7. Blue Lakes Trail (Ridgway)If you're seeking wildflowers and alpine waters this summer, explore the Mount Sneffels Wilderness via Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway. The 7.9-mile trail is sure to delight hikers with a showcase of natural wonder. From a carpet of wildflowers to three beautiful blue alpine lakes and nearby 13,000-foot peaks, there's endless beauty to be found here. Photo Credit: Scott Cramer.
Come wildflower season, Colorado is bursting with color. Colorado’s many wildflowers are truly a spectacular sight to see. For those hoping to catch a glimpse of colorful mountain meadows, here are a few of our favorite trails for spotting wildflowers in Colorado.
Editor’s Note:The mountainous state of Colorado is home to more than 750 types of wildflowers with the season consisting of three different waves. The earliest bloom runs from April through June, followed by the peak spanning from June through August, and ending with the late summer season lasting anywhere from August through October. When exploring these beautiful blooms, please remember to “Leave No Trace.” Stay on designated trails, and do not pick or trample any of the wildflowers. Be sure to leave them for other hikers to enjoy!
7. Blue Lakes Trail (Ridgway)If you’re seeking wildflowers and alpine waters this summer, explore the Mount Sneffels Wilderness via Blue Lakes Trail near Ridgway. The 7.9-mile trail is sure to delight hikers with a showcase of natural wonder. From a carpet of wildflowers to three beautiful blue alpine lakes and nearby 13,000-foot peaks, there’s endless beauty to be found here. Photo Credit: Scott Cramer.From the trailhead, it’s 3.3 miles to the lowest lake, the deepest of the three backcountry gems. Photo Credit: Adventure_Photo (iStock).The three backcountry lakes can be seen from high above on the 14,150-foot granite summit of Mount Sneffels. Photo Credit: Roshetzky (iStock).While there are plenty of glacier-fed lakes nestled around the state, few can compare to this turquoise alpine beauty. Photo Credit: Roshetzky (iStock).6. Ice Lakes Basin Trail (Silverton)Enjoy lots of color on the Ice Lakes Basin Trail nestled beautifully in the San Juan Mountains. The wildflower-loaded journey is 8.7-miles long, starting at the base of the South Mineral Valley near the mountain town of Silverton. Photo Credit: SumikoPhoto (iStock).Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Blooming columbines add to the brilliant mountain scenery. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Wildflowers blanket the tundra during the summer months. Photo Credit: Dennis Welker (iStock). (Dennis Welker)5. Imogene Pass (Telluride)For a long-distant trek in the San Juan Mountains, a rainbow of alpine flora awaits on Imogene Pass. Offering 17.5 miles of out-and-back beauty, the 13,114-foot mountain pass is covered in wildflowers. Note that access to Imogene Pass can close down occasionally – check before planning a trip. Photo credit: Alan Stark (flickr)As you make your way toward the top of the pass, you’ll find yourself in absolute awe of the gorgeous alpine views. Photo credit: Scott Dingle (flickr)Imogene Pass is accessible by 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles. Always check the road conditions before you go. High country snow often lingers, even in the summer months. It’s also important to note that mountain pass should only be driven by experienced and confident drivers. Photo Credit: sshepard (iStock). (sshepard)4. Trail 401 (Crested Butte)Venture off to Crested Butte for a wildly colorful adventure. Beyond fresh blooms, Trail 401 is one of the most popular mountain trails in the area. In total, the color-saturated trail is 15.4 miles long with an elevation gain of 3,185 feet. Photo Credit: Trent Bona.Vibrant pink to gorgeous purple fireweed grows along high altitude path with breathtaking views of distant peaks. Photo Credit: Trailsource.com (Flickr)Crested Butte is known for its outrageously color blooms. It’s no wonder it’s been nicknamed the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer3. Four Pass Loop (Aspen)Vibrant blooms can be seen along the Four Pass Loop. Backdropped by the Elk Mountains, the 28-mile backpacking trip starts at the base of the Maroon Bells Scenic Area near the mountain town of Aspen. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.While the “iconic bells” are the main draw for alpine explorers, the Four Pass Loop is a popular spot for seeing wildflowers and fall colors. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Come summertime, the tundra explodes into a mountain mix of color. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Overnighters are required to obtain backcountry permit. Each party must self-register at the trailhead and carry a copy of the permit with them. Bear canisters are also mandatory to secure all of your food. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Be sure to take a moment out of your hike to stop and enjoy the stunning wildflower-filled meadows. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Breanna Sneeringer, of OutThere Colorado, takes in the sweeping views of the mountains. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett.2. Herman Gulch (Idaho Springs)If you’re wild about wildflowers, then the Herman Gulch Trail is the perfect summer escape for you. Out-and-back, the moderately rated trail is roughly 7 miles with an elevation gain of about 1,781 feet. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.The trail climbs gradually through colorful meadows and ends at a beautiful alpine lake. Photo Credit: Vicki Devine (Flickr).Photo Credit: Vicki Devine (Flickr).To get to the trail, you’ll want to take exit 218 from I-70. From there, you’ll make a sharp right onto Herman Gulch Road. There’s a dirt parking lot located at the base of the trail. Parking fills up fast, so you’ll want arrive early. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Set against the backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery, vibrant blooms fill the grassy alpine meadows. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.You’ll see a variety of blooms, including the official state flower – the Columbine. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.The colorful display is often best explored from mid-July to early-August. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett.Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. The alpine gulch is a beloved spot for moose to graze. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.Stormy weather tends to roll into the high country around the afternoon. This is another reason to opt for an early morning start. Photo Credit: Ashley Bennett.1. American Basin (Lake City)It is hard to beat views of the San Juan Mountains. Venture to American Basin for a wildflower lined adventure. Dotted in wildflowers, this short 2.1-mile roundtrip trek is located near Lake City. Photo Credit: James Harris PhotographyThis epic trail is also used for climbing to the 14,150-foot summit of Handies Peak, a popular summer 14er option for peak-baggers. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography.Columbines can also be found blooming along the mountain terrain. Pointing out the state flower is easy due to its unique color combination of white, lavender, and yellow. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography.Wake up early and catch the wonder of the sunrise. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography.The hike through American Basin one of the most beautiful treks in the state. Photo Credit: James Harris Photography.
Get OutThere
Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates.
