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Last week we saw amazing snow melt, and the trails are sweet. That said the snow is still lingering in the high alpine and dark north facing woods, so trails like #403 and West Maroon Pass to Aspen are still closed for through trips. There's a bunch of snow in the Scholfield and Paradise Park areas.

About anywhere you go you are going to wildflowers. I was delighted to see fields of yellow on #401 (Glacier Lillies) and on southern elevations around 9,000 feet (Mules Ear). If you've been out there you are also seeing beautiful displays of lupine, larkspur, and others.

We'd love to hear and see what you are finding out there, so please be sure to visit our GCB Trails Group on facebook!

Photo provided by "Wild about Wildflowers" a field guide to wildflowersRecent rains and warm temperatures are making for a perfect combination for wildflowers at about 9,000 feet on sunny southern aspects.

Mules Ear and Larkspur are at their peek in this zone. If you want to get out to see them, try Brush Creek Rd. (Upper Loop), The Caves trail in CB South, or the Colorado Spur Trail in upper reaches of Signal Peak/Lost Canyon area near Gunnison.

You can expect this blooming trend to continue up in elevation and onto northern sloes as it gets warmer.

The trails are drying out, but it's still pretty wet up high and in the woods. Please use caution when venturing out on trails that reach these higher and dark timbered areas and walk or avoid muddy sections.

Ride of the Week: DEER CREEK

• 3 -5 hours
• 29 miles
• 3,000' elevation gain
• Expert

NOTES: There are about 20 elk including 2 young calves out there right now, so please leave your dog at home, and if you see these animals, stop and have a snack to allow them to reach safety. There are also some wet spots so please walk them and DO NOT create, or follow others who have created, a trail around.

Fairy Slipper- Orchidbulbosa

The jewel-like fairy slipper is one of a dozen species of native orchids that can be found around the Elk Mountains. These are the first of the local orchid species to bloom, beginning in late May, and are found in the diffuse light of coniferous forests, usually on north-facing aspects. This is the most colorful of the local orchids with bright pink petals crowning the yellow, maroon and white “slipper.” Each flower is solitary, on a short stem emerging from a single broad basal leaf. Like many orchids, the fairy slipper has a bulbous, or testicle-shaped root, inspiring its species name, bulbosa.

Rain, rain, rain, go away and come again another day! 

That seems to be the sentiment these days- but it's not all bad... The flowers are jumping out as we speak, and so is the sunshine. This weekend's forecast is supposed to be awesome. That said, all this rain has left our many open trails a bit slimy - so please be extra careful to walk around big puddles, snow etc.

Under grey skies and light participation the trails are getting just what they need. In Gunnison this light moisture is helping to compact the soil and keep the dust down- which will be awesome for this weekends growler and Sage burner events.

Hello trails fanatics,

We have some great trail news to report. Gunnison is 100% open and the snow is melting fast in the high country (the rivers are cranking if you want to paddle 'em) and the wildflowers are beginning to bloom around Gunnison County.

2009 Crested Butte: