The spring wildflower bloom has begun on the South Rim, aided in part by the generous precipitation that fell in April. Bladderpod, long-leaved paintbrush, and hill lupine are joined by dozens of other flowering plants in adding a touch of color to an otherwise drab pine forest that buffers the canyon on either rim.
Each year, the bloom begins at the bottom of the canyon in March, and has its midsummer finale on the slopes of the nearby San Francisco Peaks; moving to higher and higher elevations as temperatures rise.
With a little imagination, one can imagine a slow-motion band of color sweeping up from the depths of the canyon to the upper reaches of 12,637 foot Humphreys Peak outside Flagstaff, the highest point in Arizona.
If you plan to be on the South Rim in the next month or so, be sure to spend some time strolling through the forest adjacent to Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim scenic overlooks. The lushest patches of forest tend to be in the lofty Grandview area as it receives a bit more rain and snow than others. This is your best bet to catch the display at its very best.
