Fields of Mule’s Ear, Paintbrush, and Lupine.

Crested Butte locals and visitors alike were treated to a truly spectacular wildflower season this summer.  After last summer’s lackluster wildflower display (due in part to extremely dry conditions and high summer temps) this year’s burst of mountain color was a welcomed sight.   A wet spring followed by a wetter than normal summer resulted in hardy blooms and vibrant colors that dazzled and delighted, and the sheer variety of flowers in bloom at any given time this summer was dizzying.

Over the course of the summer CBMG guides and clients were privy to some awe-inspiring  floral landscapes.  Below is a small compilation of photos taken by our guides over the past couple of months  …

Mule’s Ear on the Walrod Loop. Photo by Amy Stevens.

Lupines on the Deer Creek trail. Photo by Zach Guy.

Aster seen during a Baxter’s Gulch Trail Service Day. Photo by Spenser Li.

Lupines on the aptly named ‘Lupine Trail’. Photo by Tiff Simpson.

Unidentified white and yellow flowers on Doctor’s Park trail. Photo by Zach Guy.

A Century Plant in bloom on the West Maroon Pass trail. Photo by Tiff Simpson.

Fire Weed near West Maroon Pass. Photo by Will Nunuz.

Blue Flax and Fairy Trumpets on Bear Creek Trail. Photo by Tiff Simpson

Fire Weed on the 401 trail. Photo by Zach Guy.

Lupine on the Snodgrass trail. Photo by Jayson Simons-Jones.

King’s Crown on the 400 trail. Photo by Tiff Simpson.

Sadly, the wildflower peak is now behind us.  There are still some wildflowers to be seen for those willing to seek them out, but they won’t last long as the days begin to shorten and temps drop below freezing at night in the high country.  The good news?  Fall colors are right around the corner!  The breathtaking transformation of the Gunnison Valley from green to vivid yellow, red, and gold is a sight not to miss.  Now is the time to book your fall-colors hike.  Let the knowledgeable CBMG staff guide you to some of the most fantastically colored vistas you’ll ever witness … and don’t forget the camera!

-Tiff Simpson, CBMG Staff