The reds of the gambel oak, the shimmering gold of the aspens and the tawny oranges and burnt umber of the undergrowth are putting on quite the show in the region this year, despite ongoing severe drought.

Last week began with much of the color show from Silverton to Ouray passing its peak. Many stands of aspens on Red Mountain Pass have already dropped their leaves. But some other areas, including Dallas Divide and up on Grand Mesa, have not peaked quite yet. Even after Color Su...