Hey everyone! I have some questions for the Colorado experts out there.
I'm going to be in Colorado on August 6th-10th to shoot wildflowers. I'm thinking either Crested Butte or Ouray. I've been to both locales before and shot extensively so I already know they are great for wildflowers.
The questions I have are:
1. How has the wildflower bloom been this year so far? Is it expected to be a good season? Also, when is the peak this year? Will it be on or near the time I'm there?
2. Any preference over Crested Butte or Ouray?
3. Any other good Colorado wildflower locales?
4. Can I just camp anywhere in the backcountry, or do I need to reserve a campsite? Last time I was in Crested Butte and Ouray, we stayed in hotels, so I'm not sure about camping. I'm hoping there is some BLM lands that I can just camp wherever I like on, but, again I don't know.
Thanks!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on July 14, 2011 at 6:50 PM
Kory,
There is a sticky for Wildflowers2011 at the top of the RMNP forums. Looks like Crested Butte is happening now. Seemed like last year Yankee Boy and American Basins peaked around July 20, but this winter had much more snowpack. I have not seen a current report for those basins.
There’s lots of free camping off of the dirt roads out of Crested Butte. You will need to drive a few miles up these roads to get past the privet property, but this may get you up to the good comps anyway.
Washington Gulch, Cement creek road, CO Rd #317, Kebler pass and others will all have some nice spots.
I wish I were there….
Posted by Jared Atencio on July 15, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Kory, I'll second John's suggestion as the RMNP forum seems to be having up to the minute condition reports. Generally speaking, CB peaks before the higher elevations around Ouray. This year seems to be a little anomalous in that they still had record snowpack in the high country in May, so really depends on how quickly things melt up there. Although August 6-10th would indeed be rather late in a normal year, this date may work out to your advantage this season, but you'll probably be restricted to the higher elevations for flowers. Having said that, with all the late season moisture they received this year, many are predicting and witnessing the beginnings of a killer wildflower season.
As for camping, lots of National Forest around to camp in. Their camping regulations are similar to BLM, so pretty much anywhere is fair game, as long is it's not on private property. You can find more than enough info on locations etc. by doing some research here on NPN and keeping an eye on the RMNP forum. Hope the conditions and light work in your favor!
Posted by John Williams on July 20, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I am completely unfamiliar with the rest of Colorado, but we visit my in-laws at that time most years and it can be great in the southwest, the San Juans and the La Platas. These photos were taken Aug. 9 in 2008 in the La Platas: one, two, three.
Posted by Kory Lidstrom on September 23, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Well, it's been awhile and thought I'd update this thread. I did indeed make it to Crested Butte in early August, and the wildflowers, while a bit past peak, were still pretty thick. I made this image just a few miles from town (that's Mt, Crested Butte on the horizon).
Thanks for all the help from everyone who contributed to this thread.
Discussion
6 repliesI'm going to be in Colorado on August 6th-10th to shoot wildflowers. I'm thinking either Crested Butte or Ouray. I've been to both locales before and shot extensively so I already know they are great for wildflowers.
The questions I have are:
1. How has the wildflower bloom been this year so far? Is it expected to be a good season? Also, when is the peak this year? Will it be on or near the time I'm there?
2. Any preference over Crested Butte or Ouray?
3. Any other good Colorado wildflower locales?
4. Can I just camp anywhere in the backcountry, or do I need to reserve a campsite? Last time I was in Crested Butte and Ouray, we stayed in hotels, so I'm not sure about camping. I'm hoping there is some BLM lands that I can just camp wherever I like on, but, again I don't know.
Thanks!
There is a sticky for Wildflowers2011 at the top of the RMNP forums. Looks like Crested Butte is happening now. Seemed like last year Yankee Boy and American Basins peaked around July 20, but this winter had much more snowpack. I have not seen a current report for those basins.
Your dates are definitely on the late end of things, though.
Washington Gulch, Cement creek road, CO Rd #317, Kebler pass and others will all have some nice spots.
I wish I were there….
As for camping, lots of National Forest around to camp in. Their camping regulations are similar to BLM, so pretty much anywhere is fair game, as long is it's not on private property. You can find more than enough info on locations etc. by doing some research here on NPN and keeping an eye on the RMNP forum. Hope the conditions and light work in your favor!
Thanks for all the help from everyone who contributed to this thread.