The aspens have been getting closer to peak colors every day and it certainly seems like more orange leaves are out this year. It is not just about the aspens. Colorado mountains are dominated by aspens for color changes, but look up high.
Above timberline where no tall trees grow, the colors are amazing this year. The alpine zone has primarily perennial plants. It is very hard for annuals to survive at high elevations.
These perennials have many adaptations to survive. Indeed, there are trees in these tundra elevations. The willow trees adapt to any elevation growing closer to the ground up above timberline and are turning a beautiful bright yellow this year.
There are a couple different species of willows that are smaller the higher you go. One you will find is just growing along the ground, not up more than an inch or two above the ground. If you look closely, you can pick out the branches spreading out right on the ground, where they can survive.
All the alpine plants have developed many clever adaptations to survive the long winter, high winds, and long, dry periods. Growing low to the ground is a consistent adaptation, while fuzzy hair-like growth on leaves can be protective and waxy leaves can help preserve moisture. Yes, leaf peeping is popular and there is always much speculation on peak aspen colors.
This year, I think the tundra might be beating the aspen colors. Above timberline, the colors are often muted unless you are looking up close at individual plants. This.