Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Lake
Verdigris River Valley, Kansas · 963 ft
Typical peak
Oct 18 – Oct 26
moderate confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
An old-growth Cross Timbers remnant on the escarpment above Toronto Lake, where centuries-old post oaks stand short, thick and crooked rather than tall. Flat light holds the bark texture and the dull rust canopy that direct sun flattens out.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
Park at the Blackjack Trail trailhead in Cross Timbers State Park off KS-105 near Toronto for a 1-mile loop; the Ancient Trees trail nearby runs 0.9 mile. A state park vehicle permit is required.
What turns here
- post oak
- blackjack oak
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 22Typical color progression for Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Lake. No change from Sep 14 to Oct 1. First color from Oct 1 to Oct 10. Approaching peak from Oct 10 to Oct 18. Peak from Oct 18 to Oct 26. Past peak from Oct 26 to Nov 5. Bare from Nov 5 to Nov 19.
Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Lake is typically at past peak on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
74°F / 53°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Cross Timbers State Park, Toronto Lake on October 22, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:12 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 103° | 7:38 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 36 min of low, warm light | 8:14 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:08 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 36 min before sunset | 6:01 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 256° | 6:37 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:04 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 59m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.