SE E I NG I S
BELIEVING APPRECIATING A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON ADVENTURE IN THE FOUR CORNERS by
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JENNY JOHN STON
The Colorado Plateau is home to some of the country’s most superlative features. Be it the tallest, longest, highest, oldest or most, adventure seekers have limitless opportunities to explore. While beauty can be found dispersed out our back doors, some of the most spectacular adventures are best appreciated with some space between you and the crowds. While large-scale gatherings are avoided during the COVID-19 pandemic, these adventures across the region offer explorers the opportunity to take a step back – away from crowds – to take in nature’s scale and majesty.
A SPECTACULAR DISPLAY OF COLORADO WILDFLOWERS CRESTED BUTTE If you have an appreciation for wildflowers, head to Crested Butte this summer for the most spectacular display of wildflowers. Crested Butte is the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” for good reason: the mountains come alive in summer with a palate of colors. Numerous loop hikes await for all skill levels, providing an unrivaled visual experience not to be missed. The wildflowers are worth a visit with or without a festival, but Crested Butte has an annual festival
UTAH'S OLDEST ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER LOGAN CANYON
devoted to the wildflowers. In its 34th year, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is currently scheduled for July 10-19. The annual tradition offers a variety of wildflower-based programs, from guided hikes and art workshops to photography and culinary experiences. As of this writing the festival is still scheduled but due to COVID-19 concerns the number of events has been reduced. For updates and to purchase tickets visit www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.
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Estimated at over 1,500 years old, a Rocky Mountain juniper tree located in Utah's Logan Canyon in the Cache National Forest is believed to be the oldest living tree of its species. Standing firm about 5 miles up the 11-mile Jardine Juniper Trail, the Old Jardine Juniper reaches over 40 feet and has a 23-foot circumference. The reward for ascending more than 2,000 feet to find the gnarled and weathered tree is a peaceful experience along an uncrowded trail. The tree stands as a stark image against the ridgeline and canyon below, having survived everything Mother Nature and multiple civilizations have thrown its way. The ancient juniper stands as a wonderful reminder that perseverance is beautiful and that the stories embedded in one old tree can make a difference thousands of years later. At 1,500 years old, the Jardine Juniper was around long before the colonization of America. photo by Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
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