Fall Color Reports, 2008

[Bill Ferrier III]

The LaGarita mountains over between Saguache and Gunnison above 10k are on fire. Best I've seen them in 10 years.

Bill

[Jean Luc]

Crested Butte , on hour ago ( 7am monday sept 29)

[Joshua Williams]

Jeff,

Well, it was nice to meet you! I wondered on my way back down the trail if you guys were from the NPC forums. Should have asked, I guess. I wish I had more time in the mountains this year, since it looks like I was maybe a week early for the Dallas Divide. Oh, well, it's all the more reason to head back next fall.

[Michael Renner]

Hi all - Haven't posted over here in a while, but have been checking the site for your fall updates. I was up on the Flat Tops Scenic byway Sat and Sun - Ripple Creek and Dunckley passes. Things are very nice up there and at the peak further north, and probably peak by now closer to Buford / Meeker. The attached pic is from Ripple Creek Pass. Also hit the Capitol Creek area Mon night and shot the Bells Tues morning. Definetely peak color around Aspen!

[Joshua Hardin]

Got back last night from a 5-day trip through the Elks and San Juans. Here's what I observed:

Capitol Peak TH: Great aspen color last Sunday night, but a few stands still were green. Should still be shootable this weekend.

Maroon Bells: The peak was probably last weekend, but the trees next to the lake that usually turn late should be ready to go this weekend.

Crystal Mill: As Ron has reported, this has probably been the best year there in at least the last two or three. On Monday the aspens looked pretty gold, but still had a few green leaves. Peak there was probably the end of this week, but if the wind has spared the leaves it may still be very shootable this weekend.

McClure Pass: Marble side is at peak right now. Paonia side was a little behind as usual but should look good into early next week.

Kebler Pass: West side of the pass is peaking right now. On the roadsides the leaves are beginning to get blown off, but in the hillsides there are still a few green stands. I shot the photo attached on Monday night, went back on Wednesday and many of the leaves in the aspen stand in the foreground had blown off already. Things on the east side are nearing peak as well. Shot the Dike instead on Wednesday night. The color was incredible! Get there now if you can.

Ohio Pass: Peaking late this week. Looks fantastic from the top of the pass! Lower elevations still had a few green stands to go still, but not many. The aspen are really looking healthy there as mentioned above. Get there now.

San Juans: It is surprising how much green was still in the Sneffels range during the middle of this week. Shots from CR5, CR7 should be great WELL into next week! Wilson Mesa is about 70% turned and starting to go faster. Shot from Last Dollar Road and noticed even with the dry weather there is at least a little bit of snow still on Wilson Peak. Red Mountain Pass area is a bit past peak now.

Good luck shooting everyone!

[Ron Bailey]

Any word on what colors are left from Ridgeway to Durango? Spur of the moment trip thanks to some unexpected free time and I'm trying to find some colors. Heck, any other suggestions are welcome!

Edit: Staying close to home tomorrow just in case I couldn't make it make for a birthday party Saturday.

The riparian zone should be looking nice by Rifle Falls.