I just returned from a backpack trip to Cirque of the Towers – Popo Agie Wilderness in the southern Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. This was my second trip to “The Cirque” and the conditions were very different due to several factors – wildflowers, weather and mosquitoes. 4 years ago, during the first week of August, it appears we missed most of the wildflower bloom, the weather was variable with morning sun and afternoon thunderstorms, and we didn’t use a drop of insect repellent. This year, towards the end of July, the wildflowers were at peak bloom, the weather was …

More images from Rustlers Gulch, near Crested Butte, CO.

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The Green Gentian, or Monument Plant, lives for many years without blooming. Then, in its final year, it grows up to 7 feet tall and becomes covered with small white flowers. Many gentians are blooming this year across the hillsides near Crested Butte, CO. They dwarf all other wildflowers and give the landscape and other-worldly appearance.

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The wildflowers in the Colorado high country are in full swing!
Rustler Gulch is perhaps one of the finest wildflower hikes in Colorado (among many). At the end of an incredibly scenic hike is a waterfall spilling through lush meadows of wildflowers. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

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