Perennials, 20-60+ cm; perennating bases horizontal to ascending (relatively long and stout). Stems usually 1, rarely 2-3, clustered, glabrous. Basal leaves (and proximal cauline) petiolate (petioles narrow); blades narrowly lanceolate or ovate to oblong-ovate, 20-60+ × 10-40+ mm, bases abruptly contracted to tapering, margins subentire to crenate-dentate. Cauline leaves gradually reduced (sessile, weakly clasping; lanceolate to oblong or sublyrate, often pinnately lobed). Heads 7-15+ in open, corymbiform arrays. Peduncles ebracteate or bracteate (bractlets inconspicuous), glabrous. Calyculi 0 or inconspicuous. Phyllaries 13 or 21, light green (or tips cyanic), 4-8 mm, glabrous. Ray florets 8 or 13; corolla laminae (deep yellow to orange-red) 6-8+ mm. Disc florets 60-80+; corolla tubes 4.5-5.5 mm, limbs 2.5-3.5 mm. Cypselae 1-1.5 mm, glabrous; pappi 3-5 mm. 2n = 46.

Flowering early Jul-mid Aug. Wet meadows, along trails, rocky outcrops; 1800-3500 m; Colo., Idaho, Nev., N.Mex., Utah, Wyo.

Packera crocata is characterized by deep yellow to reddish orange corollas. Some collectors have noted that there may be evidence for hybridization between P. crocata and P. dimorphophylla; the relationship between the two species needs further study.