I love to travel and do a great deal of it, but I still return back falling more in love with the place that I call home.  The next week is very special to me as it is the time that the wild flowers in the high alpine are in full bloom.

A Ranger Kid’s Perspective

My father was the District Forest Ranger both in the Manti LaSalle National Forest (west of Monticello, Utah) and the Wasatch Mountains (East of Salt Lake City).   I was once told I was a Ranger Kid and I am very proud of the title.  I was raised in the mountains, and the mountains are still a great part of my life.

The Best Places to See Wildflowers

For wild flowers I do not think there is a more beautiful place to see then just 15 miles east of Salt Lake.  If you drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon you will go past the ski lift and climb into a wonderland of wild flowers in Albion Basin.

When you arrive in Alta, the field of mustard colored sunflowers covers the mountain.

As you go into Albion Basin, you may get a good look at what I call the queen of wild flowers the columbine.

Blue Bells are one of the earliest wild flowers to bloom.

Indian Paint Brush is usually found in dryer areas.

If you look closely at this wild flower you will see an elephant head.  That is what this flower is called.  It is rare to see as it only grows in very wet marshy areas.

This is called a painted cup.  It often is mistaken for an Indian Paint Brush.

If you live near the mountains be sure to check out and see where the wild flower are blooming.  The ticket for this spectacular treat is free and it is something you will remember for ever.