested Butte and Gunnison were pretty, as were those nearing Lake City. The Lake City side of Slumgullion Pass was really nice, although many stands were basically done. I camped at North Clear Creek Falls, where the aspens were gorgeous. It is probably a couple of days past peak, but plenty of leaves on the trees and none had that "dusty" look that has been common last year and this. Today I headed down to Pagosa Springs, over to Durango, and up 550 to Montrose. The north side (toward South Fork) of Wolf Creek Pass was spectacular in the morning sunlight; the Pagosa Springs side not so much - but it seems there are more evergreens on that side, anyway. Heading north on 550 from Durango, I would say that between Coal Banks Pass and Molas Pass was really stunning - just a riot of brilliant, healthy golden aspens shimmering in the breeze. Actually, there are a fair number of red and orange trees this year - more than I remembered in years past.

I spent a little extra time in Silverton being a photo nerd, tracking down the location where Ansel Adams must have stood to take one of my favorites of his - see link here: http://www.anseladams.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1501213 The fence has been replaced with a much higher one, and there's an evergreen in the way - but the shed on the left of his image is still there, as is the white church. I was way too pleased with myself for finding it - as I said, photo nerd!

Anyway, back on the road. Red Mountain Pass area is definitely past its prime, but the drive was a joy anyway. There was construction going on above Ouray, so I became intimate with one particular strip of road while we waited. There' s nothing like first seeing a sign warning that blasting is taking place, and 50 yards down the road a sign directing everyone to turn off 2-way radios and cell phones! That made an impression. Beyond Ouray, not much was turning. I made a quick trip from Ridgway out to the Dallas Divide - as others have said, the aspens are either green or bare. Back to Ridgway and up Owl Creek Pass. Tons of green aspens, with a few stands at bright yellow. The oak brush is also still green. The aspens on the Silver Jack side of the pass are a little further along, but still a lot of greens. I may head out and check out the Last Dollar Road tomorrow.

This is from North Clear Creek Falls this morning. As you can see, there are stands of brilliant colors next to green next to bare trees.

Here is a snapshot from Silver Jack this afternoon. Not intended to be a masterpiece; just to show what it looks like now.

Just back from the Salt Lake area. The maples were at or past peak this weekend in the Big Cottonwood Canyon and along I-80. The aspens on the east side of Guardian Pass were coming along nicely, 50%-75% turned. Around Kamas, the aspens were further along with most areas turned and some with the leaves dropped. Sorry, no photos.

Mel-

Does anyone have an update of Kenosha Pass and Cottonwood Pass?

This past weekend I was in Grand Mesa National Forest, over Kebler, McClure and Independence Passes, and up to the Maroon Bells. We saw some great color every where we went, though the best stand on Saturday was probably at the old Mesa Creek Ski Area in Grand Mesa National Forest. This was our first time out looking for the turning leaves, so we were pretty impressed.

There are some photos on my Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/danaindenver if anyone would like to take a peek.

Erik,
Thanks for the detailed post. I think you said Dallas Divide was not looking good?? Do you think it's worth the 5 hour trek this weekend? Owl Creek Pass sounds like it be mostly green this weekend, unless they start to change quickly.

Took a drive last night up Alpine loop, (American Fork Canyon) east of Lehi, UT last night. The maples up there were almost all changed and they were VERY muted - many have also lost their leaves. The aspens up in that area are also not looking very good. The ones of those that had changed were looking very muted and sickly. A lot of the leaves had brown spots on them. Any scrub oak that I had seen were not changing yet.

I saw someone with a blue Toyota Forerunner with CO plates and a MyColorado sticker on the back window. Someone from the forum? Darren K? Sorry I did not stop you to say high. I was the guy standing on the side of the road with his little boy.

Nathan

TR, Kenosha peaked over a week ago and I would imagine it's prretty bare by now - I didn't stop last week...

