Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Cress Creek Nature Trail
Peak fall color is predicted around September 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from September 24 to October 4.
Predicted peakSeptember 29
Best windowSeptember 24 – October 4
Confidence range±5 days
The prediction is a 24-year climatology built from NASA MODIS MOD13Q1 vegetation-index data, with the definition of peak calibrated against PhenoCam ground cameras. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Cress Creek Nature Trail
Driving distance and time by road, not straight-line.
1 to 2 hours
Over 3 hours
- Logan Canyon (US-89)Utah182 mi · 3 hr 19 minPeak around Sep 28
- Sawtooth Range & Sun Valley181 mi · 3 hr 41 minPeak around Sep 26
- Hyalite CanyonMontana181 mi · 3 hr 57 minPeak around Oct 5
- Bozeman & Gallatin ValleyMontana183 mi · 3 hr 58 minPeak around Oct 7
- Pioneer Mountains Scenic BywayMontana190 mi · 3 hr 58 min
- City of Rocks National Reserve184 mi · 3 hr 59 minPeak around Sep 29