Leaf peeping time soon. (Fall Colors) (Glenwood Springs, Twin Lakes: house, university, camping)

[Vision67]

https://theknow.denverpost.com/2019/...g-2019/222902/

"The combination of above-average snowfall last winter and a moist spring that extended Colorado’s ski season — and created exceptionally green mountain landscapes this summer — may yield one more dividend: It could be a great year for high-country leaf-peeping starting in mid-September.

“We had a delayed spring, two to three weeks late because of how cool and wet things were,” said Dr. Dan West, an entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service who teaches at Colorado State University. “What does that mean for aspen and fall color? They had ample precipitation, which means great growing conditions. Healthy stands (groupings of trees) show a more vibrant color than non-healthy stands, and they’ve had perfect growing conditions all summer.”"

"West said aspen stands are so healthy, many trees added four to five inches of growth. Last year’s drought meant early peaks for fall color, but this year, West expects normal peak periods. That typically means mid-September to the beginning of October in the northern mountains, the last week of September to the second week of October for the central mountains and the first half of October for the southern mountains.

“If you’re that family that goes to that same camp spot every year, or you have a house in an aspen stand, last year you would have seen the leaves turn much earlier than normal,” West said. “This year, it looks like we’re right on track for average color change. If we get those sunny days that burn off the chlorophyll, we’re going to have a brilliant show this year.”"

[otowi]

I'm excited for it!

[issaquahhiker]

Me too, plan to be in Colorado Sept 15-Oct 22nd and hoping to time it right!

[Neditate]

The map here is a pretty good indicator of where to go and when https://www.9news.com/article/weathe...5-5cb5dc174420

[issaquahhiker]

Good info, thanks. My trip will have me in Gunnison/Twin Lakes area, Glenwood Springs, some of Ouray and Pagosa Spgs at the "right" times. Plus I am flexible so can adjust as needed.

[BarryK123]

I was in the foothills yesterday. At about 8500 ft, noticed a hint of change in some trees.

[StarrySkiesAbove]

I just got back from camping in the Flat Tops Wilderness between Yampa and Meeker. At about 9000 feet of elevation the fall colors were just starting in some of the younger vegetation and the ferns were turning.

[otowi]

The Cottonwoods down here in the Springs are already getting some yellow - I noticed it late last week. Here's hoping it is a great Aspen season!

[katharsis]

Originally Posted by Vision67

https://theknow.denverpost.com/2019/...g-2019/222902/
"

Thanks for starting this thread! (I was going to do that, but you beat me to it! )

I hope that many people will give lots of input as to what they observe over the next month!

[katharsis]

Originally Posted by Neditate

The map here is a pretty good indicator of where to go and when https://www.9news.com/article/weathe...5-5cb5dc174420

Yes, we have been living in Colorado since 1986, and that map is generally VERY accurate!