With an official state designation of “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte boasts a mighty reputation; happily, it never disappoints.
For seven days each July – this year July 7-13 – the town celebrates the peak blooming season of Colorado wildflowers with a festival of events, food and fun. From gardens and kitchens around town to the slopes of the nearby Ruby Range and Elk Mountains, the flora take center stage.
What started out in 1985 as a weekend event to help promote summer tourism for Crested Butte has blossomed into an offering of 174 events this year. Maura Bailey, president of the festival’s board of directors, says she is encouraged by the moisture (of winter snowpack and spring storms) and is assuming no changes to the schedule.
Highlighting this year’s usual variety of hikes and rides, 4-wheel-drive tours, photography workshops, landscaping classes and edible and medicinal classes are several new or unusual opportunities:
Marcie’s Garden: Experience folklore, fairy tales and wildflower wine in the garden of a local storyteller.
Overnight hike to Aspen: Take a hike through the Elk Range over West Maroon Pass to Aspen, retracing the route the next day.
Accessible outings: In conjunction with the Adaptive Sports Center, several tours accommodate those with disabilities, adaptive equipment or both.
John Fielder photography workshops: The honorary festival board member and Colorado nature photographer will lead two-day workshops exploring wildflowers through the camera lens.
Other workshop leaders for the various events include locals with intimate knowledge and experts from around the country.
The festival’s website, www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com, has information on events,
instructor biographies, high-altitude tips and links to other Crested Butte websites.
For information, call Lee Renfrow, director of the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, 970-349-2571.
-Matthew Lancaster
