July 25, 2024

By Tim Briese

7.0 miles, 1800’ elevation gain, 7:20 roundtrip time

Teresa and I made our annual trek to Crested Butte to see the wildflowers in July. Once again we hiked the West Maroon Trail, and it never disappoints. The flowers are a little different every year depending on the timing, as some species peak a little earlier or later than others. We drove up the valley past Gothic and over Schofield Pass to the trailhead. 

a deer in the early morning light in the gothic valley

We embarked up the familiar trail along the East Fork of the Crystal River and ascended into the flowery meadows above.  Yellow sunflowers were the dominant species this time and they arrayed the hillsides in shining splendor.

We left the West Maroon Trail and ascended up the Hasley Pass Trail and enjoyed more flowers along the way and a commanding view from the 12,110’ pass.

view of snowmass mountain and hagerman peak from hasley pass

From the pass we took a scenic trail that was new for us to the southwest that eventually descended back down into the valley and connected with the West Maroon Trail.

After soaking in all of this alpine grandeur we headed back to town.