Fodor's Expert Review High Country

The high-alpine region east of the valley—a land of alpenglow and top-of-the-world vistas—is often missed by crowds who come to gawk at the more publicized splendors. Summer wildflowers, which pop up mid-July through August, carpet the meadows and mountainsides with pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, and orange. Hiking is the only way to get here. For information on trails and backcountry permits, check with the visitor center.