Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine

A. saximontana can be found in sub-alpine and alpine areas at elevations of 3,300–4,000 m (10,800–13,100 ft) in the Rocky Mountains. This species of columbine blooms in July and August. The blooms are lavender and white, and the entire plant reaches 5–25 cm (2.0–9.8 in) in height. A. saximontana should not be confused with Aquilegia coerulea var. coerulea, which overlaps in range and may also have blue and white flowers. They can be identified by comparing the length of the "spur"-shaped backs of the flowers; A. saximontana has hooked spurs 3–9 mm (0.12–0.35 in) long, while A. coerulea has straight spurs 34–48 mm (1.3–1.9 in) in length.

Alpine blue columbine is endemic to the Rocky Mountains in the north central part of the state. It has been recorded in eight counties, Larimer, Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson, Clear Creek, Summit, Park, and El Paso. It is found above 3,300 meters (10,800 ft) in elevation to as high as 4,000 meters (13,000 ft).