Hike to Siyeh Pass

We were looking for that special blue columbine flower again, and though we didn't find any blooms, we know that it grows all over there along the trail--no hunting necessary.  We found lots of plants gone to seed like Warren and I had found at Dawson Pass.  This little beauty loves to live at high places, with lots of wind and rocks!  I had to go dig out my photos from 2010 when Lynn and I did find it so I could show you what a special little flower it is:

This is Lynn photographing in July 2010, to show you where we were.

Jones' Columbine, nestled in the limestone!

I won't say much about the hike other than it was a wonderful day being in mountain beauty.  It's about 5 miles up one valley and about 5 miles down another, and then we catch a Park shuttle bus back up the road to our car.  The Park just recently "opened" the trail due to some lingering snow hazards.
 I think next year we'll have to take crampons and ice axes and go early in order to catch these little flowers in bloom!

Jones' Columbine seedheads; all we got to see this time!

mountain meadow with lots of Indian Paintbrush

These are pasqueflower seedheads; another gorgeous meadow

Blue Gentian

A big burst of pink in the rocky trail of Alpine Fireweed.

Alpine Fireweed up close.

Alpine Lanterns, another rarity we've only seen at Siyeh Pass.

another Lantern

Purple Chive; looking down the valley where we'll end our hike.

Looking back up at Siyeh Pass

Another view along the trail, Sexton Glacier below Matahpi Peak;
there was a huge waterfall coming from all that snow and ice!

Waterfall coming from Sexton Glacier.