The wildflowers don’t go away when spring turns to summer — you just have to hit the mountains.
There’s been an abundance of wildflowers this past spring, thanks to a particularly wet and snowy winter. Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and southern and central California had a vibrant wildflower display. However, the colorful spectacle doesn’t end with the arrival of summer. Here are some locations where people can go and enjoy the blooms.
Wildflower Bloom Season Is Here
As the low-elevation blooms fade away, higher elevations become adorned with beautiful wildflowers, typically from June to August. The timing and extent of the wildflower season depend on when the snow melts in each area. In Crested Butte, Colorado, known as the state’s wildflower capital, the peak bloom typically occurs in mid-July. However, due to the heavy snowfall this year, experts predict that the peak bloom will likely be delayed until late July or early August. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which runs from July 7th to 16th, is an ideal opportunity to witness this natural spectacle.
Aside from Crested Butte, several other locations promise an extraordinary display of summer wildflowers this year. Albion Basin in Utah, situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon near Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, boasts a high elevation and unique wetland that makes it a prime destination for wildflower enthusiasts. The Wasatch Wildflower Festival, held at Snowbird Ski Resort on July 15th and Alta on July 16th, offers a chance to revel in the abundant blooms.
Many Locations Offer Vibrant Displays
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is another remarkable location for wildflower viewing. The blooming season begins in May and lasts through September, with the dominant flowers changing rapidly from week to week. Early to mid-July is considered the peak wildflower season, especially at higher elevations.
Beehive Basin, located north of Big Sky Resort in Montana, is often regarded as the epitome of wildflower beauty. Accessible via a moderate three-mile trail, the basin hosts nearly 300 species of wildflowers from June to August. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings, including a subalpine lake and a profusion of summertime blooms.
While southern and central California are renowned for their desert super blooms, the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth Lakes have their enchanting wildflower display during the summer. Record snowfall this winter is expected to enhance the vibrancy of the wildflowers in the mountains surrounding Mammoth Lakes. Inyo National Forest botanists are even organizing Wildflower Walks on June 24th, July 29th, and August 19th, guiding participants to various wildflower hotspots in the area.
In the southwestern part of Colorado lies the expansive San Juan National Forest, covering around 1.8 million acres. Trails in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride and Durango offer picturesque landscapes adorned with columbine, Jacob’s ladder, paintbrush, and bluebells in late July.
These captivating destinations offer nature enthusiasts a chance to witness the splendid beauty of summer wildflowers in the Western United States. Each location boasts a unique array of species that bloom at different times, ensuring that visitors will always find something fascinating to admire. Exploring these breathtaking wildflower destinations allows nature lovers to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of summer, creating memories that will last a lifetime.