SAN ANTONIO – It only took a couple of days, but seasons have certainly changed in South Texas. Along with the seasons, trees are beginning to change; most notably at Lost Maples State Natural Area.
"It's the bright reds that draw people out," said Lost Maples State Natural Area Superintendent Shawn Green.
"The colors are the best," said Sergio Scheveloff, a first-time visitor to Lost Maples. "Nobody can paint these colors."
Just how brilliant are the colors this year?
"We had some milder temperatures in October and it didn't quite get cold enough to trigger the leaves, so they're a little bit late," said Green.
Temperatures are the biggest factor in the evolution, so this week's cold snap is expected to help move the color change along. The best viewing, according to Green, will be over the next two weeks.
Overall, the natural area is expecting an "average year," with scattered color throughout the 2,900-acre destination. Changes are already underway in many cases, which have already brought out fans.
"I love it," said Allen Mortiz. "[There's] so many pretty colors out here, it's just gorgeous."
As the peak of color arrives, look for bigger crowds. This weekend, it is suggested that visitors arrive to the natural area early. Green expects anywhere from 3,000-5,000 visitors on Saturday and Sunday.