Rocky Mountain Region
PHOTOS
Lupine and other wildflowers bloom in profusion on the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. Photo by Jim Hughes.
The Rocky Mountain Region of the U.S. Forest Service includes eleven national forests and grasslands in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. The ecological and biological diversity on these lands is amazing: ranging from the many peaks above 14,000 feet in elevation down from alpine tundra, through coniferous and aspen forests, to pinyon-juniper and sagebrush, or expansive grasslands as low as 2,500 feet. Wildflower viewing opportunities abound. Peak blooming season generally progresses from lower to higher elevations.
What's Bloomin' on the Black Hills National Forest?
By Chelsea Monks
Forest Botanist, Black Hills National Forest
I wanted to make sure that you were aware of the webpage the Black Hills National Forest maintains every summer. It is called "What's Bloomin' in the Black Hills?" and features lists of the current blooming species along with links to photos. The lists and photos come from botanists and others across the Forest. I try to update the site every other week.
Rare Plant Conservation Success Stories
- Conserving Forkleaved Moonwort in the High Mountains of Colorado
- Moonwort Madness in the Rocky Mountain Region
- Restoring Blowout Penstemon (Penstemon haydenii) in Nebraska
Wildflower Photographs
Cary's Beardtongue (Penstemon caryi). Bighorn National Forest. Wyoming. Photo by Andrew Kratz.
Wheel Milkweed (Asclepias uncialis). Pike & San Isabel NF. Colorado. Photo by Steve Olson.
Rocky Mountain Thistle (Cirsium perplexans). White River National Forest. Colorado. Photo by Phil Nyland.