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Flower power: Colorado’s beauty blooms bright in the mountains

Coming off a dry spring and record-low snowpack, it remains to be seen how Colorado’s wildflowers will be affected.

Peak blooms typically occur in July and August across the high country, with the 40th anniversary of the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival set for July 10-19.

Travel to any elevated region of the state, and you are bound to find flowers. But Crested Butte has proven dependable with its annual displays of vibrant color. Here are four other recommendations:

American Basin: This is a magical stop along the Alpine Loop, which will require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is a feast for the eyes along the rugged track, commonly ventured from Lake City. The basin is a splash of color, surrounded by dramatic peaks and fed by a cascading creek.

Indian Peaks Wilderness: Perhaps make Nederland your base, the hamlet through the canyon west of Boulder. The Hessie Trail is heavily trafficked — go on a weekday if you can — and for good reason. The flora captivates en route to Lost Lake and Devil’s Thumb Lake farther afield.

Summit County: Whether your path is easy or difficult, you cannot go wrong here. An easy option is Lily Pad Lake Trail, through a lush forest perfect for plants. The hike along Saw Mill Creek is also good for kids. For something higher and more demanding, look to Wheeler Lakes and South Willow Falls.

Yankee Boy Basin: Like American Basin along the Alpine Loop, Yankee Boy is another southwest Colorado basin of regular pilgrimage for flower admirers. Along with Indian paintbrush, columbines and bluebells — to name a few — you will get the intrigue of historic mining sites along the steep, rocky road.

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