Fall colors
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Fall colors
I've been to CO in the summer and winter, but never in the fall. This year it looks like I'll be in CO from around Sept. 30-Oct. 8th. The google tells me this will be peak fall leaves. I know this obviously varies a little year-to-year, but I wanted to see if anyone local remembers when exactly the leaves turned over the last few years. Thanks a bunch!
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Re: Fall colors
Those dates are for the cities like Denver Boulder and San Juans. Its really about a 7 week process beginning on the north side of the state and highest tree altitude 12,000 feet, progressing south and low altitude. There could be a smidgen of color right now, though I have not seen it or read of it. Then its over by Halloween. The dates can fluctuate by two weeks due to temperature and precipitation, though there is no formula to predict it.
- dwoodward13
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Re: Fall colors
Crested Butte (Kebler Pass) has peaked each several years the first weekend in October. It’s my favorite place to go and given your timeframe I would highly recommend starting there. You could then make your way down to Ridgway/Telluride/Silverton and find close to peak colors there as well.
Places further north (Aspen/Twin Lakes/Vail/Kenosha Pass) will have dropped most of their leaves by then.
This is of course subject to change. An early cold snap or big wind storm can wreak havoc and end the fall Colorado season completely. Conversely the wetter monsoon this season could delay them it’s anyone’s guess. But those dates you should at least see some good color in those locations.
Places further north (Aspen/Twin Lakes/Vail/Kenosha Pass) will have dropped most of their leaves by then.
This is of course subject to change. An early cold snap or big wind storm can wreak havoc and end the fall Colorado season completely. Conversely the wetter monsoon this season could delay them it’s anyone’s guess. But those dates you should at least see some good color in those locations.
- jaymz
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Re: Fall colors
CO 9 between Kremmling and Silverthorne had some that were already starting to turn about a week ago. From my experience Sept.30 seems a bit late for peak colors over the last few years, at least around the Denver/I-70 area. But like others have said, it depends on different factors and each year is a little different. I think I'd feel pretty good about that time frame farther south in the areas dwoodward mentioned.
"But in every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks."
John Muir
John Muir
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Re: Fall colors
Much appreciated!