Wet spring conditions through most of Colorado’s high country have ignited an above-average explosion of wildflowers.

“It’s high elevation, good conditions and lots of birds and bees happy to live here and spread the pollen,” said Wildflower Festival spokeswoman Janet Martin, explaining the abundance of color.

Wildflower photo gallery

In some areas above 11,000 feet, she added, snow has stuck around well into summer, making a second bloom likely after the melt.

The current bloom will pass in the next week or two, but varieties continue to burst open as the season goes on. Wildflowers like lupine and larkspur last all summer, while columbine, the state flower, also can be found in abundance along with Indian paintbrush and scarlet gilia.

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