Posted by Morris McClung on September 12, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Thanks for the sticky, Jim! You rock! I'm drooling for Fall, and the tundra is turning nicely already. Heck, even down here in Parker there seems to be a lot of changing already.
Posted by Bob Falcone on September 12, 2011 at 5:11 PM
Just drove US 160 from I-25 to Durango, and nothing happening that far south yet. Heck, still a fair amount of wildflowers in bloom.
Posted by David Kingham on September 12, 2011 at 9:36 PM
Tundra is fiery red at snowy range. I'm going up to kenosha pass Saturday, will report back. Getting excited
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 12, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Repost from thread below:
Sadly I haven't been out lately, but we have some friends in town from Australia, and they went to Aspen this weekend to see the sights. Anthony sent me this pic from Maroon Lake, shot yesterday, 9-10-11. Certainly not much going in yet, not that I expected too much. Sounds like Independence Pass is almost all green too, but some cottonwoods on the east side starting up. Just thought I'd pass along what I heard. Can't wait for it to get going!
Posted by David Kingham on September 13, 2011 at 9:34 AM
I'll repost this map I created for any newbies to Colorado fall colors (like me)
I've also allowed anyone to edit it, so if there as anything I missed please feel free to add it
Looks like the 14ers.com people have a fall color thread started. It'll probably be a helpful resource once the season starts rolling
Posted by David Kingham on September 14, 2011 at 10:55 PM
No pictures on the map Amy, you just have to google those
Posted by Rod Hanna on September 15, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Still totally green here in NW Colorado. My guess is that the colors are going to be somewhat later this year. Also, Buffalo Pass road has been closed by the Forest Service above Dry Lake Campground for construction---right at my favorite spot.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 16, 2011 at 12:15 AM
Got a good update from my friends Mary & Rod Simpson who live in Ridgway, they said I could post here if it will help. I'll let you know when they have more info.
Ridgway color report as of 9/15:
* Still very green - 98%+.
* Lots of aspen / cottonwood starting to turn lighter green.
* Underbrush is starting to turn everywhere.
* Many dead pine trees on CR9, not too bad...guess the pine beetles are starting to move in.
* Three light snow dusting on Mt. Sneffles so far - see photos below.
* Cimarron Ridge (west side) has very little snow.
* A little snow on mountain tops south of Ouray.
* Montrose (9/15) - about the same as Ridgway.
Posted by Jim Bennett on September 16, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Just went over Kenosha and Boreas Passes. Both are almost completely green and probably at least a week from peak color.
Posted by Pam Colander on September 16, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Cottonwoods showing some yellow and select patches of scrub oak are just starting to change in the Trinidad, Co area. Will have to check out the Highway of Legends in the next few days.
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on September 16, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Can't wait to get out there, regardless of the color! I am aiming for the first week of October. Hope to see more reports and pics before then to get me antsy.
Posted by Jim Bennett on September 16, 2011 at 6:30 PM
This was the best that I could come up with from the Breckenridge side of Boreas Pass today. This was shot through one of the very few peak aspen trees on that road. Overall, the aspen are probably at least a week away from peaking up there.
Posted by Pam Colander on September 18, 2011 at 3:57 PM
Traveled the length of state highway 12 (Highway of Legends) and portions of I-160 on Saturday (17th). There were small pockets of aspens at peak but the vast majority along 12 are in the light green phase. So probably 1-2 weeks to peak. Same thing on 160 between Walsenberg and Ft Garland for aspens but the scrub oak along there were colorful patchwork quilts in large sections heading towards La Veta Pass.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 18, 2011 at 4:34 PM
I just drove up the Pikes Peak highway to the summit and got a feel for how far the aspen have changed at various elevations in that part of the state. The aspen around 9,200 fee (Crystal Reservoir) are still 90 to 95 percent green, as you can see in the reference snapshot I've uploaded. Some patches outside that frame had turned a bit further than those I included in that shot, but it will still be a week or more until trees at that elevation are really shootable. The trees did look healthy, however. Between about 11,000 and 12,000 feet, the aspen color was terrible, and it looked like the trees had probably been frosted in the recent storm that deposited quite a bit of snow on the peak. I'd be interested to know if other people have observed frosted trees at that elevation elsewhere in the state. I also included a hastily edited shot taken on the summit at sunrise, part of my Sunrise from the Summit series (http://www.glennrandall.com/sunrisefromthesummit.html). As of today, I've done 40 shoots on 27 peaks, so after five years of effort, I'm halfway there. Maybe I'll finish all of them before I turn 60!
Glenn Randall
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 18, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Okay, I'm new to the forums, looks like you can only post one photo at a time. Here's the Pikes Peak summit shot.
Glenn Randall
Posted by Pam Colander on September 18, 2011 at 5:29 PM
Gorgeous shot Glenn and great to "see" you here! Just watch your back
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 18, 2011 at 6:36 PM
Hi Pam,
Since I'm 54 and have already had two spinal surgeries, I'll take your warning literally!
Posted by Todd Caudle on September 18, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Maroon Bells from Friday morning, not pretty, just an overview shot for this status update.
Glad to see Glenn Randall (one of my very favorite Colorado photographers!!!) here on the forum!
Posted by Todd Caudle on September 18, 2011 at 11:35 PM
P.S. While there were some sickly looking trees along the Maroon Lake road, all the trees around the lake looked pretty darn healthy to me. Could be a good year.
Posted by Morris McClung on September 18, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Hey, it's great to have you on the forum, Glen!
And if you post a topic to the forum, you can reply with more images to your own post.
Thanks for the updates everyone, keep them coming.
I drove up the highway from Copper Mountain to Clinton Creek again Saturday and there were some noticeable changes from just Tuesday. Still a ways to go, but maybe next weekend will be good for the first bunches that will turn.
Posted by Art Escobado on September 19, 2011 at 1:19 AM
Did someone say Maroon Bells? It looks like the Forest Service has a current conditions "update" page.
Posted by Tim Visser on September 19, 2011 at 12:33 PM
From the reports I have seen, I am planning to take off September 29 for 4 or 5 days to Aspen, Crested Butte and Ridgway area. This time around since I lost my job in August I am planning to car camp. Does anyone have and recommendations for Aspen and Ridgway area? I got a good place for Crested Butte based on your recommendations this summer. Also, I am looking to get some Aspen glow in Ridgway area and I am not sure where to go for streams and lakes in that area. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tim
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 19, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Tim, when you say car camp, do you mean with a tent, or literally sleeping in your car?. And second, will you have high clearance or 4wd vehicle? Let me know, and I'll post some ideas tonight when get home.
Posted by Tim Visser on September 19, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Brent/Others,
I will be driving my Avalon and am planning on sleeping in the back seat. I may take a tent and if you have recommendations for tent locations, that would be good as well. I have taken the Avalon up and down last dollar without any issues so that type of 4 wheeling on the Telluride side is fine for me.
Tim
Posted by Sarah Marino on September 19, 2011 at 10:46 PM
I was at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison this evening and the shrubs are fairly colorful. Some are still green, some are at peak, and some have already lost many of their leaves. The colors seem a bit muddy overall compared to previous years. If you are interested in colorful foliage at BC of the G, now is a good time to stop by.
In driving to Montrose via Grand Junction, there were only sporadic patches of changing trees between Denver and the Eisenhower Tunnel for the most part. The Vail area looked like the middle of summer - almost solid green, with the exception of colorful grasses and ground cover.
Posted by Art Escobado on September 20, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Check out the Ch 9 News fall outlook viewing opportunities map It's a little broad but might help some plan their trips.
Northern CO - Sept.19th - Oct 4th
Central CO - Sept.22nd - Oct 10th
Southern CO - Sept.25th - Oct 13th
Extreme S.CO - Sept.28th - Oct 16th
Drove the Peak-to-Peak on Sunday afternoon just to see how things were coming along. It was a mix of green, some small patches of decent colour, and a few dull looking aspen. The larger stand just south of the university research station (north of Nederland) wasn't doing much at all yet.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 20, 2011 at 4:13 PM
Hi Todd and Morris,
Thanks for welcoming me to the forum! It's my intention to become a much more active member than I have been in the past.
Posted by Sarah Marino on September 20, 2011 at 11:03 PM
CR5 outside of Ridgway has some very small patches of golden aspen and a lot of beautifully colored shrubs. Overall, the hillsides of aspen are still 99% green. The shrubs are probably about 50% red/golds and 50% green in the areas around Ridgway.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 20, 2011 at 11:39 PM
This is a test of uploading a photo taken with my smart phone directly to the colorado nature photographers website
I took this photo today of the aspen in Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park
It will probably be 10 days to 2 weeks until these aspen are in good shape
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 21, 2011 at 1:14 AM
Per Tim Visser's questions posted above. Here goes:
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek) pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
to be continued, apparently it won't let me post too many links in one post.......
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 21, 2011 at 1:16 AM
continued.....
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
Man, I don't type that much too often! Hope that helps! Hopefully some others will chime in with some good ideas on places to shoot trees and water in that area too.
Posted by David Kingham on September 21, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Holy cow Brent, great information. Thank you! You will probably see me in the green 4runner at one of these spots I will attempt to post live updates from my iphone
Thanks a lot for the incredible information. I'll certainly put it to use when I visit 10/7 - 10/11, my schedule dictating the time I can go. I am hoping its work out for color this year. Thanks again, Michael
Posted by Tim Visser on September 21, 2011 at 6:39 PM
Brent,
Words can not describe the feeling I have.....holy crap man, that is a lot of information you provided....and not just information useful information that I and others will be able to use. I know the Ridgway area the best and have a good understanding of where you are saying to. If I recall correctly, one of those locations two years ago with the wind blowing down tree trunks you and others got stuck with trunks across the road.
