Colorado Wildflower Expedition 2018, Part 1 - Crested Butte
This year I ventured out to the West Elk Mountains near Crested Butte and then down to the San Juan Mountain between Lake City and Ouray, Colorado in search of wildflowers. I went out overlanding with my Toyota 4Runner and my faithful REI Basecamp tent to get away from the hustle and bustle of Denver and into the back country of Colorado.
The first stop was Crested Butte and the West Elk Mountains. I found a spectacular spot along Kebler pass tucked away from the main road. The camping spot was not too far from Crested Butte and gave me quick access to get to the town of Crested Butte and all the trails along Kebler Pass and up into the Gothic Valley.
Dispersed camping spot along Kebler Pass - iPhone 8 Plus, VSCO and Snapseed
The first day lead me up into the Gothic Valley with views of Gothic Mountain down into Mt. Crested Butte. The famous 401 mountain biking trail is up in this valley and also Rustler’s Gulch which is a beautiful hike for wildflowers. I think I may this year lacked some of the moisture needed and so I caught the tail end of the wild flowers in this are for the season. I did manage a few images while I was there.
Springtime along Kebler Pass is lush with green and the fern are especially nice as they blanket the forest floor below the aspen trees. The corn lillies are especially beautiful this time of year. I love the textures on their leaves.
The land along Kebler Pass is open range land and so you’ll find heards of sheep grazing up and down the mountain side. The echo of the bells and the “bahhing” echo against the walls of the valley leading up the pass.
