Crested Butte earned its title as the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" honestly. Each July, the meadows surrounding this remote mountain town explode with lupine, columbine, Indian paintbrush, and dozens of other species in one of North America's most spectacular floral displays.
The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival celebrates this natural phenomenon with a week of guided hikes, photography workshops, botanical walks, art classes, and educational programs. Experts from across the country lead participants into the backcountry to explore the diversity of high-altitude flora.
Peak bloom typically occurs mid-July, though timing varies with snowpack and weather. The festival is scheduled to coincide with the most reliable bloom period. Beyond the official events, the surrounding wilderness offers endless opportunities for self-guided exploration through carpets of color.