Current weather conditions, annual precipitation, and other factors greatly influence the onset and intensity of color change. Generally, the leaves of the deciduous trees begin changing color in the latter part of October, and peak by the last week in October or the first or second week in November. For daily updates of the color change call (915) 828-3251 and then press 4 (McKittrick Canyon information).

Although the bright fall colors of deciduous trees are not common in the southwestern desert, here in the Guadalupe Mountains we find a striking display. Enjoy the beautiful foilage while hiking one of the following trails; McKittrick Canyon, Devil's Hall, the Bowl, or visit Dog Canyon, where the reds, oranges, and yellows of the maples, oaks, and ash trees line the canyon bottoms.

Why Leaves Change Color

Chlorophyll is the pigment in leaves that gives them their green color. For the past seven or eight months green leaves, with the help of sunlight, have been manufacturing food for the tree's growth. However, when the daylight hours shorten and temperatures begin to drop, leaves end their food-making process, thus stopping the production of chlorophyll. The breakdown of the green pigment allows other colors to be seen. The best weather conditions for the creation of brilliant fall colors are warm, sunny days and cool nights of 45 degrees or less.

The Colors of Fall

Indian legend has it that celestial hunters killed the Great Bear and the blood splattered some trees red. When the bear was cooked, its fat splattered other trees yellow. Scientifically speaking, the leaves change color due to chemical processes. As the green chlorophyll pigment in the aging leaf disintegrates and disappears, other pigments or colors already within the leaf appear.

Yellows and Oranges
These two autumn colors are caused by the presence of xanthophyll and carotin. Carotin is the same pigment that colors carrots orange.

Reds and Purples
These two colors are created by the formation of anthocyanin, the same pigment found in beets and red cabbage. Anthocyanin is formed when sugar, manufactured on sunny days, becomes trapped in the leaf during nights of cool temperatures. Because it is unable to circulate through the tree, the leaves change colors.

Browns
The brown color of autumn trees is caused by tannin, the most
durable of all pigments. Tannin is the coloring agent found in tea.