Woods lake is good but I went the wrong time last time and it is a late afternoon shot, thanks for reminding me. Someone at our camera club meeting last night said trout lake by Lizard Head Pass was also a good area. Have you or anyone else tried shooting there? I did go to Silver Jack and drove throw the camp ground area but at that time I did not see where to go there for the best location to shoot. It was peak at that time so I obviously missed it or blind.
I really do appreciate the work you put into answering my questions. They will help me a lot!!!! If I see you in Ridgway I will buy you dinner and beer.
Tim
Posted by Tim Visser on September 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM
Brent,
Words can not describe the feeling I have.....holy crap man, that is a lot of information you provided....and not just information useful information that I and others will be able to use. I know the Ridgway area the best and have a good understanding of where you are saying to. If I recall correctly, one of those locations two years ago with the wind blowing down tree trunks you and others got stuck with trunks across the road.
Woods lake is good but I went the wrong time last time and it is a late afternoon shot, thanks for reminding me. Someone at our camera club meeting last night said trout lake by Lizard Head Pass was also a good area. Have you or anyone else tried shooting there? I did go to Silver Jack and drove throw the camp ground area but at that time I did not see where to go there for the best location to shoot. It was peak at that time so I obviously missed it or blind.
I really do appreciate the work you put into answering my questions. They will help me a lot!!!! If I see you in Ridgway I will buy you dinner and beer.
Tim
Posted by Ron Bailey on September 21, 2011 at 9:22 PM
Somebody find a Groupon coupon good for a finger massage that we can give to Brent for all the typing! Great info, thanks.
Posted by Tim Visser on September 21, 2011 at 10:20 PM
All,
If you are like me, it is hard to keep track of all of the locations where you can check on reports for fall colors. I have compiled some of the information that others have provided on this forum and am making a list of it. If you have other great links that you want to include so we have them in one location, please send them to me I will edit this post with them.
9News - http://tinyurl.com/4542nto
San Juan - http://tinyurl.com/3pr4nmj
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison - http://tinyurl.com/3gfd246
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests - http://tinyurl.com/44u5yno
Telluride Web Cams - http://tinyurl.com/4x6yvmr
David's Google Map - http://tinyurl.com/3rb4tyg
White River (Maroon Bells area) - http://tinyurl.com/3g2nhm8
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek)
pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side
Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 22, 2011 at 12:28 AM
No problem guys, glad to help! But I do like Ron's idea! :) I get a lot of inquires this time of year through my website, and enjoy putting the info together. Gets me all the more pumped up to go out and shoot! :)
Tim, you have a good memory, it was two years ago, and on Road 5 that several of us got stuck behind a massive tree fall. We went to the end of the road, had to dodge several smaller tress that came down, but a few miles further down, we came across a section about a hundred yards long that was all covered, I'd say 10-15 trees. So wild! Were able to call the Forest Service, but never saw them come up. Luckily, about 10 minutes later, a guy drove up behind us (also stuck) who happened to have a chainsaw! HA! He made fairly quick work of them all, with 4 or 5 of us pulling the cut trees out of the way. Took maybe half hour, and off we drove! Quite the adventure. I now carry a saw with me on these trips!
I've never shot at Trout Lake, except in the winter, I should check that out too! As far as the smaller lakes near Silver Jack, Rowdy Lake is off the beaten path. There is a sign at the turn, but super small! Beaver Lake, for some reason it took me many trips to that area before I finally stopped, and you can see it from the road! Doh! This year I'd like to shoot there some sunset, looking over the lake towards the jagged peaks to the south, like in Bob's great shot here.
And yeah, dinner and a beer would suit me just fine!
Posted by Tim Visser on September 22, 2011 at 1:20 AM
All,
If you are like me, it is hard to keep track of all of the locations where you can check on reports for fall colors. I have compiled some of the information that others have provided on this forum and am making a list of it. If you have other great links that you want to include so we have them in one location, please send them to me I will edit this post with them.
9News - http://tinyurl.com/4542nto
San Juan - http://tinyurl.com/3pr4nmj
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison - http://tinyurl.com/3gfd246
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests - http://tinyurl.com/44u5yno
Telluride Web Cams - http://tinyurl.com/4x6yvmr
David's Google Map - http://tinyurl.com/3rb4tyg
White River (Maroon Bells area) - http://tinyurl.com/3g2nhm8
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek)
pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side
Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
I was at Kenosha pass yesterday. Since the cold snap over the weekend it's actually started to change; about 10-15% yellow with the good stuff probably just over a week away.
Posted by David Kingham on September 22, 2011 at 8:25 AM
Tim and others, I have been compiling a lot of useful links on my blog as well http://kinghamphotography.com/2011/09/18/colorado-fall-colors/
I can add any other links so it's all easily accessible on our phones.
Just realized my blog looks awful on my iphone (one more thing to work on this winter) but at least the links are visible
Posted by Morris McClung on September 22, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Wow, Doerzman!
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 22, 2011 at 4:34 PM
I agree with Tim that the Capitol Creek trailhead is a great place to shoot sunset, but I wouldn't ignore sunrise either. One morning when I was camped at the Capitol Creek trailhead and felt too lazy to drive over to the Bells again for sunrise I took a flyer and shot sunrise along the Ditch Trail about a third or half a mile from the parking lot. About 10 or 15 minutes before sunrise, a large bank of clouds to the east, out of the frame, lit up and cast a wonderful golden glow over the whole Capitol Creek valley. Granted, I was hugely lucky, but that shoot produced my favorite fall image of that valley.
Today I drove back from Craig after going up Monday for work this week. Noticeable changes along Hwy 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling. A few aspen and the cottonwoods(?) along the Blue River are going. Also the east side of Rabbit Ears pass is starting to change as well. It was maybe 25-30% changed with a few nice patches here and there at peak. Should be closer to 40% this weekend maybe?
Posted by Bob Falcone on September 22, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Decided today was a nice day to hike up to the Crags, and found some nice changes happening.
CO67 south of Divide is starting to look good, especially nearest the road.
The road to the Crags trailhead has some nice clusters of color, especially the area about 1/2 mile before the Mennonite camp.
The Crags trail itself has some nice pockets of color, especially the area about 1 mile or so from the trail head.
My observations are pretty much in line with what the Forest Service is publishing here: http://tinyurl.com/3b5egkm
Posted by Sandy Steinman on September 22, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Fall Foliage Reports, Drives, Etc.
I have created a Colorado and Rocky Mountain fall foliage page with links to fall foliage reports, locations, drives and articles at Natural History Wanderings. It is at: Colorado Fall Foliage
Suggestions, corrections, and additions welcome.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on September 23, 2011 at 4:57 AM
On Wednesday, Sept. 21, I hiked to Lost Lake, just west of Nederland/Eldora. Although 98% of the foliage was still green, there were a few stands of aspens along the trail that I would consider already at peak! This stand was at 9,500'.
So, this weekend should offer some opportunities for intimate fall landscapes.
Posted by Morris McClung on September 23, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Nice comp and fantastic color, Bill. Thanks for the update!
Posted by Sarah Marino on September 23, 2011 at 2:58 PM
I was working on the Western Slope (Colorado) this week and drove around quite a bit to help prepare for my real fall colors trip (which seems to be scheduled for the wrong week...). Anyway, a few updates:
The Dallas Divide side of Last Dollar Road seems to be progressing the fastest of all of the Ridgway area options. There are a few patches of scattered yellow trees and the trees seem to be a lighter green color in this general area. As of Thursday, there were no actual patches of golden aspen, but this area seems to be coming along the fastest.
The Grand Mesa has some beautiful patches of fully changed trees and there are copious sections of colorful ground cover on the top of the mesa. This could be a good option for the weekend, especially for smaller scenes. In driving around a good portion of the Western Slope this last week, this is the only area that had a lot of options and extensive patches of golden trees.
In driving through Vail on Monday, it almost looked like the middle of summer. In coming back through on my way home to Denver yesterday, the change was very noticeable. The trees went from dark green to lighter green with patches of yellow in a few days. Still not a lot to photograph in terms of fall colors, but progress in that direction...
Posted by Jim Bennett on September 24, 2011 at 12:07 AM
I drove the peak-peak highway on Friday afternoon and I can report that about 75% of the aspen are still very early in changing. However, what I consider the better areas are getting close to peak and my guess is that they will be at peak around the middle of next week. Here's a hand-held 5-shot panorama that I shot showing the current condition in this one area.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 24, 2011 at 5:50 PM
More reports form my friends Mary & Rod Simpson down in Ridgway. I'll start with a report from 9-22, on a trip they made up and over Grand Mesa:
Grand Mesa
Yesterday we drove to Grand Junction. We decided to drive back to Ridgway via Hwy 65 that goes up, over, and down Grand Mesa.
The north side of Grand Mesa on Hwy 65: ground cover is 40% or so turned and many large sections of aspen trees will be peak in 7-14 days. Other large sections of aspen trees are entirely green. north_grand_mesa_sept22.jpg
The south side of Grand Mesa on Hwy 65: still very green! I would say the south side will not be peak for another 2 weeks or so. south_grand_mesa_sept22.jpg
As for the top of the mesa - not sure, we didn't have time to visit Vega State Park, Collbran, or CR 265.
Here are links to videos that I took of the drive while going over Grand Mesa - they really show you the state of the leaves much better than photos. Videos start from north side and finish on south side.
The Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose river valleys are starting to turn. I would expect that the cottonwoods that grow along the Uncompahgre River will be peak in approx. 10-14 days. Pictured below: view of Hwy 550 and Uncompahgre River looking west, Ridgway River Valley, taken from balcony on 9/23/2011:
The west side of Cimarron Ridge is still green. Most of the snow has melted on the ridge tops. At this point I would say 10+ days for west Cimarron Ridge.
