Colorado is blessed with a diverse array of stunning wildflowers that bloom from spring through fall. Ranging from common roadside flowers to rare species, these hardy plants decorate the mountains, forests, and prairies with vibrant bursts of color. Knowing where and when to find Colorado’s wildflowers can help you plan trips to see them at their peak.
When Do Wildflowers Bloom in Colorado?
Timing is everything when it comes to enjoying wildflowers in Colorado. The blooming seasons vary depending on elevation, temperature, and sunlight exposure.
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Lower elevations (below 6,500 feet): Spring blooms begin in early May and continue through June. Many prairie and foothill flowers bloom again in late summer and fall.
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Mid elevations (6500 to 9500 feet) July is peak season for mountain wildflowers, with bloom cycles extending from late June through August.
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Alpine areas (above 9500 feet) Short summers allow only early July through early August for most alpine blooms.
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Eastern Plains: Spring comes earlier here, with blooms starting in April. Summer rains keep flowers going through September.
No matter when you visit, Colorado’s wildflower diversity means something is usually in bloom. Just adjust your destination to target the current elevation’s season.
Where to Find the Best Wildflower Displays
With nature’s blooms covering so much terrain, it helps to focus your efforts. Here are some of the top spots for finding fabulous wildflower displays:
Rocky Mountain National Park
From montane forests to alpine tundra, Rocky Mountain National Park hosts incredible wildflower shows. July is peak season, when columbines, paintbrush, elephant’s head, and more color the mountainsides. Take Trail Ridge Road up to alpine areas for rare blooms.
Maroon Bells Wilderness
Aspen groves and meadows covered in wildflowers surround the iconic Maroon Bells peaks. Hike up to Crater Lake in July or August to see columbines, fireweed, and other flowers against the mountain backdrop.
Colorado National Monument
The steep cliffs and canyons along the Colorado River host spring and summer blooms like prince’s plume, desert paintbrush, and evening primrose. The Monument’s dry climate expands the season into fall.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Medano Creek’s wet sands harbor unique wildflowers around the towering dunes. Yellow prickly poppy and purple hymenoxys decorate the creek banks in July after snowmelt swelling subsides.
San Juan Mountains
Idyllic mountain meadows filled with wildflowers await discovery in the San Juan range. Mineral Basin near Silverton has colorful July displays of paintbrush, sunflowers, and daisies with views of surrounding peaks.
Denver Mountain Parks
Genesee Park, Bergen Peak, and other mountain parks near Denver offer convenient wildflower hikes. Look for columbines, sunflowers, larkspur and buttercups along trails and meadows from July to September.
Colorado State Forest State Park
This park north of Fort Collins has dense larkspur and lupine blossoms lining its trails in June and July. Aspen trees displaying fall foliage add another colorful delight in September.
Common Colorado Wildflowers to Spot
Part of the fun is identifying the diverse wildflowers decorating Colorado’s landscapes. Some of the most common and beautiful blooms to look for include:
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Columbines – Elegant flowers with petals in shades of blue, red, white, pink, or yellow. The state flower of Colorado.
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Paintbrush – Dense, brightly colored brush-like flowers in reds, oranges, yellows, and other fiery hues.
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Lupine – Tall spikes covered in purple, blue, white, or pink pea-like flowers.
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Daisies – Simple white petals surrounding bright yellow centers on ground cover plants.
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Sunflowers – Large, bright yellow blooms with dark centers thriving in mountain meadows.
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Larkspurs – Dense groupings of purple, blue, or white flowers on tall stalks.
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Fireweed – Clusters of bright pink flowers on tall stalks, found in forests and meadows.
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Penstemons – Tubular red, pink, purple, yellow or white flowers adorned with foliage.
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Indian paintbrush – Shaggy red, orange, and yellow flowers resembling their namesake art brush.
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Foxgloves – Elegant tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white.
Take a wildflower field guide to help identify all of nature’s lovely and unique floral offerings.
