The 2021 Program Guide will be available online April 12th. A version of the Program Guide will be available for download. No brochures will be mailed this year.
Would you like to receive a notification and link to the Program Guide? Join our mailing list HERE.
Members of the Wildflower Festival get to register beginning on April 19th – 10 days before the general public. When you become a member, we will instruct you how to register early. Learn more HERE.
Registration will open to the public on April 29. Sign up for our newsletter for all of the most current information!
Events are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is a 5% registration fee added to all events purchased. Merchandise orders have a 3% transaction fee added. Membership orders have no fees assessed.
Do to event size restrictions during the summer of 2021 we will not be hosting any free events this year. We anticipate a return to a full capacity in 2022 and plan to offer free events next summer.
If you wish to enjoy the beauty of Crested Butte’s wildflowers on a self-guided hike, pick up a free Self-Guided Wildflower Hike pamphlet at the Wildflower Festival Office at 716 Elk Avenue, or the Visitor’s Center (970-349-6438) located at the 4-way stop in Crested Butte, at Elk Avenue and 6th Street.
The meeting location for your classes will appear on your registration confirmation. Most events will meet at the Historic Train Depot – 716 Elk Avenue. This is our Festival Headquarters!
You can find us on GoogleMaps HERE!
For any classes that start before or after our operating hours, please consult your registration confirmation for your class’ meeting location. Sometimes, this will be off-site and we will provide a physical address. Please be at your class meeting location 15 minutes before your class starts.
Cancellations made by June 25th will be eligible for a refund, less a $15 fee, per person, per event. We cannot issue refunds for events canceled after Friday, June 25th for any reason.
PLEASE NOTE: Rain is typical during the summer months in Crested Butte and will NOT prevent events from going out. Weather delays may be considered in the event of extreme weather but are not guaranteed. Refunds will NOT be issued due to weather.
We reserve the right to modify any event, including substituting the event location and instructor, if warranted. Refunds will NOT be issued due to event modification.
INSURE YOUR TRIP: Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance is an inexpensive way to protect your investment in the event of illness/injury/family emergency. Seven Corners offers a plan called “Round Trip” for travelers who live 100 miles or more from Crested Butte. They can be reached at (800) 335-0611.
Yes, and you’ll need to contact us at info@cbwildflower.com or 970-349-2571 to do it. Here’s our policy:
If it is within 7 days of an event, you may not change events.
As availability allows and if it is 7 days or more before the start of an event, you may change events. A $15 transfer fee, per person, per event will be charged.
Members will receive an electronic version of the 2021 Program Guide and an email with instructions for early registration. Members will be able to register beginning April 19th – 10 days prior to general registration.
Unless the event description specifically states that transportation is provided, you’ll meet at your class location and be responsible for your own transportation to the trail head. At this time we do not know if carpooling will be allowed due to remaining covid-19 restrictions.
If you are participating in outdoor events, bring rain gear, warm layers, hat, gloves, hiking shoes/boots (broken-in please!), insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks, and water. If your event extends over the lunch or dinner hour, bring a snack/sack meal. Your hike description may also suggest bringing river-crossing shoes or sandals, and hiking poles.
Supplies for art classes are provided, but you may want to bring a portable camp chair for field events.
If your event requires any specialty equipment (i.e. photo classes), it will be listed in your event description.
Please be at your meeting location 15 minutes before your program starts. This gives you time to check-in and your leader time to make sure everyone in the group is well prepared. If you arrive late (even 15 minutes), we cannot guarantee you will be able to meet up with your group. Due to the nature of the Festival, we are unable to transfer you to another hike or issue a refund if you are late. Keep it simple, arrive early!
This is a very subjective area, but in general:
Beginner: One who has very little understanding of the workings of their camera. They have not done much more “point and shoot” photography. Enjoys taking snapshots but wants to learn more about composition, lighting, and the capabilities of their camera to enhance their images.
Intermediate: One who has basic understanding of their camera. They have read their manual or other photography-related information and can use more than one lens. They know basics such as aperture, shutter speed, composition and how to use some of the manual settings on their camera. They are looking to expand their knowledge by going deeper into the capabilities of their camera as well as learning art of photography.
Advanced: One who has a great understanding of their camera and the art of photography. They have multiple lenses and can use the manual settings on their camera with ease. They understand lighting, flash-photography, different compositions, depth, backgrounds, movement, contrast, framing etc. They are looking to be guided to the scenic areas at optimal times for the best shots. They are open to additional photographic tips and enjoy talking “shop” with their instructors.
Most events take place at an altitude of 9,000-11,500 ft above sea level. Some people may experience being light-headed and/or a feeling of “being out of breath” when they first arrive in Crested Butte. This is common and there are a few things you can do to help yourself feel better faster:
Yes! Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley have fantastic and FREE public transportation available. Our Headquarters is located just a block-and-a-half east of the 4-Way Stop in Crested Butte.
For transportation in and around Crested Butte, check out the Mountain Express:
You can view a complete map of their summer routes HERE.
For transportation in the Gunnison Valley & beyond, check out the Rural Transportation Authority.
Your child may accompany you on events if they are above the stated age minimum listed in the Program Guide. If you have any questions or wish to inquire about making an exception, please call our office at (970) 349-2571.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate dogs at Festival events. Crested Butte is a very dog-friendly town, and you may walk your dog on any of the trails here on your own – but please! Pick up after your four-legged friend and respect leash laws.
The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival offers many membership options, starting at just $25. You can learn more about our membership benefits and become a member by clicking here. As a member you will be able to register for Festival events two weeks before it opens to the public.
This is a strenuous 11-mile hike at altitude. You need to have an excellent level of cardiovascular fitness and be acclimatized to the altitude (9,000-11,500 ft) to enjoy and complete this hike. You will be required to submit a Medical Consent Form for this hike. This form will be sent to you via email approximately 2 weeks prior to your hike.
We offer a host of pre/post Festival events such as Follow the Bloom, Geobotany of Crested Butte, and Historic Garden Tours starting in June and going through July. Once released, you can view our 2021 Program Guide for the complete listing of pre/post Festival events.
Generally, the Festival takes place the second week in July. We will announce these dates as soon as we finalize them in the fall of 2021 and 2022.
There is! Crested Butte received the honorable designation, “Wildflower Capital of Colorado”, from the State legislature in 1990, and our mission is to help folks enjoy, learn about, and preserve our beautiful wildflowers. Please help us protect this amazing gift.
All festival participants are expected to display responsible outdoor etiquette. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in dismissal – without a refund – from any remaining classes for which one is already registered.