Local Brief
When fall colors peak in Colorado
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Fall colors predictions for Sept. 25. Image: Courtesy of Explore Fall
Colorado's golden aspens and red gambel oaks are emerging earlier this year, thanks to drought conditions throughout much of the state.
Why it matters: Fall is arguably Colorado's prettiest season, and the foliage draws tourists from far and wide.
State of play: Typical peak fall colors show in mid- to late-September, but this year is different.
- Higher elevation foliage started to turn at the end of August, and more tree stands are making the transition in early September, John found on a recent trip to Lake City.
The intrigue: This year's peak may take place seven to 10 days earlier than normal and show less vibrant colors, 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi reported.
What's happening: There seems to be two separate things at play, University of Vermont professor of forest science William Keeton tells Axios.
1. Weather extremes, like drought and excessive rainfall, can "stress" trees, which cause them "to brown up and drop their leaves," Keeton says.
- "So by the time we get to the great reveal, there's less color, and maybe the overall intensity is dampened," he says.
2. Warm nighttime temps late into fall mean trees miss the memo about changing seasons.
- They only get the signal to shut down and prepare for winter when evenings get cool. If that happens late, then the onset of foliage occurs late — almost two weeks later, one study found.
- When nights cool, trees pull nutrients and energy from their leaves and the green pigment fades. That reveals other pigments — including the same ones that color carrots and apples — turning leaves yellow, orange and red.
Where to go: The best place near the Front Range to see fall colors is Guanella Pass, but beware of the crowds and no parking zones.
- Other popular spots are Kenosha Pass and Golden Gate Canyon State Park.