Colorado's wildflower season is one of nature's great shows. As snow melts, waves of color sweep across the mountains - starting at lower elevations in late April and climbing to alpine meadows by July. At peak bloom, entire hillsides transform into carpets of blue columbine, red Indian paintbrush, and yellow sunflowers.
The timing varies by elevation and snowpack. Lower valleys (7,000-8,000 feet) bloom May through early June. Montane meadows (8,000-10,000 feet) peak June through mid-July. Alpine tundra above treeline explodes with tiny blooms in late July and August.
Crested Butte has earned the title "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" and hosts an annual festival in July. But spectacular displays occur throughout the mountains - you just need to know when and where to look.