July 10 – 19, 2026: Crested Butte Wildflower Festival Collaboration
This year, the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival marks its 40th anniversary — and its second season of partnership with RMBL.
RMBL is pleased to announce several collaborative tours and events with the festival. Full festival information and ticket sales can be found on the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival website.
If you aren’t able to make the festival this year, consider joining one of the ongoing summer tours at the Gothic Visitor Center.
2026 EVENTS
Dinner with a Scientist
Friday, July 10, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Mariposa Lily Members and above, join Bobbi Peckarsky, PhD, and Steve Horn for an engaging event at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory! Enjoy an insightful talk followed by a complimentary buffet-style meal in the beautiful Dining Hall at RMBL. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from Steve and Bobbi’s expertise, and indulge in delicious food in a stunning mountain setting on the RMBL campus. Don’t miss out on this memorable experience!
Wildflower Pollination: Bloom or Bust
Saturday, July 11, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Mariposa Lily Members and above, Join Will Petry, PhD for an exclusive guided hiking experience that explores the high-stakes world of wildflower pollination. This special outing will venture into a unique area not typically accessible to the public. Along the way, participants will learn how pollination drives the success, or failure, of wildflowers, and how shifting conditions affect the delicate relationships between plants and their pollinators. The hike will highlight ecological and botanical features of special significance, offering a deeper look at the processes that determine whether a bloom thrives or busts.
Gothic Townsite Tour
Greta Schoonover – Monday, July 13, 8 – 10 am
Rick Reavis – Friday, July 17, 8 – 10 am
Explore the historic Gothic Townsite on a guided tour through the heart of Gothic, Colorado, home to the renowned Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Discover the rich history, fascinating stories, and scenic beauty of this charming alpine town. This tour offers a unique glimpse into the past while showcasing the area’s natural wonders. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Gothic’s captivating history and stunning landscapes! Beginner-level walk, 1 – 2 miles on well-packed level, rolling terrain.
Behind the Scenes at RMBL
Tuesday, July 14, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Fairy Slipper and above: Step inside the heart of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory for a rare, behind-the-scenes tour with billy barr, the legendary observer whose meticulous records have shaped our understanding of mountain weather, snowpack, and ecological change for decades. This special experience offers a glimpse into the places, tools, and long-term datasets that are not typically open to the public, along with stories from a life spent paying close attention to the natural world. As you explore RMBL’s research spaces, billy will share how patience, curiosity, and consistency have revealed powerful insights about climate and alpine ecosystems. Expect science, storytelling, and a healthy dose of wonder.
RMBL Herbarium Tour
Wednesday, July 15, 8 – 10 am
Join Dr. Rick Williams for an informative tour of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Herbarium. Delve into the fascinating world of plant specimens, learn about the important research conducted at the Herbarium, and discover the diverse flora of the region. Dr. Williams will share his expertise and insights as you explore this valuable resource. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of plant science in one of the most biodiverse areas of the Rocky Mountains!
Lunch with a Wildflower Scientist
Thursday, July 16, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Mariposa Lily Members and above, join Rosemary Smith, PhD for an engaging event at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory! Enjoy an insightful talk followed by a complimentary buffet-style meal in the beautiful Dining Hall at RMBL. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, learn from Rosemary Smith, PhD’s expertise, and indulge in delicious food in a stunning mountain setting on the RMBL campus. Don’t miss out on this memorable experience!
Behind the Scenes at RMBL
Thursday, July 16, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Fairy Slipper and above: Go into the field during this exclusive behind-the-scenes research experience with David Inouye, PhD, one of RMBL’s most influential scientists. Participants will visit an active research site and step into the day-to-day reality of long-term ecological research, learning how questions are shaped, data are collected, and patterns emerge over time. As David Inouye, PhD shares insights from decades of studying plant–pollinator interactions and climate-driven change, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the methods and commitment behind the science—and why these studies matter far beyond the valley.