I'll post some more from their trip out today too.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 24, 2011 at 6:13 PM
More from Rod & Mary in Ridgway, all shot today, 9-24-11
Dallas Divide
* Ground cover at 40%+ changed
* Aspen tree color is all over the place - small areas approaching peak in 5 +/- days, most areas still green / greenish. Very blotchy but still predominately green.
Pictured below: Pull-off at Dallas Divide taken on 9/24. I was surprised to see this much color. Don't let photo fool you....area as a whole is still predominately green (very similar to background aspen trees in photo). dallas_divide_2.jpg
Picture below: Same location but pointing south east (left). dallas_divide_1.jpg
Last Dollar Road
* LDR near Ridgway turn-off, still predominately green
Pictured below: Last Dollar Road (from Ridgway), predominately green, small stands of yellow here and there. last_dollar_road.jpg
Pictured below: Last Dollar Ranch, predominately green. Just starting to turn.... last_dollar.jpg
edit: apparently you can only do so many hyperlinks, you'll just have to cut and paste the last two I guess.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on September 24, 2011 at 9:18 PM
Toured down Hwy 67S from Divide this morning and there were pockets of good color along the roads, but 90% green to light green. Took this shot where the road dumps you into Gillette Flats (looking south). This seemed to be one of the best areas - maybe 25% changed.
Posted by Howard Patton on September 25, 2011 at 12:27 AM
Well I hope you folks don't mind a couple of Texans coming up to get a few pics.
I have been watching this thread and checked out a few sites. Ya'll have some great shots that you have taken of the fall colors.
We left home and drove 7 and a half hours to Dumas, Tx today. Of course that was after mowing the yard and weedeating around the flower beds.
We are headed to Trinidad in the morning, but are open as to which direction to go after that. We have quite a bit of time, we don't have to be back home for 2 weeks. Wave or pull us over and say "Hi" if you see a Silver Jeep Wrangler 4Dr with Texas tags; we do enjoy meeting new people.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Howard
Posted by Stan Rose on September 25, 2011 at 11:38 AM
just got back from a three day loop around the sawatch, elks/raggeds, and sangres. Everything is very very GREEN!! Go in October, or plan on doing what i had to do--taking lots of unconventional shots and seeking out the small patches of color. This will be the latest peak in years. See below post for pics
Posted by Scott Bideau on September 25, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Stan, thanks for the heads up. I'll likely delay my trip to Oct 7 instead of Sep 30.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on September 25, 2011 at 5:39 PM
Update on Wasatch Mts, Utah.... Maples are pretty much on schedule, though the aspens are lagging a little behind. There are some spots of color but well need another week or more.
Posted by Sarah Marino on September 25, 2011 at 6:05 PM
Kenosha Pass, as of yesterday... The aspens on both sides of the road are still splotchy, with some completely yellow patches and some completely green patches. We hiked about four miles up the east side of the Colorado Trail and there were some small sections that looked to be nearing peak around where we turned around, with the hillsides along the way splotchy overall. Similar to Stan's report - there are some nice small patches, but wide-angle shots of golden hillsides are still at least a few days away.
Posted by Bob Falcone on September 25, 2011 at 8:15 PM
Drove Rampart Range Road from Woodland Park to Sedalia today. There are pockets of yellow aspen all over the place, but I think next weekend should be ready for prime time.
Posted by Morris McClung on September 25, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Thanks so much for the steady stream of prime info from everyone!
I also think it would be extremely helpful to post any road work or other conditions that we might want to avoid. For instance they are doing repaving on Hwy. 91 between Copper Mountain and Leadville as recently as last Tuesday. Traffic is down to 1 lane at 2 locations. They are starting at 7:00, and don't quit til 5 or 6:00 I think. Jack can update if he went that way recently and if that is still going on.
Just got back from Independence Pass, Fremont Pass and Ashcroft. The picture above was taken from the aspen stand immediately to the east of Aspen as you start to head out of town (it is actually a 15 image stitch). Lots of sections at full peak like this. Many parts still light green and nothing beyond peak. IMHO 50/50 to 60/40 (peak/green) in most parts.
Also, the cottonwoods along the Colorado River along Glenwood Springs look pretty sad this year. Kinda brown and down.
RichieV
Posted by Amy Lindsey on September 26, 2011 at 12:19 AM
In the Tetons and color is spotty. Oxbow is still green, but the cottonwoods along the Snake River are shades of yellow, lemon-lime, and green. Found some good color along Gros Ventre Road today, but there are a couple fires (managed) way back up the road that is giving off a good cloud.
In Yellowstone, color was nice near Lewis area. Drove through rather quickly, but very excited to get back there in a few days. That's all for now!
Posted by Kalin Wilson on September 26, 2011 at 2:18 AM
Took a short motorcycle ride today out to Wilkerson Pass along hwy 24 from Divide. The Pike's Peak area is probably 40-60% turned like a lot of other reports. There are some small groves that look near peak and lots that are still green or just starting to turn. I think next weekend will be pretty good around here. I'm hoping the San Juans or Elks will be nice as next weekend will probably be my only weekend out this season.
Posted by Stan Rose on September 26, 2011 at 3:37 AM
Kane is off scaling some vertical rock in some remote spot in the Elks, but he wanted me to pass along that the Bells and surrounding area are in primo condition right now and should be for the coming week. I guess I should have gone to the Bells--cause Capitol waqs way green.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 26, 2011 at 1:30 PM
I got some more good info from a forum lurker, Jen Yu. Really good info!
Per Jen--
i was in crested butte thurs - sat (22-24) and the colors were furthest along in washington gulch, along gothic road (that valley), and also slate river valley. i'd say from 5% to 25%, but some really healthy vibrant golds, oranges and more reds than i usually see. on the slopes of mt. crested butte it was similar. still tons of green (but healthy and promising). nice along brush creek trail (skirting the east side of mt. crested butte) with some stellar golden stands among the green and decent amount of reds coming through too. kebler pass road and ohio pass road were like 5% or less on friday - still very green with a couple of yellowing stands, but when we drove kebler on sunday (on our way to aspen) several patches of gold were popping up. still in the 10% range, but i was surprised at how quickly it turned. the dyke is still mostly green, but reds are starting to develop in places that were green 2 days prior. the biological research station out of gothic was saying that the hot days and cold nights were really good for the colors both in brilliance and for turning.
the giant stand west of kebler pass - mostly green. a couple of bright yellow patches. lower elevation aspens seemed to be dead or browning or dull (along the road and in the valley).
mcclure pass was a lot of yellow/brown, green/brown looking dull.
the valley where marble is situated looked green except for gold at the mouth of the valley as we drove down from mcclure pass.
here in aspen, the slopes of the bells are at about 40% gold. turning fast, from what the locals are telling me as it was green just 3 days before. the brush is quite brilliant - greens, reds, golds, oranges. also local forecast is saying 30% chance of showers tues night. wed morning might be an ideal time to shoot the bells from the wm lake. shuttles still in effect (9am to 5pm). you can drive in before 9 or after 5 and a national park annual pass will get you in for free. headed to ind. pass now.
that's all i have. just wanted to share if others were wondering since the leaves seem to be moving quickly (and nicely) in some places. also - i met one of the moderators for the forum last fall year on last dollar road at sunset. i gave him some chocolate chip cookies... never got his name.
thanks!! jen
Posted by David Kingham on September 27, 2011 at 9:51 AM
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 27, 2011 at 1:07 PM
More updates from the Simpsons in Ridgway:
Morning! Here are a few reference photos of west Cimarron Ridge taken from the road (9/26). There has been a lot of haze here -no rain for 1 week and small fire in valley. We also received our first ground frost yesterday morning.
Pictured Below: Under the Ridge there are 2 sections of yellow, one pictured below. The rest was green to light green.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 27, 2011 at 1:08 PM
One more from Ridgway:
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 27, 2011 at 1:09 PM
And one from County Road 9 shot on 9-26-11 from the Simpsons
"Took a reference shot for you off of CR9 last night"
The east side of the Gore Pass north of Kremling is very near peak. I'd say over 75% aspens turned yellow. Some greens and darker golds mixed in. A few getting red tips. Nice bright color. Should be spectacular the next few days.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on September 28, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Here's the status of the Dyke along Kebler Pass Road this afternoon. Lots of green leaves yet to turn. I talked with a guy while photographing this, and he said it's amazing how much they've changed in just the last couple of days.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on September 28, 2011 at 12:36 AM
I'll echo what was said above - McClure Pass area is just depressing - mostly dull brown leaves and sick-looking trees. Same goes for the lower elevations on the west side of Kebler Pass. From about Mile 15 or so onward to Crested Butte, they look healthy (if still 50% green.) South of Crested Butte on the way to Gunnison has some great color (both aspen and cottonwoods) as well.
Discovered a new route (new to me) with some really nice color. Hwy 114 from just east of Gunnison to Saguache, besides being a really neat drive, had some seriously colorful trees on either side of the pass. (North Cochetopa Pass? Not sure...)
The Dallas Divide was in great shape yesterday morning - I'd say pretty much peak. Last Dollar had some stands at peak, but most were still quite green - and healthy looking. I did not make it over Owl Creek Pass this trip, unfortunately.
Independence Pass (the west, or Aspen side) has a mixture of green and peak stands. Richard's pano above (besides being a great shot!) gives a good indication of some of the peak stands in this area. Saw a few brown / sick areas; mostly healthy. I watched sunset from the summit so can't report on the east side other than to say it was awfully dark!
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 28, 2011 at 9:31 AM
The aspen along the road to the South Mount Elbert trailhead are at peak. Eighty or 90 percent have turned. Almost none have fallen. There are a few green leaves left. This is a cell phone snap.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 28, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Here's a hasty edit of a photo at the beaver pond near the South Mt. Elbert trailhead, taken with my 1Ds Mark III this morning (Wednesday 9/28/2011)
Posted by David Kingham on September 28, 2011 at 2:14 PM
I was in Lake City yesterday and it is peaking there big time, all very healthy too. Cinnamon pass was very nice too, ferns are a nice dark yellow around American basin. Today coal bank is around 70%, at Silverton is peak and a lot of leaves falling today, off to red mountain pass now.
