Photo by Ryan R. Ripp
September means one thing in the Colorado high country: aspen leaf fever.
This is the time of year when the quaking leaves of every aspen tree in the state turn from summer green to bright, bold yellow, then gold, then orange, then—if we’re lucky and they hang on and the winds stay calm—red.
Many people in the Denver metro area make a traditional fall drive into the mountains in September to take in the beauty of the changing foliage.
But it can be difficult to predict exactly when the aspen leaves will hit their prime viewing status. For the best views and best photographs, the timing has to be just right.
I get asked frequently: “What percentage of the aspens has turned this week?” Or, “When is the best time to make that drive into the high country? Or, “Are the leaves at their peak?”
So, since I am fortunate to live among the aspens, I plan to post updates every week or so in the next four weeks as the leaves make their fall transition. (This year should be a good year for the leaves, since we’ve had so much moisture. And hopefully, all that moisture will help the leaves stay around a little longer than usual, too.)
Here’s my first Fall 2009 Colorado Aspen Leaves Report:
The leaves have begun to turn this week at higher altitudes. Above 8,000 ft, I estimate that the aspens are about 15 percent gold, 85 percent green.
Stay tuned for update #2.
In the meantime, or if you live too far away to experience the aspens in person, check out these lovely Colorado aspen photographs by Kipp Schoen.
Comments
Thanks, Kathy!
Thanks for the info about the Aspens. I remember the sound of the wind blowing through the Aspens, but we were never there to see the colors change.
What's your favorite leaf-peeping drive? Mine is Boreas Pass. Rough, narrow road, but the leaves are spectacular every year.
My favorite drive is from Georgetown up to Guanella Pass, down to 285. Never disappoints! I've heard the Maroon Bells near Aspen (go figure) offer spectacular aspen views. Has anyone seen them at the peak? Is it worth that drive?
Dylan once said, "For the leaves, they are A Changin'!!"
No wait. Well, anyways. It's a beautiful time of year once again in Colorado.
We've been blessed to see the fall colors several years, both in the Rocky Mtns. and New England. The colors are unbelieveable. We have nothing to compare here in South Texas.
These updates will be very much appreciated!
I have waited three years to go see the foliage. I seem to miss it every year! I am a photographer and I'm taking my family up this weekend. Any ideas for places to go with the most peak in colors? Some people have said hwy 24 to leadvile???? I did a wedding at beaver run last weekend and they had barely started changing. I have searched everywhere to find out where we should go. Most sites just show where was good from the past. I'm sure Aspen is great but we are not wanting to go too far. Thanks for any help you may run my way.
Brandi
You can email me at Salvatorephoto@aol.com
The leaves are beautiful.
Beautiful
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