Made it out to RMNP this afternoon and thought I'd share a status report. LOTS of Golden Banner this year, along with a healthy Iris population blooming at all the lower elevations. Walked the Fern Lake Trail, which had an abundance of early-season wildflowers (and an equal abundance of mosquitos, especially past The Pool). Looks like it will be a good flower year at least in some parts of the park.
On Trail Ridge, not much blooming yet but not completely barren, either. A few early Moss Campion are showing at the Ute Trail pulloff, and I saw a few early Phlox, Clover, and Buttercup at the Forest Canyon overlook. Should be improving rapidly now if the weather stays nice.
Posted by Doug Andrews on June 16, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I was also at RMNP yesterday morning and Les ain't kidding about the Golden Banner and Iris in the lower elevations. I also observed a herd of about 10-12 Bighorn Sheep that were standing next to TRR at the Forest Canyon Overlook. Never seen Bighorn at this location before. Sorry Scott, haven't processed my pics yet.
Posted by Les Barstow on June 16, 2008 at 11:52 AM
What's this "camera" thing you're talking about? I'll get pictures up tonight if possible - they're not downloaded yet.
I must've just missed you up at Forest Canyon, Doug - that's where I went for sunset. A fellow photog who I hope to see here soon said he saw those Bighorn, too. I've seen them once in that area before, and once down the road on a rock outcrop; I think I heard that the rangers discourage the sheep from staying too close to TRR.
Discussion
3 repliesOn Trail Ridge, not much blooming yet but not completely barren, either. A few early Moss Campion are showing at the Ute Trail pulloff, and I saw a few early Phlox, Clover, and Buttercup at the Forest Canyon overlook. Should be improving rapidly now if the weather stays nice.
I must've just missed you up at Forest Canyon, Doug - that's where I went for sunset. A fellow photog who I hope to see here soon said he saw those Bighorn, too. I've seen them once in that area before, and once down the road on a rock outcrop; I think I heard that the rangers discourage the sheep from staying too close to TRR.