Canyon Color

Fall Splendor in Gregory Canyon, Boulder,Colorado,OSMP
There’s plenty of fall color to be found in and around the foothills of Boulder right now. This Scrub Oak provided some beautiful reds and yellows against the still green grasses. Every year photographer worry that fall color will come to soon and they will miss the peak color. While I often get a chuckle out of the panic that ensues, and the fact that most years are fairly predictable, it does appear that fall color is settling in earlier this year than usual. Technicial Details: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 70-200mm F2.8 L
Every autumn there are various reports by photographers online depicting an area or grove of trees somewhere that is ‘peaking early’. This of course puts every other photographer in a total panic that they are going to miss the peak fall color while at the same time ruining there plans and itinerary they most likely planned a year in advance.

While this happens every year, and certain trees and locations do from time to time peak earlier the typical years, on average the peak fall color in Colorado is quite predictable. I’d prefer not to be the person crying wolf, but from what I have seen so far, it does appear that our hot and dry weather is causing the leaves in many areas to turn earlier than usual.

I made a quick scouting trip up Gregory Canyon just west of Boulder a few days back and found quite a bit of fall color. There is still plenty to come, but I would say things appear to be at least a week ahead of our typical schedule. This mirrors what I’ve observed in Rocky Mountain National Park over the last few weeks.

Again, I’m in no way trying to be that guy causing a panic. I would just say it would be a good idea to stay open to the possibility that many areas may peak earlier than is typical in most years. My advice, get out in the field, explore and keep your options open. The possibilities for photography this time of year are endless.