This Colorado Mountain Town Is Home to Some of the Best Wildflowers Blooms in the State — Here’s How to See Them

In warmer states like California, spring is typically when the year’s first blooms appear, but high in the mountains of Colorado, which are covered by snow in the spring, the wildflowers wait until July to show off their colors. 

The delayed bloom is well worth the wait. In Colorado, the fields of color are backed by a mountain backdrop. And since some of the best wildflowers are high in the mountains, you’ll have to hike (or ride the gondola) to see them. The extra work not only makes the views that much more rewarding, but it also weeds out the crowds. In addition, since some wildflowers grow better higher up in the mountains (like the Colorado blue columbine) and others like lower elevations (like the Mariposa Lily), you’ll see a wide variety of plant and flower life throughout your hike.

The Vail area is one of the most beautiful places to catch the Colorado bloom. Skiing might have put the town on the map, but once the ski runs are void of snow, hiking trails crisscross the mountain — often cutting through colorful fields of wildflowers.

In the spring, the mountains surrounding Vail are covered in pale blue bluebells, pink fireweed, vibrant paintbrush, and the purples of lupin and larkspur, among others. But no bloom is as well-loved as the Colorado blue columbine, which is not only the state flower — and therefore, illegal to pick — but also only found in higher elevations in rock fields. The Colorado blue columbine typically begins to reveal its periwinkle petals in July and August. And it’s not uncommon to catch a hummingbird dipping into the columbine’s slender spur for a drink.

Vail is only an hour and a half drive from Denver, and if you’re willing to drive another 15 minutes, you’ll come upon the neighboring community of Beaver Creek, which is also known for its skiing — and consequently, its summer wildflowers.

Below are a few of the best hikes in the Vail area to catch the late summer blooms, which typically show up in mid-July and continue blooming through mid-August.

Grand Escape Trail: This moderate route takes off from the top of the Wildwood Express Lift area and follows along Eagles Nest Ridge. You can hike the trail one way, which is 1.4 miles, or turn around and walk back to where you started. The wildflowers tend to be gorgeous, but the trail can get busy.

Ridge Route Trail: If you’re looking for fields of wildflowers backed by views of the ski area, look no further. This hike traverses above Game Creek Bowl and runs across ski runs and through wildflower meadows. At times, you’ll get a peek into the Holy Cross Wilderness.

Beaver Lake Trail: This hike in Beaver Creek, which is 15 minutes down the road from Vail, is a great place to spot lupine, paintbrush, and bluebell. There are typically plenty of blooms along the trail, but the standout spot to catch the colors is at Larkspur Bowl. The hike begins at the base of Beaver Creek Ski Area and ends at Turquoise Lakes. 

Village to Village to Allie’s Way: If you’re up for a big adventure, take on the Village to Village Trail (which is 7.4 miles, roundtrip) and then link to Allie’s Way (a 3.8-mile loop), which tends to be covered in blooms and offers views of Strawberry Park and Grouse Mountain.