Wildflowers begin to peak in the area’s high-country meadows and valleys during mid-July, and remain vibrant through August. With this in mind, the July 15-16 weekend is prime time to get out and take in some beautiful sights of the wild summer flowers in Southwest Colorado.
The San Juan Skyway, referred to as “the most beautiful drive in America,” is particularly spectacular this time of year, and loops 236 miles through the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson and Sneffels mountain ranges, and the Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Ophir, Rico, Dolores, Cortez and Mancos communities.
Wildflowers that bloom in the area include Parry’s gentian (Pneumonanthe parryi), white marsh marigold (Psychrophila leptosepala), Colorado false hellebore (Veratrum tenuipetalum), bluebell bellflower (Campanula rotundifolia) and elephanthead lousewort (Pedicularis groenlandica).
Wildflower Walkabout with Durango Nature Studies, 10:30 a.m., $0-$10, Durango Nature Center, 1309 East Third Ave., 382-9244.
Mancos Valley River Film Festival, 6 p.m., $20-$25, VFW Historic Mancos Opera House, 136 W. Grand Ave., Mancos, http://bit.ly/2uflq30.
Summer of Sunday’s Music on the Lawn, 1 p.m., Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs, 6475 County Road 203.
25th Anniversary and Field Day Picnic, noon, Buckley Park, 1200 Main Ave.
