Oct 1 & 2 - Fall colors in RMNP?

I'm new around here - mostly reading, learning and enjoying the great pictures.

I know we can't be exact, but any opinions on whether the fall colors in RMNP will be past their peak on Oct 1 & 2? I'll be there and would like to incorporate whatever colors are left into my photos.

I plan to shoot around Sprague Lake, Dream Lake, The Loch, etc.

Thanks,

David

From my experience over the past few years, the first of October can be iffy. Last year was too late, but 08 was still good based on my photos from those dates. All it takes is one storm to come through in late September to wipe it all out. The third week of September has much better odds if you can move your trip up one week.

Jim Bennett
Highlands Ranch, CO

You are fine, it is almost always the last week of Sept first week of Oct. Some of my best Fall color shots have been the first week of Oct up in RMNP. Just get at the park VERY early, and I do mean like, first light to avoid the crowds. It is also amazing to hear the Elk bugle at that time of the day at dawn

Jim & John - thanks very much. I appreciate the advice about being sure to get their early to avoid the crowds.

David.

I have to agree with David on this one. Just keep your eyes on the fall color reports and be flexible. Last year I arrived one weekend too late and everything was literally gone. It is a bit of a craps shoot, so you have to be flexible, and get there early as John said.

David, its hard to pick an exact date for the peak Fall colors in any one place in CO. Try to be flexible with your plans as you may find reports of better colors in another part of the state or in N.Mexico. No matter what happens you will have fun.

Bill Brennan

There actually aren't a ton of aspen around Spraque/Dream/Loch lakes (there are a few, but they certainly do not dominate in those areas). Bear Lake, the Alberta Falls area and the hike to Bierstadt Lake have better concentrations of them. In my experience the aspen in these areas and along Bear Lake road turn earlier than most (Sept. 15-25 or so) but there is some year to year variation.

In the first days of October more often the aspen in the lower elevation of the Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park areas are closer to peak. However, last winter NPS installed some fences around them (especially in Beaver Meadows) to prevent the elk from eating even more of the bark than they already have. That may make some comps more challenging this year. Not to say you shouldn't come and attempt photos then, but just giving you an idea of what to expect.

Thanks Joshua. Now even more people know our secret places!

Joshua - thanks very much! I may be on the back side of the peak, but I'll give it a try. Appreciate the suggestions.

I was in RM last weekend and the aspens were in their very first stage of beginnning to change. As long as a real bad storm doesn't come along, I think next weekend will be prime.