The Best Places to See Spring Wildflowers in Northern Colorado

In Northern Colorado, spring means a beautiful tapestry of blooming wildflowers. With a variety of ecosystems in the region, ranging from subalpine to alpine to shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities to see some spectacular wildflowers. Take a look at some of our favorite places to see spring wildflowers in Northern Colorado!

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 900 species of wildflowers, so if you're trying to take in the sights of Northern Colorado then this national park is a must-see. Rocky Mountain National Park has an extended wildflower season – usually ranging from late May through August – with blooms along the trails, lakes, meadows, and mountain peaks. Here are some highlights:

• Glacier Gorge: This trail winds along Glacier Creek, passing by alpine lakes and meadows packed with wildflowers. Arctic gentian, king's crown, and alpine forget-me-not are all visible from Glacier Gorge.
• The Bear Lake Road Corridor: One of the most popular parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, and for good reason: Bear Lake itself is a gorgeous sight at any time of year, but in the spring and summer you'll be able to see spectacular displays of Colorado columbines, mountain bluebells, and Indian paintbrush.
• Cub Lake Trail: A scenic 6-mile hike that leads through meadows filled with 80 species of wildflowers, including calypso orchids, wood lilies, and yellow pond lilies. Between Cub Lake itself and the many beaver ponds that dot the trail, you'll see a variety of water flowers.
• Tundra Communities Trail: For those willing to venture higher, this trail provides access to alpine wildflowers such as moss campion and alpine forget-me-nots.

2. Horseshoe Park

Horseshoe Park is located in a sprawling meadow that's full of small lakes, all of which are surrounded by wildflowers in the warmer months. Located near Rocky Mountain National Park's Fall River entrance, this wildflower paradise blooms with wild iris, western wallflowers, and blue columbine in the spring months. Nature lovers may also get a glimpse of elk or bighorn sheep.

3. Lory State Park

Lory State Park, just west of Fort Collins, is lush with wildflowers and other vegetation. The Well Gulch Nature Trail in particular blooms with wild rose, spiderwort, lupine, and boulder raspberry along the banks of a burbling creek. The Arthur's Rock Trail is also a popular choice for wildflower lovers, since it offers panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir; blossoming flowers appear like fireworks of color between the rocks. Spring and summer are the best times to see everything Lory State Park has to offer.

4. Poudre Canyon

Poudre Canyon is a gorgeous area and geological marvel that provides hiking possibilities surrounded by wildflowers. The varying elevations mean that there are a variety of flowers to see; everything from the shrublands to the distant alpine tundra offers its own unique blooms. Penstemons, mariposa lilies, and blanket flowers abound on paths like Greyrock Trail and Young Gulch. The wildflowers here are often accompanied by breathtaking rock formations and the peaceful sound of the Cache la Poudre River.

5. Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area

The Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area has been carefully preserved to give visitors a look at the pristine Colorado prairie. Easy trails like the paved Fossil Creek Trail offer an easy, accessible wildflower viewing experience. Early-season blooms including prairie coneflower, milkweed, and beardtongue abound on the shortgrass prairie. Any families or travelers who want to take it easy will have a great time strolling through the fields of wildflowers.

Tips for Enjoying Colorado’s Wildflowers Responsibly

When seeing wildflowers, keep these ideas in mind to help to guarantee that the stunning scenery will be kept intact for next generations:

Timing Is Everything. The best time to see wildflowers in Northern Colorado varies depending on elevation and weather conditions. Keep an eye on the weather and the social media feeds of local parks to find the best time for your wildflower trip. Typically, wildflowers bloom in the lower elevations of Colorado from late May to June, with higher elevations peaking in July.

Leave No Trace. Fight the urge to pick wildflowers. Not only is this illegal in some protected spaces, it's also disruptive for local herbivores and the natural ecosystem.

Stay On the Trail. Many parks and natural areas in Northern Colorado are delicate ecosystems. The trails in these parks are maintained for pedestrians; by walking off the trails, you can destroy wildflowers and other plants, upset the wildlife, and hasten soil erosion.

Grab a Camera. Wildflowers won't stay in bloom forever! When you're going out to see spring wildflowers, bring a camera so you can take their beauty home with you. The best lighting for wildflower photos is found early in morning and late in afternoon.

Check the Conditions. Always check the current weather and trail conditions before you head out for your hike or walk. Some trails may be muddy or still have snow in early spring.

Northern Colorado offers some of the best wildflower hikes around, ranging from scenic strolls through the prairie to steep alpine hikes. The range of wildflowers you'll see in Northern Colorado can be found nowhere else.

So put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and get out to see the wildflowers this spring!