Steamboat Springs treats us with a wildflower explosion come summertime. Mother Nature takes the wheel and puts on a show, painting our fields and meadows in vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and purples. Wildflower season is truly enchanting - we don't want you to miss it!
Here are our favorite hikes around Steamboat Springs to enjoy the wildflowers:
Rabbit Ears Pass, the way in/out of Steamboat via Denver, turns into a blanket of wildflowers in the warm months. Head to the trailhead located just past the Dumont Lake Campground. This 6-mile loop hike explodes with Columbines (Colorado's state flower), Indian paintbrush, Geyer's larkspur, orange wild buckwheat, and other beautiful wildflowers. Don't forget to enjoy the iconic rock formations at the top of the hike, our famous 'rabbit ears'!
Head west out of Steamboat, take Elk River Road toward Clark, then a scenic drive down Seedhouse Road to access the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This leads you to the Slavonia Trailhead, the starting point for hikes to Gold Creek, Gilpin Lake and Mica Lake. Expect to see Colorado Columbines and Red Indian Paintbrush along the way.
These are iconic Steamboat trails, enjoy the Zirkels!
Head out to Clark and Steamboat Lake State Park for more wildflower peeping. The drive itself will offer lots of opportunities for you to identify Colorado's favorite wildflowers. While at the park, try out the Tombstone Nature Trail, a one-mile loop that is great for the whole family with views of Hahn's Peak and Steamboat Lake.
Keep your eyes open for more Columbines!
This local's favorite offers deep canyon views, aspen groves, and dozens of varieties of wildflowers along the 3.6-mile (out and back) hike to the iconic Mad Barn.
You'll find a plethora of colors awaiting you in the meadows at the foot of Mad Barn. It's worth the trek!
As summer wanes on, the higher elevations are your best bet for wildflower viewing. The Flat Tops near Steamboat offer this opportunity.
Check out Black Mountain Creek Trail or Mosquito Lake via Bear River Trail for wildflower fields that are a photographer's dream.
