Fall colors 2022 map: When and where in Colorado to see the best foliage - Axios DenverLog InLog InAxios Denver is an Axios company.

Fall colors 2022 map When and where to see Colorado' s best foliage

The fall foliage outlook for the week of Oct. 3, according to Smokymountains.com. Image courtesy of David Angotti The arrival of September — despite these current hot temps — means it's time for leaf-peeping in Colorado. The forecast: After a few years of early blooms, the forest foliage is expected to transition to bright yellows and pops of orange on a more typical timeline this year.The northern mountains and higher elevations get started in early to mid-September while the central mountains arrive in color at the end of the month. The southern mountains could show bright colors into early October.The prime week for most of the state is Oct. 3, according to the much-viewed from David Angotti at SmokyMountains.com. What they're saying: "I think we will have a better show than last year," state forest entomologist Dan West told . "But I wouldn't put it in the stellar category." Mark the calendar: Steamboat Springs and the Yampa Valley are looking to turn Sept. 15-25, according to from meteorologists.The Interstate 70 corridor follows Sept. 18-29.Aspen, Buena Vista and Salida hit peak between Sept. 22 and Oct. 3.Denver's foothills and Telluride come Sept. 25-Oct. 7. Farther south near Pagosa Springs may show as late as Oct. 16. How it works: The shorter, warm days and cool nights spur the color change as trees lose the green chlorophyll from their leaves. Where to go: will show so bright, however. The northern portions of the state are expected to be the best, says West, who flies over the state's 24 million acres of forests each summer.The Front Range and I-70 corridor are expected to be a bit patchy, he says. Sadly, the yellow cottonwood trees that line river canyons are dealing with a beetle infestation that will lead to early leaf drops. The hugely popular aspens at Kenosha Pass also are seeing pest damage that may mute their annual show. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

More Denver stories

No stories could be found Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Denver.Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.