I shot sunrise at the Capitol Creek trailhead yesterday morning (Monday, September 28). Probably three-quarters of the leaves have turned, only 1-2 percent have lost leaves. Color is good overall for that area, with some stands very good. I also checked out the Twin Lakes/South Mt. Elbert area over the weekend. Way past peak (probably should have known that before I went) although what color was left was very pure. The first beaver pond on the right, five minutes from the 4wd parking lot along the South Mt. Elbert Trail (actually, on the very short spur trail off the South Mt.Elbert Trail), was still in great shape.

Glenn Randall

Erik,
Thanks for the detailed post. I think you said Dallas Divide was not looking good?? Do you think it's worth the 5 hour trek this weekend? Owl Creek Pass sounds like it be mostly green this weekend, unless they start to change quickly.

TR -- I drove over Kenosha and Cottonwood Passes yesterday. Kenosha is done -- almost no leaves in sight. Cottonwood Pass was pretty nice on the BV (east) side. There are not many aspens to speak of on the Taylor Reservoir (west) side, but the upper elevation tundra stuff was a nice orange/brown mix. No snow up there, though, and no clouds during my few days there...

Scott -- I definitely would *not* call Ohio Pass amazing at this point, particularly at the higher elevation (near the Kebler Pass junction, with the close view of the Castles). There is a dusting of snow in the distance and there was some nice stuff at the lower elevations on the way in from Gunnison, but like Kebler Pass, the colors are fairly muted (as of two days ago when I was there).

I just took a friend to the Albuquerque airport, and the big aspen grove on the north side of Sandia Crest looked awesome! Pretty much at peak, almost made me want to modify my Colorado plans for the rest of the week to check it out. The west side Sandia canyons were starting, but have a ways to go.

Scott, I was at Buffalo a week ago and it was peak or just past.
A little further south the Flattops (Dunckley and Ripple Creek) and Williams Forks should be raging right now depending on elevation. Looked fairly healthy but pre-peak a week ago. Leaf spot was around but not as severe as last year.

In the off chance that any of the Colorado folks care about the fall color situation in southeast Wyoming, I'll note that the aspen in and around the Vedauwoo area between Laramie and Cheyenne are near peak right now. We're talking relatively isolated pockets of aspen stands, but some make for nice comps with the other natural features of the area (rock formations, sage brush, rolling hills). Jimmy Gekas and I had a great time shooting this area a few days ago and enjoyed listening to bugling elk in the distance as the sun set. I'd be happy to provide specific suggestions for shooting spots (sunset is best) if anyone is interested. Happy shooting!

Scott,
I've been in the CB area for a couple of days, but I did not spend time on Ohio Pass today, As of yesterday the colors were hit and miss with a few spots of nice yellows, but there were still some tress that had not turned while others had already lost their leaves. We had some wind come through the area this afternoon as well which knocked down some leaves on Kebler Pass and I'm pretty sure the same happened on Ohio Pass.

Regarding snow on the peaks...I haven't seen it other than a tiny spot near the Castle.

Brett, I was thinking of maybe heading up to WY next weekend. Any chance the color will last that long? Did you go up to the Snowies recently, I know there are some nice aspen stands up there? And also how are the cottonwoods doing around Centennial? Thanks for any info!

Hi Aleks. There should be at least some pockets of color left by next weekend. I would suggest heading back to the Blair area, which IMHO has the best fall color in the area. I expect the colors in the Snoiwies will be gone by then. The few cottonwoods around Centennial might be OK; they could be amazing on the other side of the pass along the North Platte River near Saratoga. If you end up coming here next weekend, give me a shout as I'd love to join you if I can get free.

Thanks Brett! Sounds good and I'll let you know.

No pictures to share. Colors on the SilverJack side of Owl Creek were starting to look good on Monday afternoon. On the west side of the pass, I'd say maybe a week away. CR5 out of Ridgway has some good looking stands way back near the nf boundary. The grand vistas there need at least a week. Dallas Divide, I was told, has a few trees turning. So, basically, it's all on schedule.