I also recieved this message on my website
Hello David my name is Jim Sayre and I see your photos all the time on
the Nature photographers web site. I am not a member but thought you
might be able to pass along some information of the fall colors. I
just got back from ouray/ silverton today. If you wait too uch longer
you will miss everything. As it stands right now, the Silverton area
is at peak or very near, only a couple of days left I think. The Red
mountain area literally turned in a couple of days. It will be at peak
before the end of the week. The Mineral Creek area is great. Marble
and McClure passes are a week away. I hope this info helps you out. I
have been going to the ouray area for over 15 years and it always is
at peak by the 27th or 28th. I look forwad to hearing from you, Jim
Sayre Broomfield Co.
Posted by Rod Hanna on September 28, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Wow, talk about a mixed bag. I'm in Aspen tonight and not sure where to go---maybe I'll hang around here tomorrow and check out Ashcroft, might even venture up to the Bells. I drove from Steamboat through the Flat Tops on my way here---Dunkley Pass area is still about 90% green. Ripple Creek Pass is farther along, maybe 50% or so. The trees are very healthy. This picture is from near the top of Ripple Pass. From Ripple, along the road to Meeker there's lots of colorful underbrush and the aspens are close to peak in some areas. From what I'm seeing and reading, there's going to be color for a couple of more weeks on the western slope, but it's going to be spotty.
Posted by Rod Hanna on September 28, 2011 at 11:18 PM
I checked out Capital Peak overlook when I got to Aspen this afternoon...the large stands in front of the mountain are still mostly green, but there's some nice color around the edges. This is from the second overlook area. Best color I've seen so far in the area is below Mount Sopris.
Posted by Todd Caudle on September 29, 2011 at 12:01 PM
The multiple personalities happening all over Colorado this year are in full effect along Rampart Range Road. There's some really nice color, but lots of green that's beginning to change. With this latest cool front I imagine things will speed up to peak color fast.
Posted by Glenn Randall on September 29, 2011 at 12:44 PM
here's a cell phone snap of the Dyke, Kebler Pass area from today, 9/29
Posted by Morris McClung on September 29, 2011 at 1:13 PM
Keonosha Pass is 70-80% and the wind is blowing, so it may lose some leaves throughout the day. Always seems to happen there.
The aspen past Como toward Boreas Pass are great. Also 80% turned. Still some green and some leaves have leaf spot, but most look good.
Hwy 285 has some rock scaling going on and has 20 minute waits. Just past Grant.
Shot of the Bells this morning. Some good colour up Maroon Creek Road. Coming down the west side of Independence Pass yesterday was a mixed picture - lots of green and some burned-looking browns too, but a few pockets of good stuff as well. Need clouds more than anything though...
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 29, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Got some more info and updates from Rod & Mary in Ridgway, they went over Owl Creek and to Silver Jack last night, here's what they found:
"We drove to Silver Jack Res. last night. Took several happy snaps for you (used our new Canon Powershot - easy to use but takes terrible landscape photos). Rod and I will probably return to the Silver Jack area in 5-8 days.
The scoop:
West Side:
* Still pretty green, however one the "popular" shots has a good bit of color moving in (see below).
* Ferns are gold, in great condition, and just beautiful!
* Scene where John Wayne road his horse in True Grit (under Courthouse Rock?) is still quite green (see below).
East Side:
* Aspens look healthy and color is fantastic so far.
* The "old cabin shot" by the reservoir is mostly green...nice reds starting to show through."
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 29, 2011 at 2:24 PM
True Grit clearing on Owl Creek
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 29, 2011 at 2:26 PM
One more form the Simpsons, on 9-28-11
West side of Owl Creek
Posted by Kane Engelbert on September 29, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Crystal River Mill. The immediate aspens around mill are highly muted due to the brown spot. Lacking any brilliance whatsoever. Very dissapointing.
Tesuque Basin above Santa Fe is changing fast. We went up on Monday, and I would have said 15%, but looking from town I'd say it's more like 50% by now. Many of the trees by the road looked lousy on Monday (as usual), but the stands further back looked pretty good.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on September 30, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I'm hanging out in Cortez right now. During the drive out here I would say the one spot that had the most consistent color was the Twin Lakes area through the east side of Independence Pass. These areas are peak right now and the trees look really healthy. West side of Indy Pass to Aspen was also mostly nice.
As said before, McClure is not so good for trees, however the ferns have mostly turned to dark gold right now. The Maroon Bells are looking great currently as evidenced by Stephen's photo above. I shot there the previous morning and had similar conditions.
I didn't bother stopping much in the San Juans. Except for the Red Mountain Pass area everything there is still behind. Could be another week. The aspens in the canyon on the drive between Telluride and Dolores are looking good and are probably ~40% turned. Some decent opportunities for closeups there. The brush in Mesa Verde NP is turning nicely, ~25% or so, and should be good through at least the next week, probably longer.
Posted by Brent Doerzman on September 30, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Just what I wanted to hear Joshua, as I'm headed to Twin Lakes area tonight! Can't wait!
Everyone have a great, safe weekend!
Posted by Jim Bennett on September 30, 2011 at 9:17 PM
Went along the peak to peak highway, Guanella Pass and Kenosha Passes today. The peak to peak highway and Kenosha Pass are both mostly just past peak and the wind was blowing the leaves off of the trees. Guanella Pass road still had some good peak color in many areas.
Posted by Bob Falcone on October 1, 2011 at 8:45 PM
If you're in the area, now is the time to check out Hwy 12 from Cuchara to the Cordova Pass Rd, including the Blue Lake/Bear Lake areas.
It's not 100% at peak, but I don't think it'll last until next weekend.
Spent last night and all day today in the Twin Lakes, South Elbert area, incredible! At peak for sure, colors more intense than I've seen in years! Perfect!
Posted by Tim Visser on October 2, 2011 at 1:03 AM
Here is my update. My wife and I drove yesterday to Twin Lakes, Independence Pass and Ashcroft. All of the updates above and what Brent said is very accurate. Today we were at Maroon Bells, McClure Pass and Kebler and now back in Denver. This trip was more for my wife than me but I got a few shots in. Maroon Bells is at Peak or very close. McClure pass is exactly as what people have stated. Kebler pass is looking good and should be peak in the next 4-5 days.
Also, here is an update for the Ridgway area from a very reliable source from a photo club I belong to. "Today I was able to get a good look at things around Ouray/ Ridgeway/ Silverton. Red Mountain pass, Ironton is at peak now and colors are very nice. Some of that area may last a week if wind is light and weather stays as mild as it has been. Dallas divide and lower Owl creek are still pretty green and I expect it will be another week for those. A friend reported that Aspen Maroon Bells Ashcroft are peaking now. Upper Owl creek is going well but not quite peak. May last another week. Good around Keebler pass but oddly lousy at McClure pass. I will check last dollar road and toward Telluride but heard reports that things still pretty green.
Trees nice around Silverton and near peak."
Here is an image for Maroon Bells.
Posted by Tim Visser on October 2, 2011 at 1:03 AM
Here is one for Kebler Pass by the Dyke area.
Posted by Tim Visser on October 2, 2011 at 1:04 AM
Here is a second from the Dyke area. I hope this helps you. Tim
Posted by Glenn Randall on October 2, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Silver Jack area is a mixture of green and gold, nothing has fallen, very shootable but will still get better if the big storm forecast for Thursday doesn't kill all the colors. County Road 7 and the big view of Sneffells is still several days before peak. County Road 9 is still mostly green or just starting to turn, with pockets of good color. True Grit Meadow .7 miles below Owl Creek Pass on west side is still several days before peak. Pockets of good color on west side of Owl Creek Pass. Best area right now in the general vicinity of Ridgway is probably Silver Jack. The classic shot looking south from the roadside grove just 1/3 mile north of Jackson Guard Station is very colorful, with a couple of trees still green, but the rest vibrant.
Glenn Randall
Posted by Glenn Randall on October 2, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Cell phone snaps from county rd 5
Posted by Glenn Randall on October 2, 2011 at 3:01 PM
I spent yesterday poking around the areas north of Provo and West of Heber City. Lots of green still; looks about a week behind what I'd otherwise expect. Here, some maples near Sundance do their best impression of a Northeastern hardwood forest.
Here, a larger scenic in Wasatch Mountains State Park, east of Heber City. Lots of green mixed in with the yellows, as you can see. Perhaps next weekend?
Hey Tim - The guy you have in the foreground of your Maroon Bells shot is NPN member Art Escobedo! You must have taken that around 10:15 on Saturday morning because that's when he was over there checking out compositions for the Sunday morning shoot.
For anyone in the Crested Butte area in the next couple of days, there are some nice aspen in the first few miles of Washington Gulch Rd and also the Slate River Road. At peak/just past peak right now. Good way to avoid the crowds on Kebler!
Twin Lakes is a little past prime now, but the Vail Valley is at prime!
Posted by Grant Collier on October 4, 2011 at 3:10 AM
The Flat Tops from the town of Yampa to Trappers Lake had lots of yellow and a fair amount of red as of Monday. Still maybe 40% green, so it should stay good for a little while. Guanella Pass still had lots of yellow but was past definitely peak as of Sunday.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM
Maroon Bells area is incredible right now. On top of that, it's currently raining down low and snowing and foggy up high, so when the weather breaks, it should reveal very snowy Bells.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on October 4, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Hi All,
Just completed our annual photo tour through the San Juans and so far, it's just been afternoon rains into some evenings. The mornings have been nice - partly cloudy to overcast - perfect for forest photography. This morning, it clouded over the Sneffels Range and snowed very lightly at approx 11k and above. The rest of the day was rainy with snow only on the very highest peaks. The roads were wet and the colors were awesome! We traveled the length of Last Dollar Road into Teluride and it rained the whole way. The road was a bit muddy and slick in portions and most of the route was done in 2WD, switching to 4WD in the steeper parts near the south end. There was beautiful layers of clouds and ground fog mixed in with the aspen groves - beautiful conditions. There are still large green patches mixed in with all other shades of color. Most areas are near peak.
