Montgomery Pass & lots of butterflies (Rocky Mountain Parnassian & the Northern Blue Butterfly)

Views from the pass:

The Montgomery pass hike starts with a swampy muddy area (perhaps due to recent weather) then runs along a stream for a ways before heading up and up.

 The stream was a good place to get the mud off of their feet.

 The Indian Paintbrush were out in full force with almost every color available for your viewing pleasure.

Marsh Marigold:

 Cow Parsnip:

  Groundsel

 Tall Chiming Bells:

 Bitter Cress:

 The saucy one and the rest of us made it to the top.

 I don't think I've seen so many butterflies/moths in the tundra before.  Look at the variety!
Rocky Mountain Parnassian

Northern Blue Butterfly (Plebejus idas):

Yellow Stonecrop:

 After the hike we stopped in the stream by the side of the road across from the parking lot to clean our feet and just relax.

 Yellow Monkeyflower:

 These strawberries were growing right next to the side of the road!  I didn't know they could grow at 10,000 ft.  I couldn't figure out why some bird or animal hadn't eaten them.

Hike: Montgomery Pass
Trails Used: Montgomery Pass around Cameron Pass

Distance: 4.33 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 1.9 mph
Overall Time: 2 hr, 17 min
Total Ascent: 1152 ft.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space

 

 Canada Thistle

Took the family down to Longmont today and hiked Rabbit Mountain Open Space.  We did not see any rabbits. We did see wildflowers,

Prickly pear cactus

 

 

Yucca

 
Golden Aster

 

bugs,

  

and had great views.

 

This hike is out in the open with very few trees so it's good to start early, go in the spring or fall, or go on cooler days in the summer.  There are a couple of different trails you can take of varying lengths.  We took the Eagle Wind Loop and were hoping to make it the whole way.  We could have if we didn't have prior commitments for lunch or if the kids weren't with us.  The views of the surrounding mountains are spectacular.  The Eagle Wind Loop trail has trees and  nice rocks to sit on or climb.

Hike: Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Trails Used: Eagle Wind Loop Trail

Distance: 2.92 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Overall average: 1.6 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 47 min
Total Ascent: 501 ft.