Has anyone started a fall color trip report yet? According to the locals on Tripadvisor, the aspen are already turning in the higher elevations in Colorado. I won't be there for two more weeks. Hope I time it right.
Let us know how the colors are coming along in your part of the world. Thanks.
Here in Carbondale, Co, about 30 miles down valley from Aspen and the Maroon Bells, the oaks are already starting to turn, as are some aspens higher up. I believe the color will be a couple of weeks earlier than normal. I have lived here 15 years and have not seen the leaves start turning so soon. I would be more than happy to post an occasional quick pic of some of the higher valley's over the next few weeks, if that would be helpful to anyone. The peak color last year was in the first few days of October, this was on the 5th:
mamankyle wrote:
Here in Carbondale, Co, about 30 miles down valley from Aspen and the Maroon Bells, the oaks are already starting to turn, as are some aspens higher up. I believe the color will be a couple of weeks earlier than normal. I have lived here 15 years and have not seen the leaves start turning so soon. I would be more than happy to post an occasional quick pic of some of the higher valley's over the next few weeks, if that would be helpful to anyone. The peak color last year was in the first few days of October, this was on the 5th:
Scared me there for a moment. I thought the photo was taken this year at first. Yes, if you could keep us posted, that would be helpful. I'll be coming through Carbondale on the 19th.
I will follow this closely, anyone local to the North Carolina mountains, near the Blue Ridge parkway...that is where my dad and I will spend 2+ days this year...first overnight photo trip.
I live on the TN side of the Smokies, but venture over the mountain to the NC side and BR Parkway often when the leaves start to turn. I'm sure NCAndy will also let us know how things are progressing over there. But, don't expect much until we are well into October.
good to hear garyroach...our trip is planned for either the 13th or 20th of October. Scouring the web, it looks like the two middle weeks of October are usually good weeks, just wondering about things turning early this year.
Travis Rhoads wrote:
good to hear garyroach...our trip is planned for either the 13th or 20th of October. Scouring the web, it looks like the two middle weeks of October are usually good weeks, just wondering about things turning early this year.
You probably already know that the higher elevations turn first then work their way down the mountains. We won't know if the color will be early for another month. Usually the last half of October is the peak time of the year. Last year they were done by the end of October. But, each year is a little different.
Headed to the San Juans the 2nd week of September - Crested Butte, Ouray, and Telluride - right thru the heat of aspen country and hope the report of early color are true. I hope to send reports while there.
Digitaldog wrote:
Headed to the San Juans the 2nd week of September - Crested Butte, Ouray, and Telluride - right thru the heat of aspen country and hope the report of early color are true. I hope to send reports while there.
Great. I won't be there until the 3rd and 4th week. Leave some leaves for me to shoot!
You never know what will happen with aspens. However, one thing I have observed is that the schedule of the change rarely changes much at all. What does change is the way the transition progresses once it starts - depending upon weather and other issues. Of course, this year could well be one that proves me wrong!
garyroach wrote:
You probably already know that the higher elevations turn first then work their way down the mountains. We won't know if the color will be early for another month. Usually the last half of October is the peak time of the year. Last year they were done by the end of October. But, each year is a little different.
Last year was early in the Smokies. This year though we've had plenty of moisture even though it was a hot summer. It's still very humid and warm but that will change by next weekend. Remember, the highest elevations while they do change first, have the least color. Last year places like Graveyard Fields on the BRP hit peak early in the first week of Oct. Usually I would expect peak there around the 12th or so. Last year the color was great but short lived. I'll report back as we get later into Sept.
Lower elevations of the South San Juans are showing bits of color. There is some gold and some bright red showing now, the oaks are not really going crazy just yet (at 7,000' or so). Looks like the Fall colors might come a bit early this season due to the drought.
Salt Lake City is seeing pockets of color in the small trees and brush at the base of the mountains. I just hiked through some aspens today and they are still green but it looks like they are starting to get ready to change.
