Fall Colors!

Normally fall colors in the Tetons are from late September to mid October. Due to the weather this year the colors are changing a bit early but we should still be hitting it right towards the end of the season. The above picture was taken 3 days ago. The change happens at different times at different altitudes so we'll definitely find some great photo opportunities.

For more great, current shots of the park, head on over to the official Instagram account for the park:

https://www.instagram.com/grandtetonnps/

While we're looking at some amazing trees, I think it is fascinating to understand how each evolved and what the purpose is of very different leaf structures.

For instance, why do aspen leaves "tremble"? If you hadn't noticed them doing this before, definitely pay attention on this trip! The leaves seem to tremble far more than other trees. This serves several purposes but the two big ones are to allow the leaves to get sunlight on both sides and to protect them from damage during windstorms.

Now think about another tree that evolved in the area, the pine tree! Pine trees evolved to have needles instead of traditional leaves. Any guess why they would evolve something so totally different from most other trees? Those needles are great for shedding snow compared to leaves, an important attribute for a tree at elevation! Shedding snow is especially important for them since they also don't lose their needles and, if not covered in snow, can capture sunlight even in the cold winters. They also handle wind better than most leaves and with less surface area than normal leaves and a waxy coating, are better at retaining water.

Pay attention to those trees as they are all very different and everyone evolved a certain way for a reason!