Columbines in RMNP?

Can anyone tell me where and when I can find some columbines in RMNP? I've seen photos before of a field of them so I know they are up there...just don't know the location. Any help appreciated.

Thanks,
Jack

From my experience, the first columbines that I typically see are in Wild Basin between the entrance and the WB trailhead. The best displays of Columbines in the park in my opinion are just below Bluebird Lake in Wild Basin and on the steep slope of Mt. Lady Washington on the way to Chasm Meadow. It is too early for both of these areas but flowers are blooming all over and lots of small ones have just started (so I've heard) up on the tundra.

HERE is a shot I took up near Chasm Lake. This was taken around mid-July.

As Eric mentioned it is a bit early for some areas. In a couple of weeks they'll probably start popping up around treeline on Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge. In mid-July last year I saw a few good bunches of them on OFRR, not large fields of them, but occasional nice groupings.

Last year, I saw some spectacular columbines on the Flattop Trail, right at timberline.

Was up in RMNP yesterday, and though not Columbines, the Alluvial Fan area (just before it, where the Aspens are) is LOADED with fields of wildflowers. Got some good shots...and I don't think I have seen so many macro photographers in one place at one time

Great to hear John! Could you give us a little example or two when you get a chance.

Was in RMNP on Friday. The road into Fern Lake Traihead is also full of wildflowers among the Aspen Groves. Looks like a great year! Also West Horseshoe Park and as John said in the Alluvial Fan area.

I was up there yesterday and in a week or so there should be masses of wildlflowers showing, right now there is golden banner, snow buttercup, some alpine flowers but not many (still lots of snow). Also marmots, picas, elk in velvet, loads of fawns, high water flows, very green grass and aspens. Anyone know what this flower is?

More at http://www.pbase.com/billmeikle/rmnpjune

Some nice shots in that gallery. Golden banners are out en masse on the trails to Bridalveil Falls and Fern Lake. We even saw some form of 3 petaled purple and white lily/iris-like flower on the wall to Bridalveil. Alas no camera :-(

Lots of wild iris around, I think maybe even called Rocky Mountain Iris, in Moraine Park, I think the elk eat them! They were certainly feeding in the middle of them. Also gorgeous little shooting stars.

I was in RMNP with some friends yesterday and they were saying Lily Lake usually has several patches of columbines, though its a few weeks early for them yet in that area.

Thanks for all the input everyone. In all the times I've been to RMNP, I've only been to Wild Basin once. I need to work on getting there more this year.

Jack