DENVER (KDVR) — Fall color started popping up across Colorado over the weekend, days before the official first day of fall.

But don’t get caught off guard: the foliage might not last long this year due to extreme drought.

Expect to see patches where trees turn very early then drop leaves early.  But, the majority of mountain zones will reach peak color during the times listed on our map. 

Overall, the majority of mountain zones are running about a week early.  This is especially true in the Southern Mountains where extreme drought has been in place since April.  Trees are stressed.
Lower elevations including Denver can expect peak color in October.

We would love to see your fall pictures. Click the “submit your photo” button at the bottom of the page. We will share as many as we can on TV.

If you are looking for somewhere to check out fall colors this season, here is a list we put together:

Within 1 hour of Denver:
Guanella Pass
Peak to Peak Highway
Rocky Mountain National Park
Winter Park
Kenosha Pass

Within 2 hours of Denver:
Vail
Tennessee Pass
Breckenridge
Hoosier Pass
Fairplay
Grand Lake

Within 3-4 hours of Denver:
Steamboat
Rabbit Ears Pass
Buena Vista
Aspen
Independence Pass
Monarch Pass
Grand Mesa