Cheers, Ken
Posted by Ken Wyatt on October 4, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Sample shot from Last Dollar Road today. Most of the aspen groves are 80% turned with a few green spots.
Posted by Grant Collier on October 5, 2011 at 12:13 AM
The slopes of Grand Mesa are about 50% turned. It's about at peak towards the top. There was a light dusting of snow today at the very top, but this was mostly above the aspen stands.
Posted by Jim Bennett on October 5, 2011 at 12:15 AM
Just spent the day around the Cripple Creek and Victor areas and the colors down there are great! Gold camp road going back towards Colorado Springs was spectacular. The great majority of the areas are right at peak, but there are still many areas that are still turning, so these areas should be great for several more days, unless the weather gets to it.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 5, 2011 at 10:12 PM
This Wednesday evening, I made a quick recon trip to Snow Bowl on the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. Still rather green. Perhaps the incoming storm will kick in the chromo for the weekend.
Posted by Bret Edge on October 5, 2011 at 10:19 PM
The La Sals are going off right now. At or near peak and the mountains have a nice layer of snow. If the wind doesn't let up soon there won't be any leaves left, though.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 6, 2011 at 9:41 AM
Well, I wrote a long post last night, but due to a weak cell signal and the ginormous size of this thread, it wouldn't let me post. Here's a more abbreviated rundown :
Maroon Bells are spectacular. Kebler from Crested Butte to beyond the Lost Lake road, on down to the turn-off for the Ruby-Anthracite trail is pretty much at peak and looking mighty fine. Beyond that point it's mostly terrible, as is that overlook off of FR265 (Buzzard Divide road to Collbran), so save you gas and skip it. Ohio Pass is excellent, at peak or very nearly so. I'm near Telluride right now and it's snowing like the Dickens. What trees I can see are a mixed bag of peak and 50/50. San Juans might be perfect this weekend, although with the preliminary look I've gotten so far, don't change any plans yet. I'll post more later as conditions and cell service warrant.
Posted by Ken Wyatt on October 6, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Sample shot from Last Dollar Road today. Most of the aspen groves are 80% turned with a few green spots.
Posted by Scott Bideau on October 6, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Thanks Todd, your insight is much appreciated. I postponed my trip down south last weekend due to illness and am still hoping to get down there this weekend, but it will be a shorter span so I'm trying to determine the best approach. With the storms rolling in, that makes me nervous about both my traveling and the leaves falling off. Any pictures or additional insight is much appreciated.
I was thinking of doing Capital Creek tonight, Maroon Bells tomorrow morning. The early reports I saw of Capital Creek were very green - does anyone have an update there? Also, are the Aspens around the Bells still holding their leaves after this storm?
I was going to head down to Ridgway and bypass CB/Kebler based on the storm pattern, but if Kebler is still accessible after the storm and looking good, I would rather head there.
Posted by Scott Bideau on October 6, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Thanks Todd, your insight is much appreciated. I postponed my trip down south last weekend due to illness and am still hoping to get down there this weekend, but it will be a shorter span so I'm trying to determine the best approach. With the storms rolling in, that makes me nervous about both my traveling and the leaves falling off. Any pictures or additional insight is much appreciated.
I was thinking of doing Capital Creek tonight, Maroon Bells tomorrow morning. The early reports I saw of Capital Creek were very green - does anyone have an update there? Also, are the Aspens around the Bells still holding their leaves after this storm?
I was going to head down to Ridgway and bypass CB/Kebler based on the storm pattern, but if Kebler is still accessible after the storm and looking good, I would rather head there.
In ridgway this morning, rain and low clouds over the area at the moment. Shot Dallas divide yesterday, approx 75% changed and good mix of color. Last dollar also really good from the telluride side, some pockets peak, some greenish, a good mix. Heard from others that silver jack is very nice right now, hoping to head over there today.
In terms of the storm, optimistic that there are enough pockets that are a little green or not yet peak - hopefully they make it through the winds in good shape.
Spent last night and this morn g at Silver Jack Res., spectacular colors, still a mix of green too. Famous over look is peak. Had nice fog this morning, then was chased north back to highway 50 by rain then wet, blowing snow. Almost whiteout at points, took a slow drive. In Montrose now, rain done here for now. talked to Todd Caudle an hour ago, he was near Telluride, said several inches of snow on ground already. Should be an interesting few days! ;)
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 6, 2011 at 8:30 PM
Okay, update #2 on the Telluride area, from Lizard Head Pass to the lower stretch of Last Dollar Road up to the forest boundary. It's not totally spectacular color-wise, and I'm having a bit of a hard time discerning whether or not it just hasn't happened yet. Not a lot of the good, healthy gold (just pockets here or there) and lots of green and lackluster reddish orange. What I can't tell is if the green will go gold or if it'll just turn greenish brown. There's a lot more dull color around here than the best parts of Kebler and the Bells. If it's gonna get good around here, it'll likely be late next week. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to shoot around Telluride, especially with the huge amount of snow from this storm. Hope this helps.
Posted by Scott Bideau on October 7, 2011 at 2:37 PM
A quick peek at Maroon Bells conditions this morning (not for C&C, just showing conditions).
Posted by Grant Collier on October 8, 2011 at 11:58 AM
The second snowstorm in the San Juans has mostly caused all the color to fade. Lots of snow scenes to photograph, though.
Posted by Bill Speaks on October 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Starting near Dolores I drove the west fork of the Dolores River on 10/8 and it is near or at peak from the campground to where you start the climb up to Lizard Head and 145. Absolutely beautiful with some snow still hanging on the trees. I drove the entire length, but suggest avoiding that final stretch as there is a good bit of snow on the road in some places. If you had to turn around it could get tricky. One more storm and it will be snowmobile only.
I just returned from a 5 day/4 night trip to SW Colorado. There is still plenty of color to photograph and I think it will be strong through this weekend. The Dallas Divide is a mix of trees that are still green, others that a bare, some that are past peak, and others that still are near peak or at peak. The area above Ouray to Silverton has some pockets of color with past peak trees, but isn't worth visiting if you are looking for color only. Owl Creek Pass - I visited it on 10/8 and the colors are pretty much mixed. The area around Silver Jack Reservoir was anywhere between peak to past peak with some sections still very green. I think it is still worth visiting there through this weekend. The best stretch of color is between Durango and Silverton with many trees along the road at peak or even still completely green. I drove through this area yesterday and I'd estimate that 90% of all leaves are still on the trees there. Based on the warm forecasts, my guess is the next two weekends there will be worth visiting. Finally, the La Plata Mountains between Cortez and Durango are peak right now and certainly worth a visit. The color is strong the last 15 miles or so between Cortez and Durango. I hope this helps. Email me if you have any questions.
I headed down towards the Boulder Plateau and Capital Reef last weekend after a decent storm last thursday and friday dropped both the temperature and a bunch of snow. While the Boulder Plateau has some gorgeous stands of aspen, I doubt this is the year for them. When I was there this past weekend, perhaps 40% were still green, 40% had gone straight to a dark blackish-brown, and 20% were some dull yellow or red-orange. We didn't get the amount of snow that Colorado did, but I'm afraid it was still enough to cut fall color short.
I'll add two more points: There were a lot of horse trailers out; I think that was ranchers and cowboys trying to get the livestock out safely. That tells me that they, at least, don't think this snow is melting anytime soon.
Second, the cottonwoods down along the Fremont River in Capital Reef are still mostly green. 80-90% green. There's still some time before the lower elevations turn, yet. I'll keep posting to this thread when I head out, if anyone's looking for conditions in Utah.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on October 13, 2011 at 9:23 AM
Just returned from 4-1/2 days in Glacier NP... it's peaking as I type! The latest storm just started to rip some leaves down, but still plenty left. The larchers(?) are just starting to turn, though still mostly green. I would love to have another week up there.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 13, 2011 at 5:41 PM
The Coconino National Forest reported yesterday that the road up to Lockett Meadow on the San Francisco Peaks outside of Flagstaff has been reopened (finally). High clearance vehicles recommended. It has been closed for the last year and half since the Schultz fire. They report it is still green at Locket Meadow, but the inner basin usually turns sooner. Also reported by CNF is that the best colors right now are on Hart Prairie on the west slopes of the peaks. Just a heads up to anyone in venturing to northern AZ.
Edit to add that Lockett Meadow is not prime yet as USFS reported. Took a hike into Inner Basin and found that half the leaves were down (from prior hail storm and 70 mph winds?) The remaining leaves were mostly like brown mustard). See post w/ images in RMNP forum.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 21, 2011 at 12:28 PM
This Friday morning, I went back to Lockett Meadow on the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff. Last Saturday, the far aspen groves were still green, and now 6 days later are barren.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on October 22, 2011 at 11:25 PM
Guy S. posted in another thread that there were some good red maples up West Fork of Oak Creek by Sedona. I spent 14 hours up there today and feel that the maples are at peak. A front Tuesday may blow some of the leaves off, so suggest a quick trip if you are planning one.
Just a short note here that there are still some good aspens on the north side of Mount Timpanogos, north of Provo. I went over the alpine loop today and was surprised by the number of good groves, almost all on the south side of the road. Much more than I was expecting given our storm of two weeks ago. The leaves are dropping right now, though, so if you want to go, make it tomorrow (Sunday 10/23) or the next day. Next weekend will be too late.
