As the snow continues to melt from the mountain tops, flowers start popping up along the trails here in Colorado. From mid-June threw late August the high country of Colorado is in a rainbow of vibrant colors. With Crested Butte being the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” there is a lot of trails to offer around this area that will show of mother nature’s beauty in the summer. Here are the best wildflower trails in Colorado.
- Ouzel Falls Trail: Right in the heart of the Rocky Mountain National Park is a nice 5.2 moderately trafficked out and back hike. Embark on this trek from late June to early August, with nearly 80 different wildflowers, including wild rose, Indian paintbrush, harebell and columbine. Along this hike there is going to be three amazing waterfalls also. Best time to go is going to be around mid-July.
- Blue Lake: One hour west of Fort Collins, CO in the Roosevelt National Forest, with a 6.1 mile around trip and gaining 1,889 vertical feet. This popular hike boasts over 100 wildflowers along the trail, including larkspur, fireweed and goldenrod. Enjoy these wildflowers from mid June to late July for the most vibrant colors.
- Shrine Pass: Located at 11,094′ on the top of Vail Pass in Summit County. Shrine Pass is a 15.7 miles hike in and out with an elevation gain 2,723′ vertical feet. On this pass offers you views of wildflower meadows and pinewood land during the summer months with a view of Mount Holy Cross. This pass also offers 3 different cabins open all year round with marvelous views.
- Jim Creek Trail: In Grand County, CO right in the Arapaho National Forest we have a nice moderate hike located right across from the Winter Park Resort. 6.6 mile hike in and out and elevation gain of 1,256′. This hike puts you through a lodgepole forest offering tons of wildflowers to see, aspen trees and even moose.
- Daisy Pass: Located in the Heart of The “Wildflower Capital”, we have these stunning steep hillsides holding tons of wildflowers, waterfalls each corner and views of mountain tops that extend for miles seeing the Maroon Bells and Scarp Ridge. With an elevation gain of 1,852′ you will be at an elevation of 11,612′ when ending this strenuous hike.
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