2022 Leaf Peeping

[Embercleave]

That time of year again. So howdy.

Curious to see how other people are seeing things start/progress across the state thus far. I have been incredibly busy so I haven't been in them mountains since mid July but wanted to see how things are going and when to try to carve out some time to go into the mountains and do a tour de leaves and even see what 13ers or 14ers might have really nice leaves.

I am hoping the bells turn a little by late Sept since I do have some permits then to go enjoy the area. Though I will be staying off the peaks.

[MaxmimumMills4]

This website tries to predict leaf color by county by week every year. I believe they are at least somewhat affiliated with the forest service. Looks like Sept 23rd ish would be good.

https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/

[dwoodward13]

Whoo! Best time of the year! Was in the Fall River/Lawn Lake area of RMNP yesterday and saw a total of like 10 yellow leaves. The rest were a healthy green.

Seems most people are predicting a slightly delayed peak due to the abundant moisture this summer.

[climbingcue]

Yellow and orange leaves in a couple spots off looking off the summit of Cottonwood peak yesterday. Should be really good in another week or so.

[Embercleave]

Yellow and orange leaves in a couple spots off looking off the summit of Cottonwood peak yesterday. Should be really good in another week or so.

Sounds like stuff is different everywhere. Getting going in the Sangres and having a hard time getting going in the front range. Sounds like it'll be passable though!

[derekpetrie]

Spent the weekend in the Taylor Park area (West of Yale/Princeton over the CD.) a few stands were turning but most still green.

[ltlFish99]

i was up at lower blue lake today by sneffels and there was very little yellowing at all.

[JChitwood]

Drove up Cuchara Pass from La Veta then to Cordova Pass for W Spanish Peak. Tons of aspen in the valley and the passes and all were midsummer green even at 11,000’.

[artemavovk]

St. Elmo and Antero areas are starting to turn yellow.

[dr_j]

I've never visited the Flat Tops, but I hear it's a pretty good spot for fall colors. Does anyone have a report for the region north of I-70? I guess it's the Kremmling / Steamboat vicinity that I'm looking to visit this weekend. Will probably mix it with a short 14er around Leadville.

[leftyslugger]

I'd love an update this weekend. I'll be in Denver on Tuesday and had planned to spend Wednesday - Sunday in the mountains for her annual "fall foliage" trip. At this point, we plan to fly back out of town on Wednesday and not spend our money/time in the mountains since nothing seems to be popping. If there is any good color or regions showing anything worth driving to, let us know. Thanks!

[Wentzl]

I drove up grand mesa today from Montrose and I have to say it was disheartening. Years past, this was one of my favorite leaf peeping drives, nearly made up for not being in New England, where watching leaves change was really a thing. But today, I saw acre after acre of dead aspen.

anyone else seeing dead, rather than dormant, trees?