Colorado Wildflower Season: When and Where to See the Best Blooms

Wildflower season is wrapping up, but it’s not too late to catch some wild blooms. 

There is something magical about exploring Colorado's mountainsides, meadows and alpine landscapes when they’re alive with wildflowers. From the highly anticipated first blooms of spring to the magnificent displays of color we’re seeing now toward the end of summer, wildflower season is not to be missed.

When Is Wildflower Season in Colorado?

There is no “one” statewide wildflower peak in Colorado. Instead, the season moves gradually through the landscape as temperatures warm and snow melts. Blooms begin at lower elevations, with penstemon, lupine and larkspur, before gradually climbing higher, revealing snow lilies, pasqueflower and paintbrush. 

Where to See Colorado's Best Wildflower Blooms

Colorado offers wildflower experiences across a wide range of elevations and landscapes. Rather than looking for one definitive "best" destination, consider choosing a location based on the season, elevation and type of experience you want. Some of our recommendations include:

• The Arkansas Valley: Leadville through Buena Vista to Cañon City. The Arkansas Valley is one of the best places to see blooms all season long. In lower parts of the valley, enjoy western wallflowers, pasque flowers and native penstemons from May through June. Higher elevations see blooms of prairie flax, columbine and lupine from July through August.
• Crested Butte: No wildflower tour is complete without a trip to Crested Butte. The region’s high alpine ecosystem generally sees blooms from mid-July through early August. Look for alpine sunflowers, green gentian and a variety of different lilies. 
• Mount Goliath: A peak high on the shoulders of Mount Blue Sky, Mount Goliath hosts the highest cultivated garden in the U.S. (maintained by Denver Botanic Gardens). This fragile alpine environment is home to plants such as moss campion, alpine clover and silky phacelia.

Stop and Smell the Flowers – Responsibly

Wildflower peeping is an excellent way to explore nature in Colorado, but these plants and the places where they grow need our care. Stay on designated trails and follow posted guidance. Avoid trampling vegetation and flowers and plants where you find them so others can enjoy them, too.

Keep Exploring Colorado's Plant Diversity at the Gardens

Seeing wildflowers in Colorado's landscapes is just one way to experience the incredible diversity of the state's plant life. At Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street and Chatfield Farms locations, you can continue that exploration through our living collections and gardens that showcase plants from Colorado and around the world.