Where I live in California, springtime is on approach. Many trees are no longer bare, sprouting pink or white blossoms or tiny new leaves, and yellow daffodils beckon from greening hillsides. But the northern Rocky Mountains are still in full winter’s grip, and spring will not arrive there until much later, probably in July or August.

In Glacier National Park, once snow is melting and wildflowers make an appearance, one of the best places to see the explosion of blooms is on the Highline Trail along what is known as the Garden Wall. The trailhead is at Logan Pass, across the Going to the Sun Road from the Visitor Center, and for the price of a fairly gentle hike of a mile or so (although at over 6,500 feet elevation), you can treat yourself to a blast of color, and glorious variety and intensity of wildflowers.


The one photo below does not have a caption because I have been unable to identify the type of flower, despite looking in three wildflower guides. If any of you can tell me what it is, please leave a comment and make my day!

The wildflowers in these photos are just a sampling of those you might see along the Garden Wall during the high country spring in Glacier National Park. If you go, and your timing is right, be prepared to be delighted!