I don’t know about you, but I get downright giddy when those delightful little wildflowers start popping up all along the trails near Denver. And the best part is, that as the season goes on, it only gets better and better! Peak viewing times vary, and as a general rule, the high country explodes with bursts of brightly colored blooms primarily during June and July. However, you can enjoy the wondrous beauty of wildflowers in several places depending on the timing, species, and elevation. Be sure to check out the best hikes in Denver where the wildflowers are completely out of this world!
- Indian Peaks Wilderness
Flickr/Shannon Dizmang Want a spectacular wildflower hike which also boasts pristine mountain lakes and stunning surrounding summits? This idyllic alpine wilderness just west of Nederland is sheer perfection! There are many trails options, but one good route is the Devils Thumb Bypass, which begins at the Hessie Trailhead, continues on the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail, then pushes upward to the breathtaking Continental Divide at 6.5 miles and roughly 11,000 feet. Enjoy expansive wildflower meadows, Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes, and intersections for optional trails to Lost Lake, King Lake, Woodland Lake, and Diamond Lake. Is there such a thing as too much beauty?! Indian Peaks Wilderness Ozuil trail, Nederland, CO 80466, USA
- Roxborough State Park
Flickr/kendrahw Roxborough State Park, known for its awe-inspiring red rock formations, is also home to the Willow Creek Trail, renowned for its abundance of enchanting wildflowers. It’s a short, gentle 1.4-mile loop that’s ideal for a serene stroll among the flora and prime bird watching too. (Note: Pets, horses, and mountain bikes are not allowed at this park).The trail is among the best hikes in Colorado. Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Flickr/Bryce Bradford Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. and is home to a whole slew of wildflower-filled hikes bursting with color from spring through summer. The Cub Lake/Pool Loop has a peak elevation of 8,620 feet, which makes it an excellent choice for seeing blooms early in the season, as well as the East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake, located on the slightly quieter western side of the park. (Note: Dogs are also prohibited at Rocky Mountain National Park). Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
- Eagles Nest Wilderness
Flickr/Vicki Divine Eagles Nest Wilderness is a splendid 133,688-acre wilderness area near Eagle and Summit Counties. Each year during the summer months it explodes with a frenzy of wildflowers including columbine, lupine, larkspur, monkshood, wild geranium, wild iris, and Indian paintbrush. Notable trails include the Bighorn Creek Trail, the Gore Range Trail, and Eaglesmere Lakes Trail, which has over 100 species of wildflowers on display! If you’re looking for scenic hikes in Colorado, the Eagles Nest Wilderness is one of the best places to find them. Eagles Nest Wilderness, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA
- Herman Gulch
Flickr/Vicki Devine The Herman Gulch Trail in the Arapaho National Forest is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that boasts an exceptional amount of natural beauty. Enjoy lush, green meadows painted with wildflowers that bloom all over the open, rolling tundra in this broad mountain valley and catch glimpses of the peaks along the Continental Divide before arriving at the emerald green, crystal clear Herman Lake at 11,987 feet. Herman Gulch is truly a wildflower wonderland! Herman Gulch, Colorado 80435, USA
- Rabbit Ear Pass & Peak
Photo Courtesy of The Steamboat Group The wildflower display at Rabbit Ear Pass near Steamboat Springs is nothing short of outstanding. Enjoy the blooming bursts of color in the meadows along the beautiful trail, then scramble up the last quarter of a mile for spectacular vistas from the summit of Rabbit Ear Peak. And for a little extra wildflower action, stop at nearby Dumont Lake before or after your hike and breathe in all the blooming beauty. Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado 80459, USA
- Chautauqua Park
Flickr/Scott Mahon What makes this popular, picturesque park near Boulder so great (besides the wildflowers, of course) is that there are TONS of trail options ranging from short, easy strolls to strenuous, all-day summit hikes. Charming Chautauqua Park has trails that are suitable for all skill levels, and lovely little wildflowers decorating the meadows and hillsides around them. Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
- Butler Gulch
Photo by Mo Ewing Butler Gulch in the Arapahoe National Forest near Idaho Springs is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience jaw-dropping views of wildflowers in the Front Range, and with over 100 species of wildflowers along the trail, it’s earned the acclaim of being a “century” hike. On this roughly 5-mile trail that peaks at almost 12,000’, you’ll enjoy fabulous flora, 360-degree mountain views, alpine lakes, and a year-round glacier. Butler Gulch, Colorado 80438, USA
- Rawah Wilderness
