As seasonal transitions become evident and the weather slowly creeps into a wintery crisp, nature has a way of painting a red, purple, orange and yellow picture of change. The time has come where we bid adieu to the greenery around us and welcome back the adorning autumn colors.
A scenic season perfect for biking the Animas River Trail, hiking the Colorado Trail and exploring the Silverton mountaintops. The colorful paths guide visitors through the Colorado wilderness and provide many memorable photo opportunities.
So what causes this colorful phenomenon?
The College of Environmental Science and Forestry says that a chemical process occurs within the cells of the leaves, resulting in the array of colors.
The green pigment seen in leaves in the spring is a result of a chemical found within the plant, chlorophyll. It is a necessary component in the tree’s production of nutrients. The chemical absorbs the sunlight and uses the energy to transform carbon dioxide and water into sugars the plant needs to survive, the ESF says.
As for the red-orange color transformation, plants contain smaller amounts of carotene, which is responsible for giving carrots their lustrous orange color. Anthocyanins and xanthophyll also contribute to variations of color. When fall breaks and there is less sunlight – along with a temperature drop – plants find themselves making less food. The chlorophyll breaks down and the yellow and red-orange pigments become more prominent.
Additionally, certain species of trees shed their leaves as the temperatures continue to drop, while others remain green year-round.
Weather conditions also can hinder the picturesque process. Various weather outlets have reported that heavy rain can cause leaves to fall prematurely before fully developing their autumn colors.
Kent Grant, Durango’s district forester with the Colorado State Forest Service, said the delay in this seasons’s fall colors, typically seen in late September, is possibly a result of the trees altered growth activity from the rain, though leaf changes vary from year to year for other unknown reasons, he said.
“They don’t all change at the same time, it depends on the species of trees.” Grant said.
Unlike national parks he said, national forests are still open for the public to drive through and see the leaves, though forest employees will not be available to provide assistance.
Travelers, otherwise known as “leafers” and “leaf peepers” have typically come from afar just to see the leaves changing in the Colorado mountains.
Andrea Seid, spokeswoman for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, said that although the leaves are changing later this year, visitors are still taking full advantage of the railroad service. A popular event called “The Fall Photo Special” is held in late September, right as the leaves start the change, she said.
During this event, the train stops in areas not ordinarily scheduled and allows passengers to disembark for photography opportunities. Many people travel from out of state and some even from out of the country to photograph the leaves in Silverton, she said. Though the event has passed, many out-of-town tourists drive through Colorado for the scenery and stop to ride the train, she said.
“This is definitely a favorite time of year,” Seid said.
Jack Llewellyn, executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce, said he’s had many guests come in as well as call the chamber office asking when the leaves are going to change. He always informs them it occurs sometime from late September through October, he said.
Earlier this week, 15 tourists inquired about what to do in the area. Many of those people had their hearts set on visiting Mesa Verde National Park but were unable to do so because of the government shutdown, he said.
Llewellyn has been on his toes making sure guests feel welcome and don’t leave. He’s recommended other options such as state parks, campgrounds, train rides and other local activities.
Additionally, he feels that front desk clerks at the local hotels need to be knowledgeable about activities so visitors don’t leave.
Aside from the recent heavy rains and government shutdown, this weekend may be a good time to witness nature’s canvas because of favorable weather conditions.
Tom Renwick, a weather forecaster with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, said this weekend would be a nice time to take a walk or hike because of the anticipated sunny weather in Durango. Today will be chilly because of a passing storm with temperatures in the mid-50s, but still sunny, he said. Sunday will be warmer with temperatures in the mid-60s and plenty of sunshine.
The U.S. Forest Service reports that 15 percent of the plants that undergo a color change in Durango have started the process. Red Mountain Pass has 65 percent fall foliage in the aspens.
Llewellyn said this weekend should be a prime time to spot the autumn leaves.
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
