Hiking and mountain bike riding the trails of New Mexico’s high country is always a beautiful experience, but it is especially gorgeous right now. The wildflowers in the high country are in full bloom.
Venture out and you are in for a colorful treat. Sunny mountain meadows are filled with brilliant yellows of Alpine Sunflowers and a dozen varieties of Daisies. Wild Blue Flag Irises, coneflowers, and Astors dot the hillsides. Indian Paint Brush blossoms stand out like day-glo red surveyors tape. Along cool, shady streamsides you are likely to spy a variety of delicate Columbine and Clematis and pink Cardinal Flowers.
If you are hiking or bike riding in New Mexico’s mountains at this time of year, use caution! Begin your trek early in the day so you are off the high peaks by midday. Be mindful of changing weather conditions – storms form quickly and can bring sudden temperature changes, strong winds and severe thunderstorms. Always bring an extra layer of clothing and a rain jacket.
For more information on hiking, mountain biking and wildflower viewing in New Mexico’s mountains go to www.newmexico.org. Thanks for visiting! Hope to see you on the trail.