Head for high country to bask in wildflowers
Millions of bright blossoms greet high-country visitors during the brief weeks between snowmelt and snowfall.
Hastening to flower and produce seeds or bulbs for future seasons, the wildflowers of the West's high mountains and plateaus create bountiful gardens during short summers, usually peaking in July. So don't wait long to head for the hills to admire the show.
Within a 45-minute drive of Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area includes roadsides, trails and meadows where wildflowers bloom. Drive the scenic roads into Kyle and Lee canyons, linked by Deer Creek Road, to view colorful blossoms.
In an area along Deer Creek Road where a wildfire swept through trees a couple of years ago, wildflowers color the maimed slopes up to the cliffs. Watch your step while hiking, particularly along creeks or near springs, because the alpine blossoms crowd the trails.
Elsewhere in Nevada, many roads access high-mountain areas still bearing remnants of heavy winter snows that bring on spectacular wildflowers. The plants are so eager to bloom that you might even find them pushing flower stalks up through lingering snowbanks.
Standouts among these drives are Lamoille Canyon Road, State Route 227 into the Ruby Mountains near Elko, and the Success Summit Road off U.S. Highway 93 through Cave Lake State Park near Ely in the Schell Creek Range.
In Arizona, some of the best wildflowers can be seen on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is higher and wetter than the South Rim. The road to the national park from Jacob's Lake, State Route 67, traverses forested areas where wildflowers vie for attention along roadsides and blanket open meadows, particularly in the forests of fir and spruce close to the North Rim. Ask rangers for suggestions about trails or scenic drives through areas with wildflowers and flowering trees.
Atop Southern Utah's high plateaus, flowering plants splash color and perfume the air. Head to Bryce Canyon National Park for superlative geologic scenery, but don't ignore the wildflowers rioting in the meadows, along roadsides and beside trails.
Scientists recently discovered a previously unrecognized species of Indian paintbrush found only at Bryce Canyon. On your approach to the national park, the highway runs through scenic Red Canyon. Watch for a sign to an area now set aside for preserving rare plants unique to this region.
Outdoor enthusiasts enthralled by mountain wildflowers can hardly do better than exploring roads and trails near Cedar Breaks National Monument east of Cedar City on the Markagunt Plateau. A network of highways accesses the high country from Cedar City, Parowan or Panguitch, providing many flower-strewn scenic drives. Expect to pay a $4 entrance fee, waived for parks-pass holders.
On the approach from Parowan through Brian Head Village toward Cedar Breaks, watch for the turnoff to Brian Head, the promontory dominating the plateau. Follow the side road to an overlook. On your walk to the site, note the myriad "belly flowers," alpine plants dwarfed by the harsh climate and elevation but still producing lovely ground-hugging blossoms at the height of the summer.
Cedar Breaks National Monument boasts so many blossoms that it hosts an annual wildflower festival from Friday to July 24. Highlights of the event include guided wildflower walks, field trips, photo workshops, programs for youngsters and classes with the Zion Canyon Field Institute.
Start by browsing in the visitor center on the rim of the fiery-colored, eroded canyon. An electronic exhibit features images of wildflowers seen at Cedar Breaks. Visitors during the festival receive discounts on publications and other items in the bookshop. Specialists will be on hand near the visitor center for guided walks daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Although the temptation will be strong, especially for children, please do not pick wildflowers. Unlike domesticated flowers, they do not last. Every flower picked means fewer seeds to ensure survival.
Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.
