I was trying to decide where to go this year for my annual quest for Colorado wildflowers, and after hearing from a couple sources that the conditions near Crested Butte were epic and in full swing, I headed out for the Elk Mountains. My original plan was to backpack to West Maroon Pass, but soon discovered that the road to the trailhead was buried under 30 feet of snow. Just as well, since there were plenty of hiking and photo ops in and around Crested Butte. A truly epic trip!
Gothic/Crested Butte July 16-18, 2011
Brush Creek I
Overlooking the valley from Brush Creek Road.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Complimentary Colors
From Brush Creek Road.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Brush Creek II
Nearing sunset
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Flower Palette
A mix of colors
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
A Beautiful Evening
The backlit sunflowers were particularly impressive.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Garden of Eden
The shear variety of flowers was incredible! Crested Butte, Colorado, July 2011.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Wildflower Extreme
Crazy mix of yellow and purple near Crested Butte, July 2011.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Painted Sage
Sage and flowers as sunset approaches, from Brush Creek Road
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Yellow and Purple
Sunset at Brush Creek Road
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
East River Overlook
Overlook from Gothic Road, pre-sunrise
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic
Gothic Mountain at sunrise
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.
Gothic Awakes I
Lupines and sunflowers at sunrise.
Photo © copyright by Stan Rose.