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Fall Foliage Peaks

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Sep 20, 2012 at 6:00 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 21, 2012 at 7:56 AM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo.- Before snow falls from the sky, the trees must shed their leaves, but not before being transformed into a spectrum of bright colors. Trees on the Grand Mesa and in other parts of the state are boasting shades of red, yellow and orange.

Daren Cole, general manager of Powderhorn Ski Resort, said, "Every day you drive up the mountains you get to see something different, and you're getting to see the different color variations and you're getting to see the different kaleidoscope of colors."

Fall can be unpredictable in Colorado.

"This year started changing early, and it's probably drought induced," said Mary Sibley, supervisor of the Grand Mesa Visitor's Center.

For one spectator making her way through the state, the Grand Mesa has the best views she's seen yet.

Charlotte Knifflei is originally from Germany and now lives in Denver.

"It surpasses, the color ... I've never seen anything, anything like this in my entire life," Knifflei said.

Powderhorn is inviting people in for a beautiful sight and to see the slopes before there's snow.

Lift rides will give people a whole new perspective of the fall foliage.

"The colors are just vibrant this year. Not only do we have the yellow and the golds, you're seeing the reds up here. So this is a great time of the year to come to the Grand Mesa and see those changes of the season," Cole said.

Right now officials say the Grand Mesa is at its peak and will also be this weekend.

Areas in the San Juan Mountains vary. Red Mountain Pass has the best color this week, displaying aspens that are 60 percent yellow and 40 percent green.

In Telluride, about 30 to 40 percent of the aspens have changed.

In the Uncompahgre Plateau, about 25 to 30 percent of the aspens have turned yellow

At Kebler pass the color is at about 5 percent, with pockets up to 20 percent along the pass.

"So, definitely go and become a leaf peeper," Knifflei said.

While there is still some time to catch the fall foliage, the leaves are changing color each day.

Powderhorn is hosting Fall Fest 2012 this weekend.

The family friendly event will have food, live music, lift rides and activities for all ages.

There will also be family photo locations in the leaves and trees, free disc golf at Powderhorn's new 18-hole course, free camping in the lower lot and the chance to purchase and take home a 2012-2013 Powderhorn season pass.

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