Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) cameras aren’t intended to show scenic vistas. They are normally aimed at highways. But this one just north of Ward, Colo., along Highway 72, actually shows foliage near the road. And in this late afternoon view today, those aspen trees certainly look like they are starting to show some fall color. (The camera lens or housing is in desperate need of cleaning. Best viewing seems to be late afternoon.)
As noted in previous years, the area south of Ward usually develops a lot of color — worthwhile if you want a quick trip out of Denver or as part of a drive north to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Ward is at 9,450 ft., so will be among the first areas to show color in northern Colorado. Look to the west near Mile Marker 37.
Note, Sept 10: I just discovered that Colorado has a Mile Marker / Milepost map. Judging from it, Mile Marker 37 may actually be a bit south of the area I remember. But if you drive from Nederland to Ward, you can’t miss it. It’s a big valley along the west side of the highway.
either way, it’s beautiful
I don’t know what to expect this year. We actually got out of drought conditions for a while over the summer, but maybe not enough to matter to the trees. Some years they mostly just fade to brown. Plus ozone can affect them, and we’ve had a lot this summer.
Any scenario is possible
LOL. Yes. Colorado is always unpredictable.