On another note, I rolled my 4runner off the road and down a 125 ft embankment. I survived with only a few scratches. Remarkable that I'm here. The runner is totaled. Flying home today. Take care while driving those washboard roads and, in general, safe travels and happy shooting. I'll be looking at all of the reports from California and will see you all next fall

Wow Jimmy, thats great news, and bad news all in one. Sorry to hear about the accident, but very glad to hear you are OK. That must have been a terrifying couple of seconds. Thanks for the report. I'm heading over to the Ridgway area in about 4 days for a weeks worth of shooting, and it sounds like its right on schedule.

Holy cow, Jimmy! Yes, speaking for the group we're ALL glad you're still with us! Safe travels home...

BTW, very amusing that you shared the fall colors report b4 your mishap!

Now that's commitment to the cause sharing the forecast first before the bad news Glad you're fine and sorry to hear the truck is toast. Good reminder to all of us to not get overly confident. If you don't mind me asking what road did it happen on?

Jimmy, I can't believe you shared a fall color report after this, but I'm glad to hear you survived this ordeal. Take care and I hope you don't have any linger affects from this.

Craig

I'm in SLC airport now. Just flew over Utah from Grand Junction and the colors I saw were fantastic...not really sure where, but they looked good. I saw a couple of fires, too, so I'm not sure if that smoke will reach into Colorado or not.

Btw, my "little" accident happened on the CR10 on the way down from Owl Creek going into Ridgway. It's a bit of a washboard road. I've taken that road maybe 6 times before, so I was a bit surprised when it all happened. Live and learn....glad to be doing both right now. I have video of the recovery of the 4Runner that I'll post when I get it edited.

Jimmy glad you are doing fine now. I think all of us will pay extra attention when driving.

Not sure if this is too late, and I don't have any photos to share just yet (working on em and backing up right now), but GNP is lighting up like a mo fo. Chief Mountain Highway is amazing. Talked to a pro photog...Chuck something...says he has not seen this even of a color in the 22 years he's been living in Montana. Just an FYI for anyone up there. Clouds too! And WINDDDDDDDDD......

Just spent a bit of time in & around Last Dollar Road and some side roads near Telluride today. Although not yet totally turned everywhere, the move is definately taking place. My first outing to this area for any photography work, love what I've seen so far. Want to thank Pam Colander for the location idea also.

I spent the majority of the day driving around in the San Juans today.My two cents: CR5 - very green with a little yellow my guess 4-7 days out, the exception is the top flanks around Whitehouse Mountain which always turn early. That patch is very nice. CR7 - my guess is 50-55% ?? change. a lot of yellow and a lot of green. Silver Jack area - still a significant amount of green, but some really nice yellows and oranges. It's really looking good and it would appear to be close (3-4 days) to peak? Wilson Mesa - very nice colors lots of oranges and yellows. Woods Lake - blazing oranges and yellows. Very nice. Of all the areas that I've listed, I would definitely consider the Wilson Peak area and the Silver Jack area. Very nice colors. The other locations need some significant time to change. Going back to the Gunnison / Kebler area to see what's there and what has changed or standing....

Karrie - sorry for the delay, I've been away from civilization. I personally would not make the trip just for the Dallas Divide; but as you know there are plenty of other hotspots in the area. And it appears we have a small chance of some interesting weather Friday / this weekend, finally!! Although I'll believe it when I see it.

Hey gang. This is from the Silverjack side of Owl Creek Pass, maybe 4 miles east of the pass looking towards the west. This was one of my last shots on Monday, 9/27, just before my little accident. Hope you all get some good stuff and some interesting weather.

