14 BEST Wildflower Hikes In Colorado
Abby and Sam Price
Looking for the best wildflower hikes in Colorado?
Searching for the best wildflower hikes in Colorado? The state of Colorado is one of the most breathtaking places to go on a hike whether you are hitting the trail in the winter with your crampons or microspikes on, during the spring for wildflower season, or any other season as well!
As Colorado locals, we know there are literally countless trails to choose from which can be increasingly hard to narrow down your decision.
That is why we created this ultimate list of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado to help you spend less time scouring the internet for hiking inspiration and more time out on the trails gazing at wildflowers!
The Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado:
Below we have provided you with a list of the best wildflower hikes in Colorado to embark on this year to catch the most beautiful and vibrant flowers out in the wilderness.
1. Herman Gulch Trailhead
If you are looking for a very popular hike in Colorado that has breathtaking views year round, look no further. Herman Gulch Trailhead is such an incredible hike to do in the fall, winter, spring, or summer!
During this hike you will experience some seriously incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as well as water features, trees, and beautiful wildflowers (if you are hiking during the spring or summer months!)
For those looking to explore wildflower hikes in Colorado, this is such a phenomenal option due to the various landscapes that you will cross and view during this 6 and a half mile hike!
- Location: Arapaho National Forest near Silver Plume, Colorado
- Milage: 6.4 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,758 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
2. Roxborough State Park – Carpenter Peak Trail
Another exceptionally gorgeous wildflower hike in Colorado can be found in Roxborough State Park. One of the best trails to do within this state park is Carpenter Peak Trail.
During this hike you will gain views of various red rock formations amongst a green landscape with countless mountain views in the distance.
If you are searching for an incredible spring hike with countless wildflowers, this is an excellent option as you will catch countless wildflowers blooming in shades of yellow, purple, and many other vibrant colors!
- Location: Roxborough State Park near Louviers, Colorado
- Milage: 6.3 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,059 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: No
3. Gold Hill to Peaks Trail
The Gold Hill to Peaks Trail is an incredible hike to do during every season. As you are exploring this trail you will cross beautiful grassy landscapes as well as different forested areas.
Make sure to keep your head up from time to time on this adventure so that you can catch tremendous views of surrounding mountain tops in the distance!
This trail is especially awesome during the wildflower season as you will cross through countless areas with different shades of pink, yellow, purple, and white flowers blooming surrounding this trail.
- Location: White River National Forest near Frisco, Colorado
- Milage: 6.2 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,433 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
4. Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area – Cathy Fromme Fossil Creek Trail
Are you searching for a leisurely hike that is full of wildflowers? Look no further! The Cathy Fromme Fossil Creek Trail is in a great location right near Fort Collins and this hike is full of beautiful grassy landscapes with countless wildflowers blooming throughout.
Additionally, this is an excellent option for those looking for a more brisk option and would rather leave out the massive elevation gain that you get during most Colorado hikes.
We love that this hike is 5 miles out and back and takes you on a paved walkway surrounded by incredible green and colorful plants and flowers.
- Location: Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area near Fort Collins, Colorado
- Milage: 5 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 242 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
5. Butler Gulch Trail
The Butler Gulch Trail is an awesome option for hiking during every season. It’s important to note that this hike is subject to road closures depending on inclement weather.
However, if you are searching for an incredible wildflower hike to do during the springtime… you must check this trail out!
This hike will give you some seriously incredible views of grass fields, tall forested areas, water features, and amazing mountain tops in the distance!
This hike truly has it all, especially during the springtime when the wildflowers are in full bloom!
- Location: Arapaho National Forest near Empire, Colorado
- Milage: 5.5 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,811 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
6. Willow Creek Trail
If you are searching for an easy and quick hike near Denver, Colorado that will provide you with some great views of surrounding wildflowers, the Willow Creek Trail is an awesome option for you!
We love that this trail is a shorter option which is great for those looking for a smaller workout that will not take up their whole day.
Additionally, we love that Willow Creek Trail is found near Littleton, Colorado which is right outside of Denver… this is awesome for those looking to get outdoors and experience some wildflower views but without having to drive an hour or two into the mountains to reach a trail.
- Location: Roxborough State Park near Littleton, Colorado
- Milage: 1.4 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 164 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Friendly: No
7. West Maroon Bells Pass
The Maroon Bells have a special place in my heart and are absolutely one of the prettiest mountain ranges in the state of Colorado!
The West Maroon Bells Pass trail is an excellent option for those looking for a challenging hike but that has breathtaking views.
On this (a little less than) 8 mile hike out and back you will catch some views of distinctive mountain views, rock formations, endless greenery, and during the springtime, countless vibrant wildflowers growing robustly throughout the area!
- Location: Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Crested Butte, Colorado
- Milage: 7.8 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 2,165 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
8. Rustler’s Gulch
The Rustler’s Gulch trail is a truly stunning option for those looking to get outside and take in some lush greenery with mountain views.
This trail is 9 miles out and back and will take you across green fields filled with trees, water features, and amazing wildflowers views in the springtime!
We love that this trail is near Crested Butte and that it’s rated as a moderate hike.
This is an excellent option for those looking to explore the wildflower capital of Colorado and get a great workout in while doing so!
- Location: Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness near Crested Butte, Colorado
- Milage: 9 out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,791 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
9. Devil’s Thumb Lake Trail
The Devil’s Thumb Lake Trail is a very popular backpacking and hiking trail in Colorado and is known for its drastic alpine lake views and mountainous landscape.
This hike is an excellent option for those that want truly remarkable views while completing a challenging trail.
