Best time this year (2012) to view wildflowers at Maroon Bells?

Good stuff, enjoy your trip! For what it's worth, they were very responsive when we contacted them, so might be worth calling or emailing before leaving to get the latest! Here's a link for you: http://bit.ly/ImmovU

Oh, thanks so much! That's perfect. We were planning a trip in that area in early July, but I was worried the flowers might be bloomed out by then. I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that they get some nice spring rains (or snow, lol)

We contacted Brian Porter of the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District with your query and he suggests the wildflowers at Maroon Bells will probably be in bloom between June and August. Although it has been a low snow year in Colorado, the elevations at Maroon Balls (8,000 to 14,000 feet) mean that there will still be snow cover up around 9,000 feet. He adds, "This year in particular will depend on our spring weather, if we get moisture the flowers will be good for a few months, typically June-August, if not, they could bloom and dry out by July." Given the elevations and micro-climates, look for wildflowers coming out in June at 8,000 feet. Hope this helps!