Golden leaves arrive with autumn. Posted by Senad Rizvanovic on 20:52 3 comments

''Autumn is second spring when every leaf is a flower'' Albert Camus

      

Maroon Lake, Colorado ( September 2011)

                 

Longs Peak

Autumn has officially arrived and fall foliage has already begun to show up in some parts of Colorado - particularly in the high country.

Sunrise over Maroon Lake and Sievers Mountains.

Peak color in the mountains occurs during the last week of September and first week of October -- but also varies by Mountain Zone. In other words, fall color starts to emerge first in the Northern Mountains, then works its way south through the Central Mountains then finally into the Southern Mountains.

Warmer weather typically slows the emergence of color overall. Well-timed bouts of cooler weather helps speed the process along. We don't want bitter cold though.

We'll soon experience an "Indian Summer," and then more consistent snows will hit above treeline. This contrast - between snow and fall colors - will provide for the best photos of the season.

Longs Peak in RMNP from Mills Lake.

San Isabel National Forest before storm.

Carpet of leaves.

Blue Jay enjoying perfect day in RMNP

Every leaf.....

Mirror in the Rockies.

The Loch, Rocky Mountain National Park.

Falling skies.

Beaver pond in San Isabel Forest.

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In the trees....

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Natural Impressions.

Painting in the trees.

Last leaf standing.

Floating dreams.

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