Tips for Responsibly Viewing Wildflowers
When adventure takes you into Colorado’s wildflower habitat, be sure to minimize your impact with responsible behaviors:
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Stay on marked trails to avoid trampling delicate blooms.
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Don’t pick wildflowers or pull them up by the roots. Leave them to propagate and nourish pollinators.
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Give wild animals their space and don’t approach or touch them.
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Avoid touching or brushing against plants to prevent damage.
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Never remove rocks, branches, or other natural items found in parks and preserves.
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Follow all posted rules and pack out any trash you bring in.
Treating wildflower viewing areas with care allows future generations to enjoy their beauty. We all have a role to play in preserving Colorado’s exquisite floral heritage.
The Best Times for a Wildflower Road Trip in Colorado
With some advance planning using bloom timetables, you can schedule a Colorado road trip to catch a progression of wildflower displays.
In early July, you’ll find alpine flowers at their peak, along with montane species like columbine, paintbrush, and fireweed. Head to Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, and other high country destinations.
Late July is perfect for exploring Colorado’s western slope. View sunflowers and daisies amid the San Juan Mountains or discover rare blossoms along the Colorado River in Colorado National Monument.
During August, enjoy wildflowers at lower elevations. The eastern plains and Denver parks erupt in a mix of blooms like sunflowers, asters, and coneflowers. Aspen trees start displaying golden fall foliage.
Early September offers a continuation of prairie and meadow blossoms. Plus you’ll find autumn foliage starting to spread through mountain aspen groves.
With the right timing, you can experience nature’s kaleidoscope to the fullest across Colorado. Use this seasonal guide to help discover the state’s wildflower treasures on your next adventure.
A Database of the Wildflowers of Colorado
Welcome to our website, Colorado’s Wildflowers. This site is intended to be a database of the wildflowers of Colorado. We are continually adding new wildflowers. If you don’t see what you are looking for, feel free to send us a photo for wildflower identification or ask about a flower.
I AM DENVER: Colorado Wildflowers in Full-Bloom
FAQ
What month do wildflowers bloom in Colorado?
On Colorado’s eastern plains, wildflowers begin to spread their petals in April and May. But in the Rocky Mountains in western Colorado, where snow often doesn’t melt completely until mid-June or later, wildflowers usually don’t pop up until July and August.
Where is the best place to see wildflowers in Colorado?
- Rocky Mountain National Park – If you go, check out these great hikes.
- The San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado – While you’re there, ride the free gondola in Telluride.
- Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
- Chautauqua Park in Boulder.
What is the wildflower capital of Colorado?
Crested Butte is often called the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” A rainbow of colors burst forth every summer in the form of wildflowers. You’ll find a wide diversity of species from the tops of peaks in Crested Butte to the high desert of Gunnison from May to August.
When to spread wildflower seeds in Colorado?
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Fall Planting:
- Sowing seeds in mid to late fall (after the first frost) is ideal.
- The winter cold and snow (moisture) will promote seed germination in the following spring.
- This allows the seeds to establish roots before winter dormancy.
- Fall-planted seeds are ready to burst into growth in early spring, resulting in blooms about two weeks earlier than spring-planted seeds.
- October and November are ideal months for planting.
- Sowing seeds in mid to late fall (after the first frost) is ideal.
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Spring Planting:
- You can also sow wildflower seeds in early to late spring.
- However, it’s important to check with the seed company if the perennial seeds are pre-treated (stratified).
- Wait until the ground temperatures have warmed to 55°F and there is no chance of frost.
- You can also sow wildflower seeds in early to late spring.
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General Tips:
- Clear the area and soften the soil before planting.
- Choose a wildflower seed mix adapted to your site conditions.
- Consider a variety mix for a diverse look.
- Water as needed for germination and maintenance.
- Control weeds prior to seeding wildflowers.
- Wildflowers prefer a sunny environment, though some tolerate shade.
- Clear the area and soften the soil before planting.