THE NORM
By May snow is uncommon but not impossible. Days are usually warm and sunny. Summer birds such as grosbeaks, tanagers, and flycatchers return. Wildflowers and butterflies are abundant. Daytime temperatures in May are warm but rarely hot. Nighttime temperatures can still be cool.  Lingering snow and ice is gone from most trails except at the highest elevations.  Visitation is moderate with many school groups and tour buses.  Summer season begins Memorial Day weekend with expanded visitor center hours and more frequent interpretive programs.  The parking lots sometimes fill over this holiday weekend. 

May 2009
The month has started warm, sunny, and dry but moisture is expected by mid-month.  Summer birds have returned to the park and are actively looking for nesting sites.  Some migratory species have stopped by for a rest before continuing onto their nesting grounds further north. Black bears have been active so make sure not to leave food where they can steal it. Snow is gone from all areas of the park Numerous beautiful flowers are blooming. There are currently no fire restrictions in place but that may change. Remember, smoking is only permitted on the trail in areas clear of vegetation for a minimum of 5'. 

CURRENTLY IN BLOOM
Canada Violet
Chiming Bells (almost done)
Big Golden Pea
Claretcup Cactus
Perky Sue
Purple Penstemon
Easter Daisies
Indian Paintbrush
Western Wallflower
Fleabane
Apple
Valerian
Buttercup
Little Red Columbine
Apache Plume
Evening Primrose

RECENT WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Least Sandpiper
Black-headed Grosbeak*
Western Tanager*
Virginia Warbler*
Orange-crowned Warbler*
Bullock's Oriole
Say's Phoebe*
Ash-throated Flycatcher*
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake*
Whiptail Lizard*
Short-horned Lizard*
Yellow-rumped Warbler*
Western Coachwhip (Pink snake)
Black-necked Stilt
Wilson's Phalarope
Spotted Sandpiper
Bullsnake*

*This is a common summer species first seen this month after either migrating away for the winter or hibernating.