As of SEPT 29

Crested Butte:
-Gothic: past peak, all yellow or bare
-Kebler: A few days into peak, mediocre this year
-Ohio: At peak, very nice

Owl Creek:
Beginning of peak, spectacular colors

Am currently in the Ouray area to try Sneffels range again and then to Wilson Saturday,
North of Silverton to Animas Forks is past with many bare trees.
South Mineral Creek is about peak.
Ophir might be entering peak in a few days, now with a mix of yellow, green, little orange, and some bare.
Sneffels range near the Blue lake trailhead needs a few days, but some nice color more east up FR852.
SilverJack was entering peak a few days ago, but the northwest side of Owl Ceek Pass had lots of green still.
Hoping for some clouds and maybe snow on the peaks this Fri-Sat before heading back to Flagstaff.

Jimmy! Glad you are allright! Sorry about the vehicle. Judging from what you posted, your trip was highly productive.
La Veta pass is really nice right now for anyone going to the south end and the eastern side of the mountains. Lots of color, and just about peak I would say. The scrub oak are pretty flat for color right now, and don't know if that will change.

Just got back from a 10 ay trip to the Ouray/Silverton area. Red Mountain and Silverton areas were outstanding. Most areas are now at or past peak. Lucked out and was there basically by myself the day that it snowed. Owl Creek and Dallas Divide are a few days away from peak. Overall some of the best color I have seen in years. Very few photographers to be seen. Still say the 20th thru the 30th are the best for that area. Oh McClure pass and Marble not very good at all. Jim S.

Jimmy,
It was nice meeting you and I'm really sorry to hear about the accident, but Sally and I are very glad to hear that you are alive and well!

Thanks everyone. It's been awesome reading all your comments. I really appreciate all of them. Adam, it was great to meet you and Sally.

Time to start looking for a used 4Runner... preferably '97-2000 4wd, manual tranny... lemme know if anyone knows of a good one out there for me. I need to get back on the horse.

Jimmy glad you made it home safe buddy what the wild couple of days that was. Just came back from snowmass wilderness and over on kebler. Both are nearing past peak status but like others have said before silver jack is good as was clear lake over by silverton see all you crazy guys n gals I'll be there this weekend. Ps Jimmy we have really enjoyed your leftover noodles And beef jerky lol

Newbie here. We are thinking of going for a day trip from Denver to see the fall colors. Is RMNP past the peak ? What is a good place for tomorrow 10/2 ? thanks in advance

Hi Piri,
You may want to post this as a separate topic to get info. fast.

Piri
Not that good. Was up two days ago and there is some color going up to Bear Lake area but overall it's kinda slim. Joe Rogers

For those nearby, I drove up Hwy 12 through La Veta and Cuchara today, and there are still plenty of aspen showing some nice colors, especially past Cuchara near the turn off to Bear Lake (as far as I went today). There was some heavy cloud cover this evening, so shooting wasn't optimal, but I believe the weather forecast for this weekend is good (especially Sunday) so there should be some good opportunities.
I may head down there again on Wednesday morning after I go off-duty...

Capitol Peak trailhead is stunning! Spent the afternoon there today and my guess is about15% green with about 15% already turned and now their leaves have dropped. That leaves about 70% that is blazing gold. Fantastic. The only problem was the haze from the fires in Utah that have moved into the area and of course the general lack of clouds anywhere in western Colorado.

Spent this morning on CR5 out of Ridgway. The classic Sneffels overlook is maybe 50% turned; the scrub oak the same. Finally had some interesting skies, and the haze was better than yesterday! Further up CR5 the aspens are probably at their peak right now. Overall, they look pretty healthy.

This afternoon I went out the Last Dollar Road. Here the aspens are in various stages - a lot of nice colors, and also a lot still green. Also quite a few dead trees, and quite a few funky brown leaves. But immediately after the "pass", when you head down the Telluride side, is a nice stand (although still lot of green) that works as a foreground for the mountains behind. At least it looked good to me in the late evening sunlight, and again we had clouds!

Just got back last night from the South San Juans. The Conejos valley and La Manga Pass were approaching peak, lots of really nice, healthy-looking stands, and the riparian trees were looking great too. Should be good for at least a few more days (snap above doesn't do it justice). There were some good spots on the Chama side too, but that has a ways to go. I'm going to do my best to head back up there late next week. I would guess that the west side of the wilderness is similar to the Chama area. Hwy 64 (Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras) has some decent stuff high up, but the west side was disappointingly dull.

