Fall Color Falling

Leaf peepers may have to be extra determined in their quest this fall. With drought conditions still affecting almost half of the continental U.S., many leaves are falling from trees before they get a chance to change colors. And with wildfires still burning in Western states, the foliage across many areas of the Rockies could be obscured by smoke. But there are some bright spots: peepers in the northernmost parts of the Midwest, upstate New York and northern Vermont can anticipate the most intense fall colors of the past few years.

The foliage is in full color this week in Arizona's Coconino National Forest. Also peaking is northeastern Utah, especially along U.S. Highway 191 from Vernal to Flaming Gorge. And in central Colorado the mountains flanking Interstate 70, particularly at Loveland Pass, are awash in color. --By Lisa McLaughlin