Denali Colors this Year

Any predictions on how the colors will be in Denali this fall with all the rain in the area?
Thanks,
Cyn

This is a good question - hoping for some colors when I go up there 8/29 - 9/8. Not sure if Tom Walker hangs around on this forum, but he'd be THE guy to ask - he lives right there. Maybe Ron or Carl has some info too? I'll keep my fingers crossed.

We'll know for sure in about a month

FWIW, I'm hoping for a gorgeous fall to make up for the rainy summer!

Dave,

Just looked through my pics from last fall and it looks like the colors peaked around the 10th of september around the park entrance, so hopefully you'll be just about right on the money for higher elevations

My worry is that the colors will get covered by snow before they really turn. Many areas are already getting snow down to 4,000ft, though I haven't been north this year. I think Skip will be our eyes Denali. In a week or two I will create a fall colors report post, so we can keep track of their progression down the state. If everyone reports in (with photos of course) when they find a good display, we can all be more productive and hopefully hit the spots when they're hot. Sound like a good idea?

Carl

Sounds great Skip and Carl! Skip, sorry about that, forgot you were right there too. It'll be nice having someone with "eyes on". In the past I've heard the first week in September usually holds promise, of course there is a lot of change with the elevation, as you said Carl. Hoping for some luck with the weather FINALLY! Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Dave,

No worries about forgetting about me, all that anyone here knows about me is from the 10 posts that I've thrown up here.

I'm happy to be the "eyes" in Denali. You all just let me know what you want and I'll try to figure out how to actually post pics on this board.

Thanks for the replies. Dave are you camping at Wonder Lake during your trip?
Cynthia

Cynthia-
Unfortunately not. By the time I was able to confirm I would have some time off for this trip, I was too late in making my Wonder Lake CG reservations. I am going to spend my time in the first 15 miles, and I may ride the bus into the park for a couple of days as weather allows. I also want to spend some time around Broad Pass. Going to play it by ear I guess. You?

I will be staying at Tek about the same time you are in the area. Private Message sent to you also.
Cynthia

Snow was down to 2,500 feet in the interior; there was serious snow - sticking to leaves at least - on the Chena Recreation Area Granite Tors Trail. The wettest, coolest summer in my memory.

Rumor going around is that the park road closed today at Tek and they sent out sweeper busses to pick people coming out of the backcountry up on the park road. If it stops rainiing/snowing the road should be open again.

Thanks for offering to keep us updated on conditions Skip!

In my experience, it seems like wet autumns equal poor fall colors - hopefully we will experience some better weather in the weeks ahead.

Ron

Hey folks,

"wet"? I had just had 12 days solid with no rain in Wrangell - St. Elias - lots of overcast weather, but not a drop. At last! Now it's smoky from fires. :) Fall color is already kickin up around Eureka.

Cheers

Carl

How are the colors looking now?

Colors are peaked at the park entrance and I expect a bunch of leaves to start dropping by the end of this week.