Summer in the Wasatch. Where we once were skiing deep powder in the winter, summer lets us mosey through fields of wildflowers that spread across the high alpine. To celebrate this explosion of mountain color, the Wasatch Wildflower Festival is there to take us through our favorite mountains and give us a close-up look at those small plants that often go unnoticed as we bomb down the singletrack on our bikes.
The 2012 Wasatch Wildflower Festival happens on July 27, 28, and 29, and takes place in both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Guided walks at a gentle pace will take participants through some of the mountain’s most spectacular fields of flowers where experts will point out, show and discuss the hundreds of flower varieties that can be found. Organizers say most hikes are easy, though some can be long. Hikers can choose to go on a wildflower tour that is either beginner, intermediate or advanced based on trail difficulty.
Organizers say the festival’s goal and mission is to, “provide a fun and encouraging environment for people to learn about the wide diversity of wildflowers that are found in the Wasatch Mountains and to not only celebrate the wildflowers, but show people how to take care of them.”
Anyone who wants to attend should be aware that the hikes are at high elevation and that you must bring your own water, snacks, sturdy shoes, clothing layers, sunscreen, and a hat. Some organized hikes may also involve riding chairlifts or the tram at Snowbird.
Each day of the festival will feature a different location. For example, on the day of the 27th, participants will head to Brighton and Solitude for events ranging from beginner to advanced walks. The 28th sees the festival move to Alta, where in addition to the wildflower walks, there will be live music by Stringshot from 8:30am-12:30pm. Then on the 29th, Snowbird becomes the venue where tram rides and even a geology hike is added to the mix.
For a full festival schedule, visit the Wasatch Wildflower Festival website.