Does anyone know about Utah? Or can anyone recommend another thread to follow, or another website?

I can offer that the maples at lower elevations of the Wasatch seem finished; I'll go looking for aspens today and tomorrow...

Thanks,
Mark.

Old Stage Coach/Gold Camp are looking good now. Not quite as good as this time in 2008, but a million times better than last year.

I forgot to mention that Gold Camp is closed at Clyde on the east and Cathedral Ranch on the West. Went back up this morning on the east side. More bare trees on the east, but there are still good sections. Lack of clouds this morning wasn't helping anything though.

Hope everyone had a successful weekend.

Mel-

Does anyone know about Utah? Or can anyone recommend another thread to follow, or another website?

I can offer that the maples at lower elevations of the Wasatch seem finished; I'll go looking for aspens today and tomorrow...

Thanks,
Mark.

Mark, see my thread above about Big Cottonwood/ Park City/SLC. If you're in the SLC, Utah area, I'd guess aspens are at peak right now, though they may already be past peak. They were looking pretty good throughout the Uintahs, but not at peak as we flew home Monday Sept 27th.

Also, I drove up into North Cheyenne Canyon and there isn't much going on in there yet. The maples and most of the birch are still green. Some of the little choke cherries are turning, others haven't started. The scrub oak is still green.

However, the scrub oak is just starting to change in our neighborhood in NW Colorado Springs.

Here's a photo from the southern side of Grand Mesa (the side closer to Delta/Cedaredge). The colors are fantastic there - with lots of color variety ranging from green to yellow to orange and even reds. Very nice right now.

The northern side of Grand Mesa (closer to GJ) is mostly past peak; a combination of yellow and bare.

That is some fantastic color, Jack! I was just on the north side of Grand Mesa and the road going up was glorious. It looked just like this. Just higher up on the mesa, most are blown off, but the protected north side had this kind of color. At least that was the way it was yesterday morning going up 65. Now I wish I would have pushed on down to Cedaredge too! Instead I took Land's End Road down to GJ.

Looks like everyone is getting good shots this season. I sent some photos into Kathy Sabine at 9 news and they are going to show them at 9 and 10 pm tonight. Be nice to hear what some of you think? Am always trying to get better. Thanks. Jim S.

Did the Meeker-Yampa drive on Saturday. Just about everything has turned; most still had their leaves. The spur to Trapper's lake was a little thin (and the lake itself is mostly burned pines) but some nice color differentiation. Past the cutoff for CR19 (headed east) was in really good shape - but there was haze so it was hard to get the distant mountains in the shots.

(rolled back into ST. Louis last night, no chance to put anything up yet.)

Just finished with a week of shooting in RMNP, Grand Mesa, San Juans and Spanish Peaks and can confirm a lot of what's been said already.

RMNP: Bear Lake and Bierstadt Moraine should be well past peak now, lower in the park is where the remaining color will be.

Grand Mesa: As Jack said the Cedaredge side is pretty sweet (lots of oranges and reds). It was looking good even a week ago when I shot it. North side and top of the mesa will be past peak.

San Juans: Dealt with hazy/wildfire smoked skies and few clouds for much of the second half of last week. The way I would describe the area is "patchy" as most areas have an inconsistent mix of trees with a lot of green still, some nice golds and a few blown out leaves already. Not much snow on the peaks. My favorite places were the area near Silverjack (should be peak right now) and parts of Wilson Mesa near Silver Pick Road. Saw Doug Koepsel and John Murnaw on CR5, nice to meet you guys!

