As the low-elevation blooms fade away, higher elevations become adorned with beautiful wildflowers, typically from June to August. The timing and extent of the wildflower season depend on when the snow melts in each area. In Crested Butte, Colorado, known as the state’s wildflower capital, the peak bloom typically occurs in mid-July. However, due to the heavy snowfall this year, experts predict that the peak bloom will likely be delayed until late July or early August. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which runs from July 7th to 16th, is an ideal opportunity to witness this natural spectacle.

Aside from Crested Butte, several other locations promise an extraordinary display of summer wildflowers this year. Albion Basin in Utah, situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon near Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, boasts a high elevation and unique wetland that makes it a prime destination for wildflower enthusiasts. The Wasatch Wildflower Festival, held at Snowbird Ski Resort on July 15th and Alta on July 16th, offers a chance to revel in the abundant blooms.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is another remarkable location for wildflower viewing. The blooming season begins in May and lasts through September, with the dominant flowers changing rapidly from week to week. Early to mid-July is considered the peak wildflower season, especially at higher elevations.

Beehive Basin, located north of Big Sky Resort in Montana, is often regarded as the epitome of wildflower beauty. Accessible via a moderate three-mile trail, the basin hosts nearly 300 species of wildflowers from June to August. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings, including a subalpine lake and a profusion of summertime blooms.

While southern and central California are renowned for their desert super blooms, the Eastern Sierras near Mammoth Lakes have their enchanting wildflower display during the summer. Record snowfall this winter is expected to enhance the vibrancy of the wildflowers in the mountains surrounding Mammoth Lakes. Inyo National Forest botanists are even organizing Wildflower Walks on June 24th, July 29th, and August 19th, guiding participants to various wildflower hotspots in the area.

In the southwestern part of Colorado lies the expansive San Juan National Forest, covering around 1.8 million acres. Trails in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride and Durango offer picturesque landscapes adorned with columbine, Jacob’s ladder, paintbrush, and bluebells in late July.

These captivating destinations offer nature enthusiasts a chance to witness the splendid beauty of summer wildflowers in the Western United States. Each location boasts a unique array of species that bloom at different times, ensuring that visitors will always find something fascinating to admire. Exploring these breathtaking wildflower destinations allows nature lovers to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of summer, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

5 Easy and Delicious Vegan Side Dishes to Go With Any Meal

By Polly Rosie –

Who said vegan sides have to be boring? These mouthwatering vegan side recipes are proof that dairy- and meat-free food can be just as exciting, flavorful, and filling. Check out these recipes, and don’t be afraid to adapt them to your taste and what you already have in your pantry.

1. Charred Orange-Chile Broccoli for Extra Flavor

Roasted broccoli is one of the most perfect bases for delicious meals. In this case, you can add a signature bitter and spicy note by making a soy-orange sauce with a dash of spice. This will bring out the sweet flavor of the broccoli while adding an extra layer of heat through the chile.

To make this vegan dish, you will need:

• 2 heads broccoli
• fresh orange juice
• canola oil
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
• toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons Asian chile-garlic sauce
• dark sesame oil

Just roast the broccoli, make a sauce with orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and chile-garlic sauce, and drizzle over the broccoli. Voilà!

2. Bok Choy Salad? Yes, Please!

Who doesn’t love bok choy salads? If you’re looking to add a little more character to this vegan dish, try crumbling uncooked ramen noodles on top for a crunchier texture.

Here’s what you’ll need for this bok choy salad:

• 1 bok choy, shredded
• 2 packages of ramen noodle soup mix
• 6 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup sugar
• sunflower seeds
• cider vinegar
• olive oil
• 3 tablespoons slivered almonds, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

To make the salad, start by crumbling the noodles and baking them together with the almonds and sunflower seeds. Bring the sugar, olive oil, vinegar, and soy sauce to a boil and let it cool. Then, drizzle it over the bok choy and green onions, and add the ramen noodle mixture on top.

3. Guacamole Salad for a Fresh Vegan Side

Looking for a fresh vegan side to your main dish? This guacamole salad is just the thing!

What you’ll need:

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and chopped
• grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup chopped orange bell pepper
• ½ cup peeled and chopped jicama
• ¼ cup chopped red onion
• grapeseed oil
• chopped fresh cilantro
• chopped seeded jalapeño chile
• fresh lime juice
• kosher salt
• ground coriander

To prepare it, start by soaking the onion for about 10 minutes. Then whisk the lime juice, salt, oil, and coriander together. Add the veggies to a large bowl, stir in the coriander vinaigrette, and enjoy!

4. Three-Bean Pasta Salad for a Surprising Combo

Ever wondered what would happen if you combine the classic three-bean salad with the pasta salad? Here’s your answer — a flavor-packed vegan meal that is perfect on its own yet doubles as a great side dish.

To make it, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces uncooked small shell pasta
• red kidney beans, pinto beans, fresh green beans
• thinly sliced celery (about 1 stalk)
• olive oil
• thinly sliced chives
• 1 small shallot, minced
• rice wine vinegar
• lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta and beans separately. Combine it all together and make a lemon-mustard vinaigrette to drizzle on top. Sprinkle with chives.

5. Easy Smoky Black Beans? Yum!

Out of time but still looking for a delicious vegan side dish? This smoky black beans meal is always a good choice. While the other recipes take up a bit more time, here, you just need a few minutes and canned black beans.

The recipe calls for:

• Canned black beans
• Water
• Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lime juice
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Toast the spices in a pan over medium, add the beans and water, and cook for a few minutes. Stir in juice and cilantro right before serving.