Natural History Wanderings

Coconino National Forest – Resource Management reports

Mogollon Rim Ranger District Fall Color Update: October 16, 2015

Observations the week of October 12 in Rim Country are lackluster. Aspens and maples are found rarely in the area, and the few aspens there are have dropped their leaves. The prevalent fall color trees are Gambel oaks. However, these oaks are turning yellow and brown (typical for this variety in this area), thus are not providing the vibrant fall colors typical of the aspens, maples, and cottonwoods found in other areas of the forest. Many of the ferns have died off, but occasional pockets of yellows and greens may still be found.

Flagstaff Ranger Distict Fall Color Update: October 20, 2015

Storms have been passing through the area since October 16. Rain, low clouds, and heavy overcast have made fall color observations difficult.

The upper reaches of Mt. Elden were reached their peak the beginning of October. Color is currently creeping down the mid to lower regions of the eastern face, but has mostly faded on top. On the Peaks, Lockett Meadow, Inner Basin, and the north side of the Peaks, color peaked earlier in the month, and is fading as the aspens have dropped their leaves. On the south side of the Peaks around the Schultz Pass are, aspens started turning a couple weekends ago. Some groves appear to be peaking, and overall it looks like 60% to 70% of the trees are turning or have turned.