Rock Canyon, on the East side of Provo, is also looking good for maples. Some greens, some bare trees, but also some good patches of yellows and oranges with a few sporadic reds. I'd guess that it will still be good next weekend as well.
I'll post pictures Monday or Tuesday, but I wanted to get this information out now.
//Doug: Man, that's rough. That's a painfully short window. Hope you can make it down to Sedona for West Fork and Boynton Canyon and enjoy the maples down there.
Posted by Nye Simmons on November 1, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Any word on Zion?? Planning 2nd week in Nov - will miss the maples - but anyone have word on the Cottonwoods and box elders - or conditions in general ??
I was up there this past weekend (10/28-10/30) from Friday to Sunday and the main canyon was dominantly green. I'm hoping to go back down this coming weekend, but we'll see if work lets me. I would guess that peak color for the maples in the main canyon is at least one week away, and peak color for the cottonwoods is probably two weeks away.
I live about 120 miles north of Zion at 6000' and we got some snow and very cold temperatures (overnight lows in the teens, F). I don't know what happened down in Zion, nor how that might have affected the leaves.
Perhaps someone who is down there right now can chime in?
Posted by Karl Buiter on November 7, 2011 at 6:14 PM
>> Perhaps someone who is down there right now can chime in?
I was in the main canyon both Saturday and Sunday (11/5-11/6) Lots of winter weather. Overall the colors are looking good. The Oaks are probably peak; The Maples are showing well but I think that is hit and miss - more to come. The Cottonwoods are around 50% - many in full color but still plenty in green or mixed. There are stretches along the river like in Big Bend and Patriarchs where I was wanting a bit more; yet in secluded areas like Emerald Pool Trail the color was amazing. I'll hazard an uneducated guess in saying sometime this next week/weekend is peak. However the weather has turned cold and windy so it could all go poof. If the weather is >50% sunny, I may be back on Sunday for a fall finale (11/13) - give me a yell if you are out there.
Discussion
136 repliesThis weekend I saw some of the underbrush changing colors up in RMNP but not much of it. Looking forward to a great fall.
Sadly I haven't been out lately, but we have some friends in town from Australia, and they went to Aspen this weekend to see the sights. Anthony sent me this pic from Maroon Lake, shot yesterday, 9-10-11. Certainly not much going in yet, not that I expected too much. Sounds like Independence Pass is almost all green too, but some cottonwoods on the east side starting up. Just thought I'd pass along what I heard. Can't wait for it to get going!
I've also allowed anyone to edit it, so if there as anything I missed please feel free to add it
Colorado Fall Colors Google Map
Ridgway color report as of 9/15:
* Still very green - 98%+.
* Lots of aspen / cottonwood starting to turn lighter green.
* Underbrush is starting to turn everywhere.
* Many dead pine trees on CR9, not too bad...guess the pine beetles are starting to move in.
* Three light snow dusting on Mt. Sneffles so far - see photos below.
* Cimarron Ridge (west side) has very little snow.
* A little snow on mountain tops south of Ouray.
* Montrose (9/15) - about the same as Ridgway.
Glenn Randall
Glenn Randall
Since I'm 54 and have already had two spinal surgeries, I'll take your warning literally!
Glad to see Glenn Randall (one of my very favorite Colorado photographers!!!) here on the forum!
And if you post a topic to the forum, you can reply with more images to your own post.
Thanks for the updates everyone, keep them coming.
I drove up the highway from Copper Mountain to Clinton Creek again Saturday and there were some noticeable changes from just Tuesday. Still a ways to go, but maybe next weekend will be good for the first bunches that will turn.
Thanks,
Tim
I will be driving my Avalon and am planning on sleeping in the back seat. I may take a tent and if you have recommendations for tent locations, that would be good as well. I have taken the Avalon up and down last dollar without any issues so that type of 4 wheeling on the Telluride side is fine for me.
Tim
In driving to Montrose via Grand Junction, there were only sporadic patches of changing trees between Denver and the Eisenhower Tunnel for the most part. The Vail area looked like the middle of summer - almost solid green, with the exception of colorful grasses and ground cover.
Northern CO - Sept.19th - Oct 4th
Central CO - Sept.22nd - Oct 10th
Southern CO - Sept.25th - Oct 13th
Extreme S.CO - Sept.28th - Oct 16th
Thanks for welcoming me to the forum! It's my intention to become a much more active member than I have been in the past.
Glenn Randall
http://www.glennrandall.com
I took this photo today of the aspen in Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park
It will probably be 10 days to 2 weeks until these aspen are in good shape
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek)
pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
to be continued, apparently it won't let me post too many links in one post.......
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side
Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
Man, I don't type that much too often! Hope that helps! Hopefully some others will chime in with some good ideas on places to shoot trees and water in that area too.
Thanks a lot for the incredible information. I'll certainly put it to use when I visit 10/7 - 10/11, my schedule dictating the time I can go. I am hoping its work out for color this year. Thanks again, Michael
Words can not describe the feeling I have.....holy crap man, that is a lot of information you provided....and not just information useful information that I and others will be able to use. I know the Ridgway area the best and have a good understanding of where you are saying to. If I recall correctly, one of those locations two years ago with the wind blowing down tree trunks you and others got stuck with trunks across the road.
Woods lake is good but I went the wrong time last time and it is a late afternoon shot, thanks for reminding me. Someone at our camera club meeting last night said trout lake by Lizard Head Pass was also a good area. Have you or anyone else tried shooting there? I did go to Silver Jack and drove throw the camp ground area but at that time I did not see where to go there for the best location to shoot. It was peak at that time so I obviously missed it or blind.
I really do appreciate the work you put into answering my questions. They will help me a lot!!!! If I see you in Ridgway I will buy you dinner and beer.
Tim
Words can not describe the feeling I have.....holy crap man, that is a lot of information you provided....and not just information useful information that I and others will be able to use. I know the Ridgway area the best and have a good understanding of where you are saying to. If I recall correctly, one of those locations two years ago with the wind blowing down tree trunks you and others got stuck with trunks across the road.
Woods lake is good but I went the wrong time last time and it is a late afternoon shot, thanks for reminding me. Someone at our camera club meeting last night said trout lake by Lizard Head Pass was also a good area. Have you or anyone else tried shooting there? I did go to Silver Jack and drove throw the camp ground area but at that time I did not see where to go there for the best location to shoot. It was peak at that time so I obviously missed it or blind.
I really do appreciate the work you put into answering my questions. They will help me a lot!!!! If I see you in Ridgway I will buy you dinner and beer.
Tim
If you are like me, it is hard to keep track of all of the locations where you can check on reports for fall colors. I have compiled some of the information that others have provided on this forum and am making a list of it. If you have other great links that you want to include so we have them in one location, please send them to me I will edit this post with them.
9News - http://tinyurl.com/4542nto
San Juan - http://tinyurl.com/3pr4nmj
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison - http://tinyurl.com/3gfd246
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests - http://tinyurl.com/44u5yno
Telluride Web Cams - http://tinyurl.com/4x6yvmr
David's Google Map - http://tinyurl.com/3rb4tyg
White River (Maroon Bells area) - http://tinyurl.com/3g2nhm8
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek)
pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side
Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
Tim, you have a good memory, it was two years ago, and on Road 5 that several of us got stuck behind a massive tree fall. We went to the end of the road, had to dodge several smaller tress that came down, but a few miles further down, we came across a section about a hundred yards long that was all covered, I'd say 10-15 trees. So wild! Were able to call the Forest Service, but never saw them come up. Luckily, about 10 minutes later, a guy drove up behind us (also stuck) who happened to have a chainsaw! HA!
I've never shot at Trout Lake, except in the winter, I should check that out too! As far as the smaller lakes near Silver Jack, Rowdy Lake is off the beaten path. There is a sign at the turn, but super small! Beaver Lake, for some reason it took me many trips to that area before I finally stopped, and you can see it from the road! Doh! This year I'd like to shoot there some sunset, looking over the lake towards the jagged peaks to the south, like in Bob's great shot here.
And yeah, dinner and a beer would suit me just fine!
If you are like me, it is hard to keep track of all of the locations where you can check on reports for fall colors. I have compiled some of the information that others have provided on this forum and am making a list of it. If you have other great links that you want to include so we have them in one location, please send them to me I will edit this post with them.
9News - http://tinyurl.com/4542nto
San Juan - http://tinyurl.com/3pr4nmj
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison - http://tinyurl.com/3gfd246
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests - http://tinyurl.com/44u5yno
Telluride Web Cams - http://tinyurl.com/4x6yvmr
David's Google Map - http://tinyurl.com/3rb4tyg
White River (Maroon Bells area) - http://tinyurl.com/3g2nhm8
Camping spots:
Ridgway:
County Road 7 (East Dallas Creek)
pull offs near end—tent or truck. Road should be OK for Avalon, pretty much same type as Last Dollar Road.
County Road 5 (Girl Scout Camp Road)
once inside the Forest Service land, tent or truck, more truck. Road should be fine in the first bit of Forest Service land, but will definitely get rougher and more rutted the further you go.
County Road 9 (West Dallas Creek)
Once inside the Forest Service boundary (about 7 miles in from highway) are some pull offs where you could sleep in car. Don’t try it before that, as it’s all private land once you step off the road ( I found out the hard way! One of Ralph Lauren's cowboys got after me before sunrise one morning for setting up my tripod 30 or 40 feet off the road). Not too far into the FS, the road definitely gets rougher all the way to the end, which is at Box Factory Park. I wish you had high clearance 4WD, as this is one of my favorite spots to camp. Nice flat open valley, with killer trees and views of Mears Peak and its neighbors.
