Autumn is playing a colorful encore in the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson this month.
Many aspens, maples and other trees reached their peak of autumn color in October — but now oaks, ferns, shrubs and vines are sending up a multi-hued last hurrah in mid-elevations of the Catalinas.
The color scheme is impressive for so late in the season.
Ferns have traded in their emerald tones for amber hues. Once-green oak leaves have morphed to yellow and gold. Shrubs and vines have brought several shades of red into play. Some lingering golden aspen and red maple leaves add to the mix.
Several sights along highway
A drive up the 25-mile Catalina Highway northeast of Tucson will take you past several sites with late-season color. Among them:
- The Molino Basin area between mile markers 5 and 6 on the highway.
- Areas around picnic areas at the 11.5 mile point.
- Bear Wallow at mile marker 22.
- Sites higher on the mountain might still show some limited autumn color.