Flickr/Tim Szlachetka The Rawah Wilderness area nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest near Fort Collins is truly a hidden gem. The glacier-carved granite peaks of the Medicine Bow Mountains serve as the centerpiece, with roughly 76 miles of trails and 26 pristine alpine lakes surrounding them. One particularly stunning hike is the Blue Lake Trail which begins at 9,495 feet at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon and climbs to Blue Lake at nearly 12,000 feet. To say it’s utterly breathtaking is probably an understatement. Rawah Wilderness, Jelm, CO 82063, USA
- Pawnee National Grasslands
Flickr/Kimon Berlin For a completely different and unique wildflower viewing experience, check out the Pawnee Buttes Trail in the Pawnee National Grasslands northeast of Denver and Fort Collins. At first glance, the shortgrass prairie appears to be dry and desolate, but a closer inspection reveals delightful little wildflowers such as prairie coneflower, prickly gilia, sand dock, prairie snowball, evening primrose, and prickly poppy. And due to its lower elevation, the wildflowers here bloom from April to September so you’re guaranteed to see pops of color along the prairie no matter when you go! Pawnee National Grasslands Birding Tour, Briggsdale, CO 80611, USA
- West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte
Flickr/C.L. Baker One of the most epic wildflower and best overall scenic hikes in Colorado (and perhaps the country) is the 11-mile trail over West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte (or vice-versa). Expect a strenuous trek filled with insanely stunning scenery like you’ve NEVER seen! From eye-popping meadows blanketed with brightly colored wildflowers to jaw-dropping 14,000-foot peaks and impossibly clear alpine lakes. (Note: The trail ends in Gothic near Crested Butte, so you will need to camp, shuttle cars, or arrange a pick-up with Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle). West Maroon Pass, Colorado 81654, USA
Flickr/Brendan Bombaci Fun fact: Crested Butte is affectionately known as “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” and hosts a wonderful wildflower festival in July. Be sure to check out all of the other trail options the Butte has to offer.
What are your favorite epic wildflower hikes near Denver? Don’t hold out on us! Share your stunning spots in the comments.
Flickr/Shannon Dizmang
Want a spectacular wildflower hike which also boasts pristine mountain lakes and stunning surrounding summits? This idyllic alpine wilderness just west of Nederland is sheer perfection! There are many trails options, but one good route is the Devils Thumb Bypass, which begins at the Hessie Trailhead, continues on the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail, then pushes upward to the breathtaking Continental Divide at 6.5 miles and roughly 11,000 feet. Enjoy expansive wildflower meadows, Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes, and intersections for optional trails to Lost Lake, King Lake, Woodland Lake, and Diamond Lake. Is there such a thing as too much beauty?!
Indian Peaks Wilderness Ozuil trail, Nederland, CO 80466, USA
Flickr/kendrahw
Roxborough State Park, known for its awe-inspiring red rock formations, is also home to the Willow Creek Trail, renowned for its abundance of enchanting wildflowers. It’s a short, gentle 1.4-mile loop that’s ideal for a serene stroll among the flora and prime bird watching too. (Note: Pets, horses, and mountain bikes are not allowed at this park).The trail is among the best hikes in Colorado.
Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. and is home to a whole slew of wildflower-filled hikes bursting with color from spring through summer. The Cub Lake/Pool Loop has a peak elevation of 8,620 feet, which makes it an excellent choice for seeing blooms early in the season, as well as the East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake, located on the slightly quieter western side of the park. (Note: Dogs are also prohibited at Rocky Mountain National Park).
Estes Park, CO 80517, USA
Flickr/Vicki Divine
Eagles Nest Wilderness is a splendid 133,688-acre wilderness area near Eagle and Summit Counties. Each year during the summer months it explodes with a frenzy of wildflowers including columbine, lupine, larkspur, monkshood, wild geranium, wild iris, and Indian paintbrush. Notable trails include the Bighorn Creek Trail, the Gore Range Trail, and Eaglesmere Lakes Trail, which has over 100 species of wildflowers on display! If you’re looking for scenic hikes in Colorado, the Eagles Nest Wilderness is one of the best places to find them.
Eagles Nest Wilderness, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA
Flickr/Vicki Devine
The Herman Gulch Trail in the Arapaho National Forest is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that boasts an exceptional amount of natural beauty. Enjoy lush, green meadows painted with wildflowers that bloom all over the open, rolling tundra in this broad mountain valley and catch glimpses of the peaks along the Continental Divide before arriving at the emerald green, crystal clear Herman Lake at 11,987 feet. Herman Gulch is truly a wildflower wonderland!
