Leaf-peepers, start your engines because itap just about showtime.
Aspen trees have begun turning gold at higher elevations across the Front Range, and while the colors remain patchy so far, experts believe the leaves will start to change en masse this weekend.
In Breckenridge, conditions are currently pre-peak, said Duke Barlow, Open Space & Trails Manager. However, the trees appear to be changing rapidly. For example, the Pence Miller trail near downtown seems to be the first spot to go for gold.
“The majority of our aspen leaves have yet to start changing color, but I bet that changes this weekend,” Barlow said. He estimates the next couple of weeks will offer prime leaf-peeping. (Those who want to visit the famed Aspen Alley will be required to take a free shuttle from the town ice rink, as the trailhead parking lot will be closed, he added.)
Itap a similar story at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, northwest of Golden, where fall colors have started to crop up but are not widespread. Guanella Pass, another popular destination, has also started turning, though there’s plenty of green still on the mountainsides.
That hasn’t stopped law enforcement from ticketing vehicles they find parking illegally. Over Labor Day weekend, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office issued 136 parking violations along the pass, said spokesperson Jenny Fulton. Fines range $75 to $87.50 per violation.
Elsewhere, areas near Silverton have experienced patchy or minimal change, according to the . No other changes have been reported in the southern Colorado forest so far, though.
Do you have leaf-peeping plans? Illegal parking could mean a ticket or a tow
Leaf-peeping season is arriving early in Colorado this year due to drought, which triggers trees to shut down and prepare for winter on an accelerated timeline. In a typical year, aspens would change color from , but this year, "everything is slightly ahead of schedule just because of how stressed everything is,” said Dan West, forest entomologist with the Colorado State Forest Service.
West studies forest health by flying over wilderness in an aircraft and also by driving deep into the woods. Many aspen trees are showing signs of marginal necrosis, he said, meaning the leaves are turning brown along the edges and veins due to insufficient moisture. Those leaves tend to drop quickly.
"The colors just aren’t nearly as bright," West said. He's hopeful that if the state sees overnight temperatures cool off, that will help trap sugars in the leaves to produce purples and red pigments, and help salvage the color display.
And itap not just the aspens that are early. West said he has even seen some narrowleaf cottonwoods changing colors well in advance. Typically, those trees don’t lose their leaves until late in the season, he said.
Thatap not to say the season is a bust. Geographically, West said the northern part of the state is faring better with respect to drought, so those willing to travel may have great viewing near Steamboat Springs over the next couple of weeks.
"That seems to be the best statewide, as far as aspen going into the color season," West said. "Thatap not saying a whole lot because they're still stressed... but at least of everywhere I’ve traveled recently, that seems to be the better spot."
“As we get further west and south, the drought conditions seem to be getting worse and worse and worse," West added. "Some of the aspens had completely already dropped their leaves as I was getting south of Salida."
Closer to the Front Range, West advised venturing off main thoroughfares and onto back roads, where the trees may be less impacted by traffic and things like magnesium chlorate, which is used for ice mitigation in the winter and spring. He also suggested looking beyond aspen hotspots.
, for example, may be more likely to put on a show since they are by definition located near water, West said. Typical vegetation in those areas includes willows, gamble oak and cottonwood trees.
Wherever you go, West advises making plans soon.
"We’re getting to the point now that, if you live in the Denver area and you’re hoping to go for some drives, this upcoming weekend and maybe the weekend after would be a great weekend to aim for," he said. "And then, of course, as you go further south, that will be slightly more delayed."
Looking for leaf-peeping inspiration? Consider these scenic drives, our favorite fall hikes and road trips to dreamy autumn destinations.