Spanish Peaks: Around peak color right now. The brush around the Devil's Staircase is looking nice and red. Some really good aspen colors from above Cuchara to (especially) just below the turnoff to Cordova Pass. Get there now as some leaves are beginning to blow off on the distant hillsides. BTW: after sunset last night I saw two different bears in less than 20 minutes along Highway 12 (one was on the roadside just above North Lake and the other crossed the road in front of me just below Monument Lake). It was cool to see them but the light was too low and they were too fast for me to get any images!

Epic alkine double rainbows on Dallas divide tonit ealong with a killer sunset with Jim T. Adam. Monte T. Rene P. and all kinds of crazy NPNers. Double rainbows what does it mean!?!

Bryan, Whoa! It is almost a triple rainbow!

Nathan

I am planing to visit Sun Juan area in coming weekend (10/08-10/12), and am wondering if it is too late? Did storm blow down all leaves? Simon

I am planing to visit Sun Juan area in coming weekend (10/08-10/12), and am wondering if it is too late? Did storm blow down all leaves? Simon

Hey simon, are you planing to visit the San Juan area this coming weekend? If so, go to the east side of Owl Creek Pass or Last Dollar Road, where, as of yesterday, there was still a lot of healthy green on many trees. I suspect this weekend should be very good down there.

If it past peak already, I can change my plan. Any area is still in peak time? simon

Like Todd said, the Dallas Divide area should still be pretty good.
Also, the Dolores River Valley between Dolores and Rico at a lower elevation should be lookin' good, too.

I have been hovering over the Pagosa Springs area from Del Norte - east to Pagosa west for the past week or so. Today there is still a lot of green in the PS area. Wolf Creek Pass, East Fork, Mill Creek, Plumtah, Upper Blanca and side roads, Williams Reservoir, all have several days till peak.

Simon,

I was in Telluride last weekend. The inner parts of the Dallas Divide are probably past peak at this point, but not too much. The outer parts - as seen from the road - I would guess are at peak right now. On the drive from Telluride to Cortez - almost everything that I saw was peak this past Monday. So I am sure there is still good color there too.

Michael, I just checked out your site and blog. Very nice stuff. I was at Woods Lake 2 days before you. I decided to leave before sunset and run up to Wilson Mesa, as it was my last night and I wanted to get some horse images. Both were great.

I took a very similar image to the one you broke down on the blog:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=15272481&id=141943715513

Thanks for all the great info on here. It helped me immensely this fall!

Ben Klaus
www.klausphotos.com

I just left Telluride around noon today (Friday). Still plenty of good color. Storms last night added snow to the peaks, but didn't seem to take down too many leaves.

Brent D, thanks for the recommendation!

Rich Longtimenosee!

Currently in Chama, NM. Just wanted to let everyone know that the lower elevations of highway 17 between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM are lovely right now. Specifically Road forest road 121 just above Chama is spectacular with the valley at the end of the road blanketed in green, gold and some reds. The pictures are posted here under the Rio Grande National Forest 2010 section: http://bridgetstravelescapades.shutterfly.com/colorado

Bridget

More from Utah, if anyone's interested:

Drove over Skyline Drive through Fairview and Huntington Canyons. Most of the aspens on the top are turned and down after the last week's storms. Still some green groves on the way up, and then some good orange and red aspens on the East (Huntington) side.

Down to Boulder Mountain, south of Torrey. Isolated clusters of trees are good, but most have turned and dropped.

Surprisingly, most of the Cottonwoods and other trees along the Fremont River by Capital Reef have yet to turn. A sprinkling of yellow, but a lot of green.

Most surprisingly, I headed out to Maple Canyon this afternoon for some rock climbing and found a lot of maples still in color there.


Enjoy,
Mark.

If you haven't had enough Fall colors, the aspen and cottonwood trees between Durango and Mancos along the highway (!) are at their peak right now and simply gorgeous with the backlighting from the southerly sun.
Aspens look mighty fine up LaPlata Canyon and I heard that they were peaking in the Transfer area of the forest north of Mancos. I'll be around the area this weekend to try and make up for completely striking out two weekends ago in the San Juans.

Hey Bret,
How about a report from the LaSals?

