This year is proving to be a spectacular year for wildflowers. Along roadways, trails, and in fields and in high country meadows, colorful blooms can be seen everywhere in abundance. Perhaps one of the best places to see and learn about wildflowers is at Crested Butte, the wildflower capital of Colorado. Since 1986, the town has hosted a wildflower festival. This year’s week-long event takes place July 11-23 with additional events continuing through August. Even if you don’t attend scheduled events that are well worth the price, you can travel the back roads on your own to enjoy fantastic wildflower displays.
Case's Corydalis, Crested Butte Aspen Sunflowers, Crested Butte
Be sure to take the road to Gothic as well. From Crested Butte follow Gothic Road, Country Road 317 for approximately 7 miles. Here you will find the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Gift Store. RMBL provides support for scientists and students with research laboratories and protected research sites. The store there has informative displays, books, merchandise, and snacks and drinks for sale. On Friday July 15, Linda and Bernie Nagy will be there from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to sign their wildflower book as well as their unique cutting boards with photographic wildflower scenes of Crested Butte and watercolor wildflower images.
Silvery Lupine near Gothic Linda Nagy, author
While in Crested Butte, visit the Townie Books at 414 Elk Avenue. On Saturday July 16, Linda and Bernie Nagy will be there from 11:00am til 2:00pm to sign their award-winning Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Field Guide books purchased during the event.
If you need help identifying wildflowers, "Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Field Guide" is for you and all nature enthusiasts who want to learn more about wildflowers throughout Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Region. Information includes common, scientific and family names, a brief description, and each wildflower’s habitat, life zone, and general flowering time. Wildflowers were photographed from Rocky Mountain National Park to the Mosquito Range, and from Crested Butte to the southern San Juan Mountain Ranges, and in parts of Wyoming’s Central Rockies. Clear, detailed photographic images depict some of the most common as well as some uncommon wildflowers that one might find along trails and roadsides. The wildflowers in the guide are grouped according to color so you can quickly find and identify an unfamiliar flower. The compact 4”x6” softbound book that fits easily into a pocket or back pack. It is also available at www.HighCountryArtworks.com and on Amazon. Watch for the Nagys' Wildflowers of Colorado 2017 Calendar available in July, 2016.
Where ever you are in Colorado, get out and enjoy the wildflowers and learn more about them.