Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light from the sunlight that falls on leaves. The green pigment in leaves is chlorophyll. These color changes are the result of transformations in leaf pigments. Formerly green leaves, depending on the species, may turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, as well as brown. In certain regions, the shedding of leaves is preceded by a spectacular color show. In these preparations, they shed billions of tons of leaves. It’s called Learn About … The Chemistry of Autumn Colors and in addition to the chemistry of leaf color, you’ll also learn how the colors of leaves are determined and why they aren’t always the same from year-to-year:Įvery autumn across the Northern Hemisphere, the lengthening nights and falling temperatures induce trees to prepare for winter. Yet I know that leaves respond to a number of different cues in making their transition, which I learned about in large part thanks to this story, from the website of the award-winning UW–Madison Chemistry Professor, Bassam Shakhashiri, that we shared here first last fall. But it always seems like the days are too long, the air temperatures still too high, when I first observe the telltale signs of autumn. Not that I am hesitant to see the start of fall, a season I embrace in all its cool-weather, crisp-air glory (and no, it’s definitely not because of #PSL).
“But isn’t it too soon?” I think to myself. The trees and prairies slowly changing their attire. The city has all sorts of amazing restaurants, local breweries and fun stuff to do when you’re done hiking, biking and driving around the region to see Colorado’s fall colors.Each year, as August fades into September here in southern Wisconsin, it always seems to take me by surprise to see the bright greens of spring and summer subtly transition to the goldens and burgundys of autumn. Another favorite fall foliage drive in Southwest Colorado is US 160 between Pagosa Springs and Cortez - with Durango smack in the middle of the route.ĭurango is the perfect home base for fall foliage. Some other recommended fall color viewing areas include Red Mountain Pass, which straddles the dividing line between Ouray and San Juan counties about an hour north of Durango on U.S. Then the entire 15-mile stretch from Telluride to Lizard Head Pass is packed thick with aspen groves. The route takes a turn southeast on Colorado 145 to to Telluride. Start in the town of Ridgway and take Colorado Highway 62 over Dallas Divide for great views of aspens all along the Mt. The drive offers stunning views of red-painted mountains, two 14,000-foot peaks, and plenty of golden aspens, especially along the 70-mile stretch called the “Million Dollar Highway.” Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Passĭallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass is another favorite for fall colors in Southwest Color. Take a drive on the San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile scene loop through the San Juan Mountains that passes through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Dolores. Here are some ways to enjoy fall colors in Durango and around Southwest Colorado: San Juan Skyway Cold snaps or early wet snow can cut the show short, so it’s usually best to go in mid- to late-September and try to get your fill of chlorophyll (see what we did there?!) before mid-October. Trying to catch Colorado fall colors at their peak can be tricky. Aspens between 9,000 and 11,000 feet elevation are the first to start changing in early September, progressing through to aspens at 8,000-9,500 feet by late September. Aspens around the state are already starting to paint them thar hills gold, and those in Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains are no exception.Įxperts agree that if the cool, sunny conditions continue, Colorado fall colors will be show-stoppers this year. The autumnal equinox is still two weeks away - on September 23 - but fall has most definitely kicked off in Colorado.
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