Stephanie Kroll
Ralph Waldo Emerson quipped that “the Earth laughs in flowers.” During the joyful months of June, July, and August in the Roaring Fork Valley, the ground indeed sprouts with vibrant colors. Colorado boasts over 500 wildflower species, and the Aspen Snowmass area offers some of the best opportunities to witness this natural spectacle. Here are four of our favorite spots to immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado's wildflowers.
Start your adventure by hopping on the Silver Queen Gondola to explore miles of hiking trails atop Aspen Mountain. The summit is a breathtaking panorama of wildflowers and stunning views. For those seeking vehicle-accessed viewing, drive up Little Annie’s Road (a 4x4 vehicle is recommended). The west-facing fields, bathed in sunlight, are adorned with sunflowers and various lupine species. This spot is perfect for watching the sunset with a picnic basket.
For the fit and adventurous, the hike from Aspen to Crested Butte is a must. This six-hour journey is famed for its unparalleled wildflower viewing. The trail is a riot of colors, with clumps of Western Yarrow, Colorado Blue Columbine, Northern Paintbrush, and Alpine Sunflowers guiding your path from one town to the next.
With numerous trails and open spaces in the Snowmass area and the Elk Camp Gondola running all summer, choosing the best spot can be challenging. Some of the top trails include Summit and Sierra Club Trails, Rabbit Run, Vista Trail, and Snowmass Way. These trails are riddled with Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Wild Geranium, Columbine, Heartleaf Arnica, and even wild strawberry blooms in wetter areas.
Starting under aspen groves with Bluebell Bellflowers and Heartleaf Arnica, the Cathedral Lake Trail soon opens up into alpine meadows filled with Alpine Forget-Me-Nots and Geraniums. This hike involves significant vertical gain, so it’s best to start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The views are well worth the effort, with a stunning bouquet of wildflowers in different zones.
For those looking to explore higher elevations (around 10,000-12,000 ft), the following trails are excellent choices:
Here are some beautiful flowers you can spot around Aspen, categorized by family:
While photos are encouraged, please be a respectful hiker: stay on the trail and let the flowers be. It’s illegal to pick flowers on public land, and trampling off-trail can damage fragile ecosystems.
Happy wildflower seeking!
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