traveler wrote:
Was up Cottonwood Canyon outside of Salt Lake last Friday. Things were getting underway. This week the storms and lower temps headed this way. I am planning to try the Alpine Loop Sunday, but who knows, it just might be too late. Things are moving quickly here regarding color. Snow is expected in the mountains Wed night and Thursday, that will change everything.
My son-in-law and I drove to Brighten yesterday through Provo Canyon. It was great at the junction where the Brighton dirt road and Park city road intersect. Great color all along with the aspen turning only at higher elevations and scrub oak all along. I think there may be some time left. My son-in-law drove the Alpine loop from American Fork Canyon earlier in the day and said it was not ready yet.
Eastern Sierra, CA:
I checked out the following areas on Monday:
North Lake (above Bishop) - Green/yellow along the road, nice color around the parking area.
McGee Creek (between Bishop and Mammoth) - still pretty green. However, if the incoming storm doesn't take too much of a toll on the leaves, it should be great in a week to 10 days.
Lundy Lake - Lots of green, but some yellows appearing along the road before the campground. Looks to me like it's still about 2 weeks before peak there.
Virginia Lakes road - Nice color here, with yellows and oranges. The wind was really whipping and lots of leaves were on the road.
Monitor Pass and Hope Valley - green, probably 2 weeks away from peak, weather permitting.
saaketham wrote:
I've traveled across New England in the fall and spent a lot of time photographing upstate NY in peak fall. But, none of that compares to Colorado, IMHO.
To each his own. I do hope to get out there sometime, but the pallette of colors in CO is nowhere near what we get in a good year here in the northeast.
Charles .. I agree. In CO, it is mostly yellow. In the north-east, you get many more shades of yellow, orange, red, brown .. it's awesome too. But those mountains in Colorado - 360-degrees of breathtaking scenery everywhere.
saaketham wrote:
Charles .. I agree. In CO, it is mostly yellow. In the north-east, you get many more shades of yellow, orange, red, brown .. it's awesome too. But those mountains in Colorado - 360-degrees of breathtaking scenery everywhere.
I've pretty much been everywhere for fall colors in the continental U.S. and agree that Colorado, especially the San Juan Mountain region is the best location for fall colors IMO.
I see Squaw Valley CA. is getting snow today with a storm that is headed towards Salt Lake City and Northern Utah. 12-15" of snow predicted for the higher elevations in the Wasatch Mountains along with 50mph winds. Storm will be present till Sunday. Geez I hope it doesn't destroy my chances of getting some more shots in before the colors are destroyed. I was thinkin Alpine Loop on Sunday ;-)
Can you report anything about the status of leaf drop on the coast? I had heard there was a fair bit because of damage caused by Irene and the other storms.
zzippyyy and David, thanks for the reports on Acadia. I'm heading there on October 13 for 6 days, but I might have some leeway in moving things by + or - 3-4 days. With the way things are progressing now, would you think there is a need to change my plans?
I will be going to Acaida for the first time October 15th for 6 days.. hopefully I will see some color.. if not should still be a blast. Look forward to seeing this wonderful National Park...
iippyyy wrote:
There is little leaf drop but the colors are muted. Honestly the coast has not seen much color at all yet 40% or less.
Thanks.
The whole northeast is like that this year, perhaps due to all the rain, followed by two weeks of warm weather.
It's cold now so maybe things will pop next week. If not, another year I won't be doing a trip. The pictures I've seen from northern NE this year are not inspiring.
Joe_A wrote:
zzippyyy and David, thanks for the reports on Acadia. I'm heading there on October 13 for 6 days, but I might have some leeway in moving things by + or - 3-4 days. With the way things are progressing now, would you think there is a need to change my plans?
Thanks in advance.
Joe
Joe I think if you got in there Oct 10th to 15th you would be doing well" it should be peak in that area by than", the official state report shows the area as moderate color now and this is in line with what I expected. Colors move fast up here in Maine and with the frost last night we finally got some cold to help things along. Also remember a lot of places start shutting down Oct 15th or so in Bar Harbor so if you want to experience some of the town earlier is better.
NCAndy wrote:
Got up to Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway this morning. I would say the colors are still not quite there as a whole and another week in this area will bring peak. Elsewhere on the BRP it is still spotty with a few nice ridges but generally the color needs a few more weeks to peak.
Taken this morning. Color looks good in this shot but it can get better!
Excellent news! I'm getting up there the 16th - 19th.....should be in good shape.
iippyyy wrote:
The pictures I've seen from northern NE this year are not inspiring.