Ridgway State Park
Don’t know much about this, but heard others talk about it. Pay camping, showers, etc if that is needed.
Owl Creek/Silver Jack
quite a few nice little spaces near the river over on Silver Jack Reservoir side, near where the road crosses the Cimarron River. Also up the roads to East Fork (Rd 858) & Middle Fork (Rd 861). Not much for aspens up these roads, but lots of spots to tent or truck camp, and still cool. Not too much on the west side of the pass, but I suppose you could sleep in your car at the famous “True Grit” clearing, parking area seems pretty flat. That’s not too far before the summit of Owl Creek Pass.
Aspen area:
Castle Creek Road
At the end of the Castle Creek road, past Ashcroft, where it turns to dirt. Parking area on right, good for truck only (gravel area). Or go up that road, and within ¼ to ½ mile, there are a couple cool spots, tent or truck. Another ½+ mile beyond that and past a cool pond, there are several nice spots for both. Road not too bad, but rougher past that I believe. If you sleep in the car, the best spot is probably the trailhead parking area for Cathedral Lake, flat and probably wont be too many cars. Good spot.
Capitol Creek Road
awesome spot in general, lots of great views of Capitol Peak, good sunset spot. There is room at the trailhead for truck or tent, and a couple little pull offs a couple hundred yards or so before the trailhead parking area. The road to this point can be a bit rough in spots, but not too bad (unless wet). I’ve seen all types of cars at the trailhead. There’s better stuff past that, but the hill right past trailhead can be tricky (steeper, rutted). Walk over to check it out before attempting. Otherwise, the road is not bad past that. Lots of hunters, so spots might be taken.
Maroon Bells
I've used the backpackers overnight parking lot for car only, not sure legality. I’ve pulled in late, never had problem. Of course it was 25 degrees and snowing hard, so maybe they didn’t care to check! :) I have in fact been booted out of the main parking lot many years ago while sleeping in my truck, so I don’t try that anymore. Anytime I shoot the Bells sunrise, I camp Capitol Creek road, and it’s almost exactly a 1 hour drive.
As for some spots near Ridgway with water:
Telluride Side
Woods Lake, west of Wilson Mesa, can be great reflections. Great spot to explore no matter what.
Silver Jack Reservoir area:
Cimarron River near forks, mostly cottonwoods? Beaver Lake, right off the main road near the reservoir. Great spot, some cool fences there too. Rowdy Lake, a side road, kind of a rough, not for necessarily regular car (helped a gal get unstuck with a small minivan last year), maybe a 1/2" to ¾ mile hike though. Could be done I suppose with your car, but use caution. Nice reflections, cool with the jagged rocks of the background.
http://kinghamphotography.com/2011/09/18/colorado-fall-colors/
I can add any other links so it's all easily accessible on our phones.
Just realized my blog looks awful on my iphone (one more thing to work on this winter) but at least the links are visible
CO67 south of Divide is starting to look good, especially nearest the road.
The road to the Crags trailhead has some nice clusters of color, especially the area about 1/2 mile before the Mennonite camp.
The Crags trail itself has some nice pockets of color, especially the area about 1 mile or so from the trail head.
My observations are pretty much in line with what the Forest Service is publishing here: http://tinyurl.com/3b5egkm
I have created a Colorado and Rocky Mountain fall foliage page with links to fall foliage reports, locations, drives and articles at
Natural History Wanderings. It is at: Colorado Fall Foliage
Suggestions, corrections, and additions welcome.
So, this weekend should offer some opportunities for intimate fall landscapes.
The Dallas Divide side of Last Dollar Road seems to be progressing the fastest of all of the Ridgway area options. There are a few patches of scattered yellow trees and the trees seem to be a lighter green color in this general area. As of Thursday, there were no actual patches of golden aspen, but this area seems to be coming along the fastest.
The Grand Mesa has some beautiful patches of fully changed trees and there are copious sections of colorful ground cover on the top of the mesa. This could be a good option for the weekend, especially for smaller scenes. In driving around a good portion of the Western Slope this last week, this is the only area that had a lot of options and extensive patches of golden trees.
In driving through Vail on Monday, it almost looked like the middle of summer. In coming back through on my way home to Denver yesterday, the change was very noticeable. The trees went from dark green to lighter green with patches of yellow in a few days. Still not a lot to photograph in terms of fall colors, but progress in that direction...
Grand Mesa
Yesterday we drove to Grand Junction. We decided to drive back to Ridgway via Hwy 65 that goes up, over, and down Grand Mesa.
The north side of Grand Mesa on Hwy 65: ground cover is 40% or so turned and many large sections of aspen trees will be peak in 7-14 days. Other large sections of aspen trees are entirely green.
north_grand_mesa_sept22.jpg
north_grand_mesa_ski_area_sept22.jpg
The south side of Grand Mesa on Hwy 65: still very green! I would say the south side will not be peak for another 2 weeks or so.
south_grand_mesa_sept22.jpg
As for the top of the mesa - not sure, we didn't have time to visit Vega State Park, Collbran, or CR 265.
Here are links to videos that I took of the drive while going over Grand Mesa - they really show you the state of the leaves much better than photos. Videos start from north side and finish on south side.
Video links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft8NEoXQzCM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_20bkyrmJhQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z78LHcnYkJo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC682rLzHU0
Ridgway River Valley
The Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose river valleys are starting to turn. I would expect that the cottonwoods that grow along the Uncompahgre River will be peak in approx. 10-14 days. Pictured below: view of Hwy 550 and Uncompahgre River looking west, Ridgway River Valley, taken from balcony on 9/23/2011:
ridgway_river_valley_sept23.jpg
Cimarron Ridge
The west side of Cimarron Ridge is still green. Most of the snow has melted on the ridge tops. At this point I would say 10+ days for west Cimarron Ridge.
I'll post some more from their trip out today too.
Dallas Divide
* Ground cover at 40%+ changed
* Aspen tree color is all over the place - small areas approaching peak in 5 +/- days, most areas still green / greenish. Very blotchy but still predominately green.
Pictured below: Pull-off at Dallas Divide taken on 9/24. I was surprised to see this much color. Don't let photo fool you....area as a whole is still predominately green (very similar to background aspen trees in photo).
dallas_divide_2.jpg
Picture below: Same location but pointing south east (left).
dallas_divide_1.jpg
Last Dollar Road
* LDR near Ridgway turn-off, still predominately green
Pictured below: Last Dollar Road (from Ridgway), predominately green, small stands of yellow here and there.
last_dollar_road.jpg
Pictured below: Last Dollar Ranch, predominately green. Just starting to turn....
last_dollar.jpg
Some videos from today also:
Between Ridgway and Dallas Divide:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKbcEQ2AOj4
Dallas Divide:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfx3a34stLk
Just around the corner from Dallas Divide:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NER4ReelnBg
First mile or two of Last Dollar Road (Ridgway side):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mo9hB5vyyI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSZ3z0_6IR0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn9VxhCFoFo
Leaving Last Dollar Road and heading back to Ridgway:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkfPUjv3l0Q
Beginning of CR9:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0fFES9SVGg
edit: apparently you can only do so many hyperlinks, you'll just have to cut and paste the last two I guess.
I have been watching this thread and checked out a few sites. Ya'll have some great shots that you have taken of the fall colors.
We left home and drove 7 and a half hours to Dumas, Tx today. Of course that was after mowing the yard and weedeating around the flower beds.
We are headed to Trinidad in the morning, but are open as to which direction to go after that. We have quite a bit of time, we don't have to be back home for 2 weeks. Wave or pull us over and say "Hi" if you see a Silver Jeep Wrangler 4Dr with Texas tags; we do enjoy meeting new people.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Howard
I also think it would be extremely helpful to post any road work or other conditions that we might want to avoid. For instance they are doing repaving on Hwy. 91 between Copper Mountain and Leadville as recently as last Tuesday. Traffic is down to 1 lane at 2 locations. They are starting at 7:00, and don't quit til 5 or 6:00 I think. Jack can update if he went that way recently and if that is still going on.
Keep the great info coming!
Also, the cottonwoods along the Colorado River along Glenwood Springs look pretty sad this year. Kinda brown and down.
RichieV
In Yellowstone, color was nice near Lewis area. Drove through rather quickly, but very excited to get back there in a few days. That's all for now!
Per Jen--
i was in crested butte thurs - sat (22-24) and the colors were furthest along in washington gulch, along gothic road (that valley), and also slate river valley. i'd say from 5% to 25%, but some really healthy vibrant golds, oranges and more reds than i usually see. on the slopes of mt. crested butte it was similar. still tons of green (but healthy and promising). nice along brush creek trail (skirting the east side of mt. crested butte) with some stellar golden stands among the green and decent amount of reds coming through too. kebler pass road and ohio pass road were like 5% or less on friday - still very green with a couple of yellowing stands, but when we drove kebler on sunday (on our way to aspen) several patches of gold were popping up. still in the 10% range, but i was surprised at how quickly it turned. the dyke is still mostly green, but reds are starting to develop in places that were green 2 days prior. the biological research station out of gothic was saying that the hot days and cold nights were really good for the colors both in brilliance and for turning.
the giant stand west of kebler pass - mostly green. a couple of bright yellow patches. lower elevation aspens seemed to be dead or browning or dull (along the road and in the valley).
mcclure pass was a lot of yellow/brown, green/brown looking dull.
the valley where marble is situated looked green except for gold at the mouth of the valley as we drove down from mcclure pass.
here in aspen, the slopes of the bells are at about 40% gold. turning fast, from what the locals are telling me as it was green just 3 days before. the brush is quite brilliant - greens, reds, golds, oranges. also local forecast is saying 30% chance of showers tues night. wed morning might be an ideal time to shoot the bells from the wm lake. shuttles still in effect (9am to 5pm). you can drive in before 9 or after 5 and a national park annual pass will get you in for free. headed to ind. pass now.
that's all i have. just wanted to share if others were wondering since the leaves seem to be moving quickly (and nicely) in some places. also - i met one of the moderators for the forum last fall year on last dollar road at sunset. i gave him some chocolate chip cookies... never got his name.
thanks!! jen
Morning! Here are a few reference photos of west Cimarron Ridge taken from the road (9/26). There has been a lot of haze here -no rain for 1 week and small fire in valley. We also received our first ground frost yesterday morning.
