Leaf peeping starting, and free day at RMNP
REPORTS: This year’s late summer weather conditions and some positive tree health indicators are creating an ideal season to take a color tour of Colorado’s aspens, according to Dan West, an entomologist with the Colorado State Forest Service. “We’re seeing well below average insect and disease in aspens this year,” he said. He points out — first, we had more rain in August, and now, the above-average temperatures are changing to below average temperatures, with more precipitation for the next 30 days, it looks like a great color show this fall.
Denver – As summer turns to fall, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to anticipate additional traffic in the high country over the next few weekends, as people head out to see the autumn leaves.
Mountain roads see increased traffic when the aspens begin turning to red and gold, so drivers and photo-takers standing and walking along roadways need to watch out for each other.
===Be a Smart Leaf Peeper with the following tips:
Beware of other vehicles that may be traveling at lower speeds
Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadways, and vehicles parked along the roadside
Find safe, designated areas to park
Drivers – be aware of pedestrians! People will be out of their vehicles, often taking photos
Pedestrians also should be extremely diligent and watch out for passing vehicles
Colorado Byways
In addition, it is a great time to kick off the autumn travel season with Colorado Byways Roadtrip Weekend from Sept. 27 through Sept. 29.
That weekend aligns with National Public Lands Day on Sept. 28.
Pairing up a beautiful scenic drive along with the popular enjoyment and volunteer conservation of public lands can provide an economic boost to rural communities. The bonus: admission to the national parks and monuments is free on NPLD. For more information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/public-lands-day.htm Remember to make your timed-reservation on the Park’s web site. For info on the park, go to: www.nps.gov/romo
For more on the state’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways, please visit: colorado-byways LINK, where you can learn fun facts, estimated drive times, key attractions, route length and more.
Another resource is www.cotrip.org and the COtrip Planner App*, where you can plan your route ahead of time by clicking on the Scenic Byways layer on the Layers menu.
National Public Lands Day—-Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort. Last year, over 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating an impressive 41,500 hours of service.—-To mark National Public Lands Day, you’re invited to join Rocky Mountain Conservancy and Rocky Mountain National Park in the battle against invasive plant species threatening the park! We’ll spend the day tackling invasives in an accessible and visible area of the park where your work will have a big impact. This is a great way to care for Rocky Mountain National Park, and help ensure its beauty will be enjoyed for generations to come. for MORE INFO & TICKETS.
Construction zones are possible on state roadways
CDOT also is reminding drivers that highway work zones are possible, even on weekends. Although most projects shut down for the weekend, some may take advantage of favorable fall weather to continue construction activities before winter weather stops work until the spring.
Helpful resources
===Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
Be patient!
===Know Before You Go
Road conditions and travel information:
—COtrip.org Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
—Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
—See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
—Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
===Download the *COtrip App!
The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!