The Western Red Columbine (Aquilegia elegantula) has a very narrow range that covers parts of Colorado and Utah. I have lived here 10 years and this is the second time I have seen it. Both sightings were in the mountains west of the the Eisenhower tunnel.
The Red Columbine grows in coniferous forests and needs seeping water. This specimen was growing out of a tree trunk. I am not sure how it was getting its water.
