After nearly four years of waiting for the prickly pear bloom in Grasslands National Park, I finally returned to 70 Mile Butte to chase the shot I’d been imagining. Careful planning, sudden changes, and a bit of luck all came together in one golden-hour hike.

I got the timing just right and found this crabapple tree in perfect bloom. Check out my photos and some useful tips.

Stories from my bear photography trip to Riding Mountain National Park.