BY KAREN BOSSICK

Wildflower guide Jeanne Cassell will offer a bonus Wildflower Walk to Apollo Creek on Friday, Aug. 4.

The free walk, hosted by the Sawtooth Botanical Garden and Idaho Native Plant Society, was prompted by the colorful display of monkey flowers, monksheads, arrowleaf balsamroot, purple penstemon, Indian paintbrush and other flowers in the area.

Those who wish to take part should meet at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, four miles south of Ketchum on Highway 75, at 8:30 a.m. They’ll carpool from there to Apollo Creek, which is off the Baker Creek Road north of Ketchum.

The hike is considered moderate to advanced—six miles round trip with a 1,500-foot elevation gain—as it makes its way from 7,500 feet to 9,000 feet. It’s an out and back so those who don’t want to go all the way can stop early and wait for the others’ return.

More than 50 kinds of wildflowers have been spotted, including larkspur, meadow rue, two kinds of monkey flower, saxifrage, valerian, showy penstemon, corn lily and elegant camas, said Cassell.

Walkers hope to return to the garden between 4 and 5 p.m.

The walk is part of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden’s popular summer wildflower walk series. Walkers should bring appropriate outerwear, sturdy walking shoes, water, lunch, sunscreen and hat. They’re asked to leave Fido at home, even if he has a nose for the roses.

For information, call 208-726-9358.