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Cottonwood Heights Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / Mountain wildflowers ablaze in color now

Jul 16, 2018 09:14AM ● By Harriet Wallis

Meadows of wildflowers bloom at Alta / photo: Harriet Wallis

Get up to the mountains now to enjoy the spectacular wildflowers blooming their hearts out. And it's totally free.

Wildflowers carpet the hillsides like a patchwork quilt. And the wildflowers are quite unlike cultured garden flowers. The mountain wildflowers thrive in stony soil and harsh weather conditions: Bring it on, they love it. Right now they're showing off and blooming their best. But the show will last for just several weeks.

Drive up Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon any day. Or drive up after work. The flowers bloom all day, every day. You can take a hike, or you can enjoy the flowers from your car window.

There are walks, talks and activities during The Wildflower Festival that's scheduled for:

   Brighton, July 21

   Solitude, July 22

   Alta, July 28

   Snowbird, July 29

Hiking amid wildflowers uplifts the spirit / photo: Harriet Wallis

Tidbits to know before you go:

  • Dogs are not allowed in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. It's a watershed. Leave your pooch at home.

  • Mountain weather is different. Take a jacket, sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain.

  • At Alta , there are several options for getting to the heart of the wildflowers. You can walk from the base area. Or, on weekends and holidays, you can buy a round trip ride on the Sunnyside lift that will take you directly to the wildflowers: $10 for adults. $5 for children 12 and younger. Or, for $6 you can drive up the summer road and park in a designated area.

For more information: Wasatch Wildflower Festival