As you hike along this trail you will pass countless green fields, forested landscapes, water features and lakes, and be able to take in drastic mountain views.
Be sure to check out this hike in spring and early summer to catch some jaw dropping views of wildflowers growing throughout!
It’s important to note that this hike is on the harder spectrum and is about 12 miles in length so you will be trekking through the wilderness for quite some time.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, adequate clothing like hiking socks that will prevent blisters, and energy bars for hiking so that you stay happy and healthy while enjoying this trail!
- Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, Colorado
- Milage: 12.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 2,467 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
10. Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse
The Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse trail is a great route for those looking to embark on an outdoor adventure any time of year.
This is a very popular trail and you will find people snowshoeing, hiking, rock climbing, and so much more throughout the year (depending on the season of course!)
This trail is excellent for those looking for a 6 mile hike that will take you through green fields surrounded by trees and distinct mountain tops in the distance.
Plus, as you are hiking along you will pass quite a few cabins that make for pretty pictures with the Colorado scenery behind them!
We especially love this trail in the spring and summer time because of the countless wildflowers that grow and bloom surrounding this area.
- Location: White River National Forest near Climax, Colorado
- Milage: 6.4 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1,548 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
11. Bighorn Creek Trail
One of the features we love most about the Bighorn Creek Trail is its close proximity to Vail.
This makes for an excellent outdoor adventure near such a prime location.
After you are done burning some calories out on the trail, you can head back to the marvelous town of Vail to enjoy some post exercise drinks and a meal to celebrate!
Besides the location, we love that Bighorn Creek Trail is known for its rugged mountain terrain.
As you hike this trail you will gain quite a bit of elevation and pass through rocky formations, grassy landscapes, forested areas, and countless wildflowers blooming during the spring and summer!
Plus, you will pass a truly beautiful cabin along the way!
- Location: Eagles Nest Wilderness near Vail, Colorado
- Milage: 7.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 2,240 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
12. Island Lake via Ice Lakes Trail
Island Lake via Ice Lakes Trail is one of the coolest hikes in the state of Colorado.
On this hike you will experience scenery like you have never seen before including drastic mountain formations, beautiful alpine lakes, and so much more.
If you are in the Durango area of Colorado and looking for a truly memorable hiking exploration, you must check out this trail.
Not only are the mountain formations and surrounding landscapes breathtaking year round but this hike is phenomenal during wildflower season as the flowers blossom into their vibrant colors all around.
- Location: San Juan National Forest near Durango, Colorado
- Milage: 7.7 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 2,680 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
13. Rabbit Valley Trails 4 and 5
For those searching for a lesser known wildflower hike in Colorado that is rated to be a pretty easy loop, you must check out Rabbit Valley Trails 4 and 5!
We love that this trail is simple but beautiful as you catch views of the surrounding flat lands and mountain formations at a distance.
- Location: McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area near Mack, Colorado
- Milage: 5.2 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 459 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
14. Well Gulch Natural Trail
For those looking for a shorter trail to run, walk, or hike on, the Well Gulch Natural Trail is an excellent option for those looking for a small challenge with great views.
You will be able to take in your surrounding scenery of grassy landscapes, trees throughout, and beautiful wildflowers sprouting in all types of different colors!
- Location: Lory State Park near Bellvue, Colorado
- Milage: 2.5 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 603 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
🎁 Bonus: Drive the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway
For those searching to catch some tremendous mountain views, incredible landscapes, and catch some enchanting scenery of wildflowers blooming during the spring and summer time… consider driving the Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway!
This area is known for being an off-road driving area where countless people take ATV’s, UTV’s, and 4WD vehicles meant for driving over rugged landscapes with rocky obstacles and steep inclines!
This is such a fun way to catch a thrill and take in the beautiful surrounding Colorado landscape filled with various types of scenery!
- Location: Redcloud Peak Wilderness Study Area near Silverton, Colorado
- Milage: 73.2 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 8,891 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dog Friendly: Yes!
FAQs About Viewing Wildflowers in Colorado:
Below I have answered a few of the most frequently asked questions about seeing the vibrant wildflowers in Colorado.
Where is the best place to see wildflowers in Colorado?
The best place to see wildflowers in Colorado has got to be near Crested Butte! This area is beautiful, covered in greenery and surrounded by nearby mountains.
During the springtime countless wildflowers come out in full bloom and fill the surrounding landscape with vibrant colors of purple, pink, yellow, white amongst many others!
What is the best time to see wildflowers in Colorado?
Wildflowers begin to come out around late April through the month of May in lower elevation areas of Colorado.
However, you can expect to see more wildflowers around the months of June and July especially in the mountains that are at higher elevation levels!
What is the most scenic hike in Colorado?
There are countless scenic hikes in the state of Colorado.
During the springtime, we would say the most scenic hike in Colorado to view wildflowers would be the West Maroon Pass Trail or the Butler Gulch Trail.
What is the wildflower capital of Colorado?
Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado. In fact, they hold an annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in July every year!
Where can I find wildflowers in Colorado?
Be sure to check out our above list of excellent hikes with wildflowers in Colorado.
In general, you can find wildflowers in Colorado through countless grassy and green landscapes throughout the state but the best wildflowers, in our opinion, are near Crested Butte!
What is the state wildflower of Colorado?
The state wildflower of Colorado is the Columbine, specifically the white and purple colored species!
We hope you enjoyed this post on the best wildflower hikes in Colorado!
Be sure to check out 11 of the Best Hikes in Southern Colorado 2023 and 15 Best Backpacking in Colorado Routes to Love 2023 for more hiking and outdoor inspiration! Happy Trekking!