Herman Gulch, Colorado 80435, USA
Photo Courtesy of The Steamboat Group
The wildflower display at Rabbit Ear Pass near Steamboat Springs is nothing short of outstanding. Enjoy the blooming bursts of color in the meadows along the beautiful trail, then scramble up the last quarter of a mile for spectacular vistas from the summit of Rabbit Ear Peak. And for a little extra wildflower action, stop at nearby Dumont Lake before or after your hike and breathe in all the blooming beauty.
Rabbit Ears Pass, Colorado 80459, USA
Flickr/Scott Mahon
What makes this popular, picturesque park near Boulder so great (besides the wildflowers, of course) is that there are TONS of trail options ranging from short, easy strolls to strenuous, all-day summit hikes. Charming Chautauqua Park has trails that are suitable for all skill levels, and lovely little wildflowers decorating the meadows and hillsides around them.
Chautauqua Trail, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
Photo by Mo Ewing
Butler Gulch in the Arapahoe National Forest near Idaho Springs is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience jaw-dropping views of wildflowers in the Front Range, and with over 100 species of wildflowers along the trail, it’s earned the acclaim of being a “century” hike. On this roughly 5-mile trail that peaks at almost 12,000’, you’ll enjoy fabulous flora, 360-degree mountain views, alpine lakes, and a year-round glacier.
Butler Gulch, Colorado 80438, USA
Flickr/Tim Szlachetka
The Rawah Wilderness area nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest near Fort Collins is truly a hidden gem. The glacier-carved granite peaks of the Medicine Bow Mountains serve as the centerpiece, with roughly 76 miles of trails and 26 pristine alpine lakes surrounding them. One particularly stunning hike is the Blue Lake Trail which begins at 9,495 feet at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon and climbs to Blue Lake at nearly 12,000 feet. To say it’s utterly breathtaking is probably an understatement.
Rawah Wilderness, Jelm, CO 82063, USA
Flickr/Kimon Berlin
For a completely different and unique wildflower viewing experience, check out the Pawnee Buttes Trail in the Pawnee National Grasslands northeast of Denver and Fort Collins. At first glance, the shortgrass prairie appears to be dry and desolate, but a closer inspection reveals delightful little wildflowers such as prairie coneflower, prickly gilia, sand dock, prairie snowball, evening primrose, and prickly poppy. And due to its lower elevation, the wildflowers here bloom from April to September so you’re guaranteed to see pops of color along the prairie no matter when you go!
Pawnee National Grasslands Birding Tour, Briggsdale, CO 80611, USA
Flickr/C.L. Baker
One of the most epic wildflower and best overall scenic hikes in Colorado (and perhaps the country) is the 11-mile trail over West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte (or vice-versa). Expect a strenuous trek filled with insanely stunning scenery like you’ve NEVER seen! From eye-popping meadows blanketed with brightly colored wildflowers to jaw-dropping 14,000-foot peaks and impossibly clear alpine lakes. (Note: The trail ends in Gothic near Crested Butte, so you will need to camp, shuttle cars, or arrange a pick-up with Dolly’s Mountain Shuttle).
West Maroon Pass, Colorado 81654, USA
Flickr/Brendan Bombaci
Fun fact: Crested Butte is affectionately known as “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” and hosts a wonderful wildflower festival in July. Be sure to check out all of the other trail options the Butte has to offer.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Denver July 07, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin When searching “hiking trails near me,” the Switzerland Trail popped up. What can you tell me about it? The Switzerland Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. It is one of the many, many trails that traverse through the Roosevelt National Forest near Boulder. The trail extends approximately 9 miles and is popular with hikers, off-roaders, equestrians, and others, as it is a pretty wide trail. Even if you don’t hike the entire thing, there is enough scenic beauty along the way to astound you. I’m looking for an idea for a road trip in Colorado. Did you know that Colorado is peppered with ancient castles? If not, you would definitely explore and enjoy a unique castle-themed road trip in the Rocky Mountain State! The itinerary runs in a loop, so you can start anywhere along the way. Along it you’ll visit Cano’s Castle, The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and Glen Eyrie Castle. Each one possesses its own distinctive history and beauty. I’m looking for a great burger restaurant in Denver. There are loads of great burger restaurants in Denver so take your pick! Among the more well-known joints is The Cherry Cricket (how’s that for a name?). This iconic eatery has been a Denver area staple since 1945. Once you decide what kind of meat you want (bison, turkey, vegan, chicken, beef) the fun begins, as there are almost 30 different topping options! In addition to the customary burger toppings, they offer wild and wonderful other ones like pimento cheese, ancho apricot barbecue sauce, green chili strips, grilled pineapple, and pickled jalapeños, just to name a few. The Cherry Cricket also serves up delicious salads, Mexican food plates, soups, chilis, sandwiches, and sides. Bring your appetite – you might be here for a while! I want to go to Union Station in Denver. Of course, Union Station in Denver is where you can catch the Amtrak trains to destinations all over the country. But there are also many other wonderful things to discover there. For one, take some time to enjoy the architecture here. It was built in the Beaux Arts style and is truly stunning. You can also dine at numerous coffee shops and restaurants, buy flowers, sample ice cream, browse a bookstore, and other activities. Union Station is a popular place to see and be seen with both the locals and tourists alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Denver
