Natural science education, summer camps, hiking, snowshoe tours and things to do in the Eagle River Valley and Vail, Colorado.

Fresh off the Trail: Wild Blue Flax Wildflower Sighting

Written by Walking Mountains Science Center | Jun 22, 2017 9:42:20 PM

Wild Blue Flax, Adenolinim lewisii, can be seen growing in dry, open environments like the first couple miles of all the trails in East Vail. Look for the blue-purple flowers on thin, grass-like stems. The flax found here is closely related to the cultivated variety of flax and some flax you see may be hybrid varieties of native and cultivated species. Although the native blooms will produce seeds later in the summer, the native variety does not produce seeds with the same health benefits of cultivated varieties.

When you participate in one of our guided backcountry hikes not only are you exploring new areas of the Eagle Valley, you're doing it with someone who really knows their stuff! Peter, our backcountry guru who dilligently reports back from the trail about current blooms is not only a trail expert, but also knows a ton about local flora and fauna! Click here to sign up for a hike led by him and see all of Colorado's unique blooms in person.

2017 Full Day Hikes
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays (6/6 – 9/1)
Tuesdays & Fridays (9/5 – 10/31)

2017 Family Hikes (6/8-10/5)
Summer Hikes: Thursdays | 9:00am – 1:00pm (6/8-8/31)
Fall Color Hikes: Wednesday & Thursdays | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (9/6-10/5)

Click here to see the detailed hiking schedule and register for your adventure today!