Pictured Below: Under the Ridge there are 2 sections of yellow, one pictured below. The rest was green to light green.
"Took a reference shot for you off of CR9 last night"
Discovered a new route (new to me) with some really nice color. Hwy 114 from just east of Gunnison to Saguache, besides being a really neat drive, had some seriously colorful trees on either side of the pass. (North Cochetopa Pass? Not sure...)
The Dallas Divide was in great shape yesterday morning - I'd say pretty much peak. Last Dollar had some stands at peak, but most were still quite green - and healthy looking. I did not make it over Owl Creek Pass this trip, unfortunately.
Independence Pass (the west, or Aspen side) has a mixture of green and peak stands. Richard's pano above (besides being a great shot!) gives a good indication of some of the peak stands in this area. Saw a few brown / sick areas; mostly healthy. I watched sunset from the summit so can't report on the east side other than to say it was awfully dark!
Glenn Randall
www.glennrandall.com
I also recieved this message on my website
Hello David my name is Jim Sayre and I see your photos all the time on
the Nature photographers web site. I am not a member but thought you
might be able to pass along some information of the fall colors. I
just got back from ouray/ silverton today. If you wait too uch longer
you will miss everything. As it stands right now, the Silverton area
is at peak or very near, only a couple of days left I think. The Red
mountain area literally turned in a couple of days. It will be at peak
before the end of the week. The Mineral Creek area is great. Marble
and McClure passes are a week away. I hope this info helps you out. I
have been going to the ouray area for over 15 years and it always is
at peak by the 27th or 28th. I look forwad to hearing from you, Jim
Sayre Broomfield Co.
The aspen past Como toward Boreas Pass are great. Also 80% turned. Still some green and some leaves have leaf spot, but most look good.
Hwy 285 has some rock scaling going on and has 20 minute waits. Just past Grant.
"We drove to Silver Jack Res. last night. Took several happy snaps for you (used our new Canon Powershot - easy to use but takes terrible landscape photos). Rod and I will probably return to the Silver Jack area in 5-8 days.
The scoop:
West Side:
* Still pretty green, however one the "popular" shots has a good bit of color moving in (see below).
* Ferns are gold, in great condition, and just beautiful!
* Scene where John Wayne road his horse in True Grit (under Courthouse Rock?) is still quite green (see below).
East Side:
* Aspens look healthy and color is fantastic so far.
* The "old cabin shot" by the reservoir is mostly green...nice reds starting to show through."
West side of Owl Creek
As said before, McClure is not so good for trees, however the ferns have mostly turned to dark gold right now. The Maroon Bells are looking great currently as evidenced by Stephen's photo above. I shot there the previous morning and had similar conditions.
I didn't bother stopping much in the San Juans. Except for the Red Mountain Pass area everything there is still behind. Could be another week. The aspens in the canyon on the drive between Telluride and Dolores are looking good and are probably ~40% turned. Some decent opportunities for closeups there. The brush in Mesa Verde NP is turning nicely, ~25% or so, and should be good through at least the next week, probably longer.
Everyone have a great, safe weekend!
It's not 100% at peak, but I don't think it'll last until next weekend.
Also, here is an update for the Ridgway area from a very reliable source from a photo club I belong to. "Today I was able to get a good look at things around Ouray/ Ridgeway/ Silverton. Red Mountain pass, Ironton is at peak now and colors are very nice. Some of that area may last a week if wind is light and weather stays as mild as it has been. Dallas divide and lower Owl creek are still pretty green and I expect it will be another week for those. A friend reported that Aspen Maroon Bells Ashcroft are peaking now. Upper Owl creek is going well but not quite peak. May last another week. Good around Keebler pass but oddly lousy at McClure pass. I will check last dollar road and toward Telluride but heard reports that things still pretty green.
Trees nice around Silverton and near peak."
Here is an image for Maroon Bells.
Glenn Randall
I spent yesterday poking around the areas north of Provo and West of Heber City. Lots of green still; looks about a week behind what I'd otherwise expect. Here, some maples near Sundance do their best impression of a Northeastern hardwood forest.
Here, a larger scenic in Wasatch Mountains State Park, east of Heber City. Lots of green mixed in with the yellows, as you can see. Perhaps next weekend?
Just completed our annual photo tour through the San Juans and so far, it's just been afternoon rains into some evenings. The mornings have been nice - partly cloudy to overcast - perfect for forest photography. This morning, it clouded over the Sneffels Range and snowed very lightly at approx 11k and above. The rest of the day was rainy with snow only on the very highest peaks. The roads were wet and the colors were awesome! We traveled the length of Last Dollar Road into Teluride and it rained the whole way. The road was a bit muddy and slick in portions and most of the route was done in 2WD, switching to 4WD in the steeper parts near the south end. There was beautiful layers of clouds and ground fog mixed in with the aspen groves - beautiful conditions. There are still large green patches mixed in with all other shades of color. Most areas are near peak.
Cheers, Ken
Maroon Bells are spectacular. Kebler from Crested Butte to beyond the Lost Lake road, on down to the turn-off for the Ruby-Anthracite trail is pretty much at peak and looking mighty fine. Beyond that point it's mostly terrible, as is that overlook off of FR265 (Buzzard Divide road to Collbran), so save you gas and skip it. Ohio Pass is excellent, at peak or very nearly so. I'm near Telluride right now and it's snowing like the Dickens. What trees I can see are a mixed bag of peak and 50/50. San Juans might be perfect this weekend, although with the preliminary look I've gotten so far, don't change any plans yet. I'll post more later as conditions and cell service warrant.
I was thinking of doing Capital Creek tonight, Maroon Bells tomorrow morning. The early reports I saw of Capital Creek were very green - does anyone have an update there? Also, are the Aspens around the Bells still holding their leaves after this storm?
I was going to head down to Ridgway and bypass CB/Kebler based on the storm pattern, but if Kebler is still accessible after the storm and looking good, I would rather head there.
I was thinking of doing Capital Creek tonight, Maroon Bells tomorrow morning. The early reports I saw of Capital Creek were very green - does anyone have an update there? Also, are the Aspens around the Bells still holding their leaves after this storm?
I was going to head down to Ridgway and bypass CB/Kebler based on the storm pattern, but if Kebler is still accessible after the storm and looking good, I would rather head there.
I headed down towards the Boulder Plateau and Capital Reef last weekend after a decent storm last thursday and friday dropped both the temperature and a bunch of snow. While the Boulder Plateau has some gorgeous stands of aspen, I doubt this is the year for them. When I was there this past weekend, perhaps 40% were still green, 40% had gone straight to a dark blackish-brown, and 20% were some dull yellow or red-orange. We didn't get the amount of snow that Colorado did, but I'm afraid it was still enough to cut fall color short.
I'll add two more points: There were a lot of horse trailers out; I think that was ranchers and cowboys trying to get the livestock out safely. That tells me that they, at least, don't think this snow is melting anytime soon.
Second, the cottonwoods down along the Fremont River in Capital Reef are still mostly green. 80-90% green. There's still some time before the lower elevations turn, yet. I'll keep posting to this thread when I head out, if anyone's looking for conditions in Utah.
Edit to add that Lockett Meadow is not prime yet as USFS reported. Took a hike into Inner Basin and found that half the leaves were down (from prior hail storm and 70 mph winds?) The remaining leaves were mostly like brown mustard). See post w/ images in RMNP forum.
Just a short note here that there are still some good aspens on the north side of Mount Timpanogos, north of Provo. I went over the alpine loop today and was surprised by the number of good groves, almost all on the south side of the road. Much more than I was expecting given our storm of two weeks ago. The leaves are dropping right now, though, so if you want to go, make it tomorrow (Sunday 10/23) or the next day. Next weekend will be too late.
Rock Canyon, on the East side of Provo, is also looking good for maples. Some greens, some bare trees, but also some good patches of yellows and oranges with a few sporadic reds. I'd guess that it will still be good next weekend as well.
I'll post pictures Monday or Tuesday, but I wanted to get this information out now.
//Doug: Man, that's rough. That's a painfully short window. Hope you can make it down to Sedona for West Fork and Boynton Canyon and enjoy the maples down there.
thanks
I was up there this past weekend (10/28-10/30) from Friday to Sunday and the main canyon was dominantly green. I'm hoping to go back down this coming weekend, but we'll see if work lets me. I would guess that peak color for the maples in the main canyon is at least one week away, and peak color for the cottonwoods is probably two weeks away.
I live about 120 miles north of Zion at 6000' and we got some snow and very cold temperatures (overnight lows in the teens, F). I don't know what happened down in Zion, nor how that might have affected the leaves.
Perhaps someone who is down there right now can chime in?
I was in the main canyon both Saturday and Sunday (11/5-11/6) Lots of winter weather. Overall the colors are looking good. The Oaks are probably peak; The Maples are showing well but I think that is hit and miss - more to come. The Cottonwoods are around 50% - many in full color but still plenty in green or mixed. There are stretches along the river like in Big Bend and Patriarchs where I was wanting a bit more; yet in secluded areas like Emerald Pool Trail the color was amazing. I'll hazard an uneducated guess in saying sometime this next week/weekend is peak. However the weather has turned cold and windy so it could all go poof. If the weather is >50% sunny, I may be back on Sunday for a fall finale (11/13) - give me a yell if you are out there.