Montana Wildflowers, Pictures

Big Sky, Montana is blessed with beauty far beyond that of just its animals and birds. Once the snows of winter begin to melt, spring yields a plethora of wildflower buds, bright green aspen leaves, and a rich coat of willow blossoms blanketing local river and stream corridors.

Should you find yourself hiking in the area, watch for some of the region's favorite wildflowers like lupine, Indian paintbrush, columbine and phlox. Local retail stores and US Forest Service offices have plenty of guidebooks to aid you in your identification and education. Even if you have only 1 or 2 hours free to explore, feel free to ask a local concierge or store clerk where they suggest going to view fantastic colors. Chances are, it is within 5 minutes of where you are at.

A word about respecting plant life. The greater Yellowstone ecosystem is the last, best, most in-tact system left in America. It has the most diverse set of plant, animal and biological life known. Many plants that grow in this area often have a lifespan of only a few days each year, making them rare and truly special. Naturalists in the area recommend that, for the benefit of all generations to follow after us, to not intentionally remove any plant or wildflower species we can't readily identify as being common or prolific. People may inadvertently destroy a rare life form that may take years or decades to regenerate. Though this phenomenon is mostly true inside Yellowstone Park, the potential also exists to some extent in the backcountry areas around Big Sky, especially at higher elevations.

As the old adage goes, to truly enjoy your experience, and to preserve it for others who follow, "take pictures, leave footprints".

No matter where you travel around Big Sky, you will be captivated and refreshed by the sheer beauty that is Montana's nature and local wildlife.