Fall colors abound in the Land the Enchantment. Join me for a visit to the southernmost portion of the Rockies, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to enjoy the fall colors of the aspens as they appeared on October 1, 2024. The aspens offered a vivid contrast with the evergreens alongside them and the deep blue skies above.
In late September and early October, the Santa Fe National Forest begins to experience its first noticeably cooler temperatures. Along with the comfortable breezes, visitors can enjoy the golden and yellow accents as the leaves on aspen trees begin to change color.
Seasonal change comes to different areas of New Mexico at different times. Early color changes usually appears in these mountains immediately east of Santa Fe in mid-September. By the later part of the month, moderate and high color comes to the highest elevations above 10,000 feet.
We stopped at a favorite place, Big Tesuque Campground. At 9,675 feet above sea level, this area had some of the most stunning color change among the aspens during our day trip.
An early cold spell may bring peak colors before October 1, and occasional strong winds may blow much of the fall foliage from the branches by the beginning of October in the highest elevations.
By the beginning of October, the aspens are beginning to approach their peak golden colors in the Santa Fe National Forest. During this time, the Sandias have only minimal to low color change, though some of the trees along the bosque begin to show early hints of yellow.
By mid-October, most areas of the Santa Fe National Forest have reached their peak. Moderate colors start to cover the eastern side of the Sandia Mountains. By the end of October, peak colors will come to much of the Albuquerque metro.
Comments
Post a Comment