Each summer in Colorado, the mountains come alive with millions of vibrant, colorful wildflowers that sway in the breeze and brighten up the landscape. With wildflower season quickly approaching, we’ve compiled the best places to gaze upon wildflowers at Colorado’s ski resorts. Whether you’re adventuring by car, on bike or on foot, Colorado Ski Country offers dozens of ways to see these breathtaking wildflowers across the state.
For the best wildflower viewing at Arapahoe Basin, take the Black Mountain Express lift to mid-mountain and hike around the Argentine-North Fork Trail for unparalleled views of the Continental Divide and colorful Colorado wildflowers blanketing the slopes. While you’re there, enjoy lunch at Black Mountain Lodge, work up a sweat with self-powered mountain biking or play a round of disc golf on A-Basin’s par 3 nine-hole course. Want even more adventure? Try your hand at A Basin’s new Aerial Adventure Park!
Of all the sights to see at Snowmass, few are as breathtaking as the annual bloom of wildflowers which occurs in July. Each year, the trail is riddled with lupine, mountain gentian, heartleaf arnica, foothills Indian paintbrush and even the rare red columbine. The best Snowmass hiking trails for wildflower seekers are Rabbit Run off the popular Sierra Club Trail, Vista Trail and Snowmass Way. Learn more about wildflower season at Snowmass.
Cooper is a breathtaking place to view wildflowers in bloom on the ski trails. Cooper is happy to host a variety of summer events, from weddings to private parties to business meetings. Check-in on their website to get the most current summer operating dates.
One of the best places to see alpine wildflowers is at Copper Mountain. Keep an eye out for the blue Colorado columbine, our state flower.
Granby Ranch offers an impressive selection of Colorado wildflowers each summer including columbines, lupine, Pasque flowers and more. Vista Ridge is a great place to stop and smell the wildflowers.
For the best wildflower viewing at Kendall, the Kendall Mountain Trail offers a scenic one-mile loop that offers an eagle’s eye view of beaver ponds and weaves through forests and meadows. Mushrooms and wildflowers abound on this hike that’s great for families with young kids.
Summers on the Grand Mesa bring the state’s best wildflowers, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more. This area of Colorado features beautiful, bright wildflowers that be enjoyed on bike or on foot at Powderhorn.
To see meadows of wildflowers at Purgatory, try a Free Guided Hiking tour. Guided naturalist hikes by the San Juan Mountains Association are a great way to learn about the plants, wildlife geology, ecosystems and public lands in the Purgatory Resort area.
More than 100 varieties of wildflowers can be found across the Yampa Valley and Steamboat Resort. From the bright yellow mule’s ear to the state’s iconic columbines, you’ll find a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and smells as you explore the trails, fields and mountains surrounding Steamboat Springs. Some of the most prolific wildflowers in the area include lupine, pink geranium, wild sweet pea, Indian paintbrush and larkspur. Wildflowers in the Yampa Valley typically peak in early to mid-July. This guide to Steamboat wildflowers will tell you when to go each season for the best viewing.
Wildflower viewing peaks at 9,860-feet atop Sunlight Mountain Resort. Visitors can enjoy majestic views of Mt. Sopris and the Roaring Fork Valley, aspen groves, and abundant wildflower meadows.
Telluride offers an abundance of amazing wildflowers to marvel at in the high country. There are dozens of hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views, and Telluride Ski Resort hosts guided group hiking tours every Tuesday and Thursday from the San Sophia Nature Center from mid-June through Labor Day in September. Wildflowers you’re likely to spot on the trail include bluebells, Indian Paintbrush, Pink Elephants, Yarrow and cow parsnip.
Winter Park offers great opportunities for wildflower viewing. As the snow melts, colorful wildflowers bloom including columbines, Indian paintbrushes and wild roses, among others. Take a scenic lift ride to see wildflower meadows and gorgeous views of the Continental Divide at 10,700 feet. Stop in the Lodge at Sunspot for lunch and snacks.
