Top Spots To See Wildflowers In Colorado's High Country
Mike Quaintance of Bailey took this photo on May 19, 2013, near Walden (credit: Mike Quaintance)Spring has sprung and so have the flowers! Head to Colorado's High Country where some of the prettiest scenes are enhanced by fields of wildflowers. You'll love the hike up the mountainside even better because of the blooming flowers — and with Colorado's temperament, you'll be able to experience the blooms all summer long. Stop to smell the fragrant buds. Here are the best spots to see wildflowers.
www.fs.usda.gov
Leave from Boulder to access the Devil's Thumb Bypass, one of the most traveled trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. After a steep climb, you'll pass by meadows of wildflowers, lakes and woodlands. As you're enjoying the view, don't miss out on the view up ahead of the Continental Divide, which is sure to bring out some oohs-and-aahs from your group. The lakes are all worth a visit, but it's the wildflowers that really take center stage on this trail.
4751 E. Roxborough Drive
Roxborough, CO 80125
(303) 973-3959
cpw.state.co.us
Roxborough State Park is a mere hop away from Denver. A Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark, Roxborough's 3,000 acres are filled with wildlife, red rocks and some breathtaking scenery. Trails here are only accessed by hiking, but you'll be happy the park has preserved its open space when you're walking through fields of wildflowers. Enjoy the orchids, milkvetch, gilia, violets and prairie flowers that grow along the trail.
travelcrestedbutte.com
So you're really into wildflowers? There's no better place to experience high country wildflowers than in "The Wildflower Capital of Colorado." Crested Butte hosts a wildflower festival every July and it's an event you don't want to miss out on, featuring hikes and walks, photography classes, art workshops, birding, botany and so much more. The trail to Judd Falls is a lovely, easy scenic walk that takes you past fields of flowers and ends in a waterfall. You'll find columbine, cinquefoil, daisies, fireweed and other varieties along the way, as Gothic Mountain provides a backdrop.
Related: Top Spots To Get Flowers In Denver
(970) 827-5715
fs.usda.gov
One of the more difficult trails, Bighorn Creek Trail travels up to a 10,000-foot peak and strolls through beaver ponds, Bighorn Falls, and an old mining town. Entire meadows of wildflowers are situated along the route for your viewing enjoyment. This is one of the trails that leave from East Vail and is a great hike if you're looking for a shorter, partial-day hike. The views from the trail are exceptional, featuring the Grand Traverse, a 12,000-foot ridge that connects all the peaks of the Gore Range.
(970) 641-0471
www.codot.gov
So you really want to get out in the wild and see nature as nature intended? This is the trail you want, the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Get behind the wheel of your 4-wheel for this 63 miles of road they will take you to almost 13,000 feet. You'll not only get some history -- this used to be an old mining route -- but you'll feel like you're in the Alps in Switzerland traveling between mountain passes.
Related: Top Scenic Overlooks Near Denver
