The Magic of Wildflowers
Did you ever see something so exquisite that tears welled in your eyes? If not, go to Crested Butte, Colorado during the summer, preferably in early July. The immensity of meadows filled with enormous numbers and varieties of wildflowers took my breath away. The splendid array of blooms extended to the base of nearby mountains, or to the edge of streams, or to the horizon of fields. I thought, no wonder Crested Butte is considered the wildflower capital of Colorado.
My husband and I hiked two different trails during our two days in this small mountain town and promised each other that we would return each year for a longer time. Both trails challenged us with flower identification because there are so many different species of plants that look like small sunflowers. We loved figuring out how to distinguish yellow Mules Ear’s from Prairie Sunflowers and many more.
Even though yellow was the predominant color, every color in the rainbow was represented in the wildflower profusion. I had only my iPhone 6s for taking photos. Now I am inspired to purchase a new phone—maybe even a high-tech camera. So, after you view my YouTube Video in the link below, please remind me that I need a new phone that will have an upgraded camera.
If you decide to go to this magnificent place, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bring lots of water on the trail—it will be hot in July, and not a lot of shade in those meadows. Wear sturdy shoes. The trails are rocky so flip-flops would never do—we saw many folks struggling with sandals of all sorts.
Also, be prepared to be patient. The town is small and remote with lots of summer tourists. Currently, a big shortage of labor and housing for those workers exists after mountain communities emerged from pandemic closures. Some locals feel that tourist crowds are pushing their mountains and valleys above capacity. We noticed that many restaurants were closed and others, working with significant staff shortages, were open only two or three days per week. We were ready to relax for a long time while one chef prepared food, and one server handled all the tables.
We experienced a similar situation where we stayed at a charming mountainside hotel/bed and breakfast. At the front desk, the clerk said, “I’m the entire staff, except for the person who will come in and clean your room after you leave. So, if you need anything, please help yourself to clean towels, more soap, sheets, and whatever your room might need during your stay. We have unlocked all the storage closets so guests can help themselves. In the morning, someone will come in to set out a serve-yourself continental breakfast. I leave at 9:00 PM, and if you need a specific item or if something is not functioning in your room, call my cell phone, and I can return to help you,” he said as he handed us a business card.
“Wow, that’s dedication,” I said with a smile.
“Well, if I didn’t do that, the hotel would have to close because the owner couldn’t find a night person,” he said shaking his head.
However, despite these unprecedented shortages, we loved every minute of our visit to Crested Butte. We felt empathy for the town and its inhabitants so dependent on the tourist industry and trying to cope as best they could.
Reflecting these difficult times, at the bottom of one menu was a suggestion for tipping: $5.00 will buy groceries for your server for one day; $10.00 will buy groceries for their family for one day; $50.00 will pay the electric bill; $1000 will pay rent for a month. I believe it was printed with “tongue in cheek,” to let tourists know that rent for a server is mostly unaffordable. The food, however, was delicious, and a delightful bookstore coffee shop was a pleasant retreat after our hikes. I’m remembering still the best raspberry iced tea I ever tasted!
The bookstore had a great guidebook with maps of trails and very explicit details of the terrain for each hike. We selected easier routes that took us knee deep or waist deep in wildflowers. The book describes trails for all ability levels, so we encourage young and old alike to experience Crested Butte.
Don’t let the small inconveniences I described stop you from being a tourist in this community. Go to Crested Butte and be awestruck by the flowers while you help contribute to the economy of this small mountain town. Click on the video below to come with us as we hike and take in the wildflowers.