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Wildflower Trip Recommendations

Discussion

4 replies
Posted by Derek Sedillo on June 27, 2006 at 12:32 PM
Hello,

As our first family vacation/wildflower trip approaches I would like to get your opinions. If you could only go to one place this summer for 4 or 5 days would you go to the San Juans or Crested Butte?

I already have reservations in Crested Butte for late July (17-20). While I still have time to cancel I have been having second thoughts after viewing many images of members here of the San Juans, especially Brent Doerzman's wildflower trip of 2005.

http://www.doerzmanphoto.com/SW_CO_7_05.html

Also I will probably plan a Fall trip to area we don't go to this summer. I know aspen colors can be beautiful in both places. And lastly we will be traveling in our Sienna Minivan, so we will not be going 4x4'ing.

We are new to the state and haven't seen either area. So with this in mind which would *You* choose?

1. Crested Butte - Summer / San Juans - Fall
2. San Juans - Summer / Crested Butte - Fall

Or flip a coin.LOL :jump:

Thanks,

Derek

Posted by Grant Collier on June 27, 2006 at 12:42 PM
With just these two options, I'd probably go with #2. Crested Butte is called "the wildflower capitol of the world," but that's only because the flowers in the San Juans are out of this world. (though they may not be quite so good this year, with the warm weather).
Posted by James H Egbert on June 27, 2006 at 5:01 PM
I agree with Grant, however it is possible to swing through C.B. before or after going South to the San Juans and take in the beauty both places have to offer. I did it and only added a day onto my trip.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on June 28, 2006 at 2:15 PM
After reading the thread here about Yankee Boy Basin, it sounds like the San Juan wildflowers are not doing very good yet. Jack Brauer mentioned that the San Juan's had a horrible winter and after visiting last weekend he didn't see much growth.

On the other hand I have seen some decent pre-season photos in and around the Crested Butte/Aspen area. Hmm... I wonder if it is still too early tell even though prime time is only about two weeks away?

While I am up for hitting *all* the spots on our trip my wife is not too keen on the idea. According to her a vacation is supposed to involve some resting as well.:cool:

I may just stick with the Crested Butte/Aspen area original plan. The San Juan's look really amazing in the Fall also. If you haven't already seen Brent Doerzman's Fall 2005 shots they are quite impressive:

http://www.doerzmanphoto.com/new_Fall_05_2.html

Derek
Posted by Brent Doerzman on June 28, 2006 at 3:14 PM
Derek, I'm not professing to be an expert (that link you show is last year, my first "real" flower trip), but I think you have the right idea about hanging around CB. The central mountains just plain had more snow this winter than the San Juans and might be a little better off. Even if it doesn't turn out to be the best flower year, it's still a great and gorgeous place to hang out for vacation!

And relax on vacation?!? Is she crazy? :biggrin: :wink: Photo, 24/7!!!!! (Uhh, don't show that to my wife...... :biggrin: )