This summer has been wonderful, but very warm and dry.  It’s mid-August, and already we’re starting to see some of the colorful shades of fall in the mountains around us—mostly reds and yellows in the alpine groundcovers. I thought this would be a good time to recap some of the highlights of this season, and there’ve been many!

I’ve enjoyed hiking and backpacking in the nearby Holy Cross, Hunter-Fryingpan, Maroon Bells-Snowmass, and Raggeds Wilderness areas, both solo and with few close hiking friends.

A mountain camp.

Wandering above treeline.

This season has been remarkable because of the bounty of wildflowers. Early on, we saw an incredible showing of “Old Man of the Mountain” – with larger and brighter yellow blooms than I’ve seen before.

We’ve also been treated to a rainbow of paintbrush.

As the weeks went on, the best flower displays were clustered in the moister areas—along creeks, wetlands, and on cooler north- and northeast-facing slopes. It was a reminder of how much the mountain ecosystems depend on the year’s weather patterns.

One of my favorite lakes put on a stunning show!

Another highlight has been spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Here is one new friend I met.

Even though some days have been smoky, and distant views hazy, there have also been clear, dramatic mountain views, providing opportunities for dreaming big!