Fall colors 2012….here they come!
Expect alot more of these types of shots over the coming weeks as we slide further from summer. I may suffer my way through winter but I’m infatuated with the cool air and bright colors of fall.
During winter, there is not enough light or water for photosynthesis. The trees will rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. They begin to shut down their food-making factories. The green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As the bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors. Small amounts of these colors have been in the leaves all along. We just can’t see them in the summer, because they are covered up by the green chlorophyll.
Colorado fall colors are famous. They light up the mountains-sides throughout the state. New Mexico’s fall foliage is quite impressive itself.
The brilliant show of fall leaves is regulated mostly by light with a hint of temperature baked in. By mid-September when the days become shorter and cooler and nights grow longer and begin to touch the freezing zone, the biochemical processes mentioned above take hold and we start to see the reds, oranges, golds and browns in the weeks before the leaves carpet the ground. Already, I’m seeing some aspens and cottonwoods here in Taos starting to change.
In the northern part of Colorado, this process is well under way and will reach its peak over the next two weeks. Here in northern New Mexico, our colors (already starting to change) will take off about September 25th and run to mid-October.
Check out these Colorado fall foliage driving routes and these New Mexico fall foliage driving routes to plan a weekend driving trip or some last camping trips of the season…and some amazing fall colors 2012.
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La naturaleza es increible….the colors are incredible, very good pictures!
Thank you Maria!
September…. my favorite month of the year. keep bringing the fall colors Jim
love the colors.
I'll do my best!
Glorious colors! A stained glass window in the cathedral of nature.
Well put Steve!
Nice blog, love the photo. We only get the major color change in the mountains in So. California and it is usually lasts just a couple of weeks in late Oct. or early November. One of my most favorite sights in nature are Aspens in gold with the firs in green. Guess I had better plan a road trip then!
It really doesnt last that long here either. Just about 2 weeks is all we get.
While autumn makes me realize my favorite month of the year is over, I love its colors and shades.
Same here Angela. I so love summer and it hurts when its done but wow does it go out with a flash.
I miss the seasons – we don't have any where I live in Queensland, Australia!
The change of seasons I like….as long as fall goes right into spring….I have to say tho, I could live my life easily in shorts, light shirt and sandals….
I miss the seasons – we don’t have any where I live in Queensland, Australia! This would probably be my pic of the year!
I like the contrast of the leaf on the concrete. Great job!
Thank you! Its actually a river side rock…:-)