It's Summertime in Rocky Mountain National Park

For a brief moment, spring rises through our elevation on its way up to the alpine. The aspens leaf out with a spring green and and the meadows show a flush of new green growth. Golden banner and blue flag iris are among the early season flowers that let us know summer is near. The waterfalls flow heavy with snowmelt and we wait for the snow to clear off the trails so we can hike to the alpine lakes.

But now, the aspen leaves are a darker summer green, everything is leafed out, and the grass in the meadows grow tall. The early summer flowers are out now, wild geranium and wild rose. And this is the time for the conspicuous Columbine. Higher up, Jacob’s Ladder line the trails and Avalanche Lilies grow where there was once a lasting patch of snow. Higher still, Globeflower and Marsh Marigolds line the alpine streams emerging from melted snow, and alpine flowers begin to grace the tundra. We never forget the Forget-Me-Nots. The streams and rivers are still flowing fast but are past their uproarious peak. The snow has retreated to the highest elevations and, except for the occasional patches to hop over, the trails are snow free. The summer solstice has marked a turning point.

This is the time to be in the high country. To enjoy the natural rhythm of the summer season. Walking on a quiet trail or resting along a stream or watching another wave of stormy weather roll over the mountain peaks. Marveling at the seasonal flow of nature. Nature does not know about pandemics or protests, it knows about pollinators. It does not know about rallies and riots, it knows about renewal. It does not know about the news cycle or the political cycle, it knows about the water cycle. Every season, I feel remarkably fortunate to be able to take in natures beauty.