This is the magnificent Columbine flower, which is the state flower of
Colorado. Appropriately, these flowers were photographed just feet below
Columbine Pass at an elevation of over 12,600 feet, on the trail going down
into the lovely Chicago Basin area of the Weminuche Wilderness.
This is the Chicago Basin area of the Weminuche, one of the most beautiful
areas of the San Juan Mountains. Three 14ers can be climbed from this area
and this view gives an idea why these mountains are often referred to as
the Switzerland of the United States. Unfortunately, this is also one of
the most visited areas. Over 60 parties were camping in this 2 mile long
basin the night we were there.
Len Kortekaas and I atop Columbine Pass (12,680 feet). The actual pass
is only about 20 feet by 10 feet but the views each direction are spectacular.
When we were up there, a family came up from the Basin, and the teenage
daughter took off her daypack and whipped out a cell phone and dialed a
friend in Durango. The call did not go through, but the parents explained
that they were local residents who made this trip several times a year,
and that about half the time, calls do go through.