Just drove the Cisco road and also through Arches NP today - the trees are just starting (about 20% changed). I'm guessing next weekend should be close to peak. Also, absolutely NO snow on the LaSals.

Most of you folks are probably "autumned out" by now, but if you're looking for someplace different the San Francisco Peaks by Flagstaff are approaching peak. The image above was shot along Hart Prairie Road just west of the peaks. There's even supposed to be a stormy weather pattern this week making for some possibly interesting images.

San Juans are still good. The aspen still reasonably close to 50% or better depending on area. Cottonwood great. Oaks are spectacular: some still green-to-gold, but many dusky yellow, orange, brown and red. Light snow on Sneffel's last night. Another week or two on the oaks.

McClure is less than 50%. Oaks in Glenwood area not yet very colorful.

Kebler aspen are mostly done, but you have some nice yellow spots amidst the white trunks. The oaks are not nearly as colorful at in the Ridgeway/Ouray area.

I went crazy and used up 10 rolls yesterday and this morning up Dallas Creek. When I get back to town, I'll post from my s90.

Shot this handheld 6 shot pano on a nasty rocky rutty road near Pagosa Springs a week ago. Locals will recognize the point of view of Square Top and be able to guess at the approx location. Todd you have a unfair advantage. Hush.

Ain't CS5 Wonderful?

OOps, left the location in the photo title...

http://cardinalpointphoto.com/ken/2010%20pics/Aspens%202010/Blue-Creek-Road-Panorama-10-08-10-sharp.jpg


Make it BIG in IE and let me know what you think abpout the detail...

Ken

I went crazy and used up 10 rolls yesterday and this morning...

Wow, you must've been really hungry.

Kebler aspen are mostly done, but you have some nice yellow spots amidst the white trunks. The oaks are not nearly as colorful at in the Ridgeway/Ouray area.

I went crazy and used up 10 rolls yesterday and this morning up Dallas Creek. When I get back to town, I'll post from my s90.

The maple groves in New Mexico's Manzano mountains were very nice on Saturday, but with potential to get better still. I expect they'll be worthwhile at least through next weekend. Down in southern NM (Black Range) aspens were around 60% or more on as of Monday.

I took advantage of the early opening at Roxborough State Park on Saturday and the colors are just starting to get going. Whole hillsides of gambel oak are turning orange/red right now.

Roxborough Photos from Saturday

Dallas Creek snap with my s90. Waiting on developing the film from my P645N.

The picture I posted above was taken between Ridgway and Tellruide on Oct 17 showing that some of the Aspen clumps had lost leaves, while others were still at peak. The oaks were just coming into peak. Higher than that photo, the aspen were a bit more past; lower, the oaks were still stunning, and the cottonwood were great.

The picture I posted above was taken between Ridgway and Tellruide on Oct 17 showing that some of the Aspen clumps had lost leaves, while others were still at peak. The oaks were just coming into peak. Higher than that photo, the aspen were a bit more past; lower, the oaks were still stunning, and the cottonwood were great.

Stan,
Peak colors were very spotty in SW Colorado this year encompassing about three weeks from mid-September to mid-October. I thought it was a pretty mediocre autumn myself.

The cottonwood trees in SW Colorado/SE Utah/NE Arizona are blazin' right now and should last for awhile longer. The lower elevations (e.g. Canyon de Chelly) are getting a good start.

This afternoon, I took a quick 20 minute drive down the switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon, AZ to the trailhead of West Fork. Colors were mostly lemon-lime with only a few maples turning red. Perhaps towards the end of this week will be much better. Even at 4:00 Sunday there were many vehicles parked along the highway near West Fork,so I assume the weekend visitation was high.

If you are considering West Fork of Oak Creek above Sedona, leaves are peak right now. Photo taken this morning.

I went out to Bandelier NM yesterday hoping for some lingering color in the cottonwoods. There was a bit, but not much. I'd say fall is about done for most of New Mexico, certainly will be after this weekend.