Time is running out to see Colorado fall colors at their peak. Here's a look at conditions
This fall is shaping up to be one of Colorado's most spectacular foliage shows in years thanks to ample spring and summer moisture and warm days and cool nights this fall.
Dan West, Colorado State Forest Service entomologist who flies over the state's 24 million acres of forest to check on tree health, said the while some areas of the state are past peak, others are at or will soon be at peak.
"The northern reaches are a little past peak but still fantastic and this weekend would be a good time for a drive,'' he said. "I was near Aspen last weekend and the colors were fantastic. It should really start picking in the southern third of the state this week. As long as the snow doesn't continue to drop down into elevations where aspens grow, the show will continue for the next few weeks in places.''
To see updated fall foliage maps for Colorado and around the country, visit www.explorefall.com or smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map.
Here's a look at fall foliage viewing conditions for the weekend of Oct. 7-8 around Colorado, according to various sites and sources.
Steamboat area at peak, Rocky Mountain National Park fading
Rocky Mountain National Park: Past prime in most places but still some color here and there, especially around Rainbow Curve on Trail Ridge Road. Elk are still putting on a show, bugling in the park and in Estes Park.
Steamboat Springs: Peak conditions this week, especially around Buffalo Pass. Don't wait to see this show.
North Park: Past peak with a few patches of color but fading fast. Strong wind has taken its toll on much of the viewing.
Poudre Canyon: Past peak with fading color.
Colorado Highway 125 (Rand to Granby:) Peak conditions.
Interstate 70 corridor show still going strong
Idaho Springs to Frisco: Peak to just past peak.
Copper Mountain to Glenwood Springs: Peak to pre-peak.
U.S. Highway 40 (Empire to Granby): Mostly past peak with some peak around Winter Park.
U.S. Highway 6: Mostly peak with patches of past peak.
U.S. Highway 285 (Conifer to Fairplay): Mostly peak with patches of past peak.
Colorado Highway 9 (Frisco to Fairplay): Intermittent peak to past peak.
Grand Mesa a mixed bag of color
This area is past peak at upper elevations but peak to patchy color as you lose elevation.
Crested Butte, Marble areas still showing good color
Kebler Pass and West Elk Mountains: Peak conditions. One of the best places to view aspen.
Crested Butte area: Peak to just past peak.
Colorado Highway 133 (Carbondale to Marble): Patchy, ranging from peak to moderate color. McClure Pass especially vibrant.
San Juan Mountains fall foliage hitting peak now
The San Juan Mountains area in southern Colorado is the place to be for prime aspen viewing. According to the Oct. 3 San Juan National Forest fall color report, "the color is popping everywhere, but lower elevations are still spotty. One more week and we will be near peak to peak throughout the entire San Juan Skyway!''
Here's a look at the most current report:
Durango to Purgatory: Patchy.
Purgatory to Coal Bank: Patchy to partial.
Coal Bank to Molas Pass: Partial to near peak.
Molas Pass to Silverton: Partial to near peak.
Silverton area: Peak.
Silverton to Red Mountain Pass: Near peak.
Red Mountain Pass to Ouray: Near peak.
Ouray to Telluride (Dallas Divide): Partial.
Telluride to Lizard Head Pass: Near peak.
Lizard Head Pass to Rico: Near peak.
Rico to Dolores: Patchy to partial.
Mancos area: Patchy to partial for aspens and near peak for shrubbery and undergrowth.
Pagosa Springs: Patchy.
Missionary Ridge: Partial to near peak.
La Plata Canyon: Patchy.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: 2023 Colorado fall foliage viewing update: Some peak colors left