July 07, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
When searching “hiking trails near me,” the Switzerland Trail popped up. What can you tell me about it? The Switzerland Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. It is one of the many, many trails that traverse through the Roosevelt National Forest near Boulder. The trail extends approximately 9 miles and is popular with hikers, off-roaders, equestrians, and others, as it is a pretty wide trail. Even if you don’t hike the entire thing, there is enough scenic beauty along the way to astound you. I’m looking for an idea for a road trip in Colorado. Did you know that Colorado is peppered with ancient castles? If not, you would definitely explore and enjoy a unique castle-themed road trip in the Rocky Mountain State! The itinerary runs in a loop, so you can start anywhere along the way. Along it you’ll visit Cano’s Castle, The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and Glen Eyrie Castle. Each one possesses its own distinctive history and beauty. I’m looking for a great burger restaurant in Denver. There are loads of great burger restaurants in Denver so take your pick! Among the more well-known joints is The Cherry Cricket (how’s that for a name?). This iconic eatery has been a Denver area staple since 1945. Once you decide what kind of meat you want (bison, turkey, vegan, chicken, beef) the fun begins, as there are almost 30 different topping options! In addition to the customary burger toppings, they offer wild and wonderful other ones like pimento cheese, ancho apricot barbecue sauce, green chili strips, grilled pineapple, and pickled jalapeños, just to name a few. The Cherry Cricket also serves up delicious salads, Mexican food plates, soups, chilis, sandwiches, and sides. Bring your appetite – you might be here for a while! I want to go to Union Station in Denver. Of course, Union Station in Denver is where you can catch the Amtrak trains to destinations all over the country. But there are also many other wonderful things to discover there. For one, take some time to enjoy the architecture here. It was built in the Beaux Arts style and is truly stunning. You can also dine at numerous coffee shops and restaurants, buy flowers, sample ice cream, browse a bookstore, and other activities. Union Station is a popular place to see and be seen with both the locals and tourists alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Switzerland Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Colorado. It is one of the many, many trails that traverse through the Roosevelt National Forest near Boulder. The trail extends approximately 9 miles and is popular with hikers, off-roaders, equestrians, and others, as it is a pretty wide trail. Even if you don’t hike the entire thing, there is enough scenic beauty along the way to astound you.
I’m looking for an idea for a road trip in Colorado.
Did you know that Colorado is peppered with ancient castles? If not, you would definitely explore and enjoy a unique castle-themed road trip in the Rocky Mountain State! The itinerary runs in a loop, so you can start anywhere along the way. Along it you’ll visit Cano’s Castle, The Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and Glen Eyrie Castle. Each one possesses its own distinctive history and beauty.
I’m looking for a great burger restaurant in Denver.
There are loads of great burger restaurants in Denver so take your pick! Among the more well-known joints is The Cherry Cricket (how’s that for a name?). This iconic eatery has been a Denver area staple since 1945. Once you decide what kind of meat you want (bison, turkey, vegan, chicken, beef) the fun begins, as there are almost 30 different topping options! In addition to the customary burger toppings, they offer wild and wonderful other ones like pimento cheese, ancho apricot barbecue sauce, green chili strips, grilled pineapple, and pickled jalapeños, just to name a few. The Cherry Cricket also serves up delicious salads, Mexican food plates, soups, chilis, sandwiches, and sides. Bring your appetite – you might be here for a while!
I want to go to Union Station in Denver.
Of course, Union Station in Denver is where you can catch the Amtrak trains to destinations all over the country. But there are also many other wonderful things to discover there. For one, take some time to enjoy the architecture here. It was built in the Beaux Arts style and is truly stunning. You can also dine at numerous coffee shops and restaurants, buy flowers, sample ice cream, browse a bookstore, and other activities. Union Station is a popular place to see and be seen with both the locals and tourists alike.
