Weekend Wildflower Treks!
Wildflowers put on quite a show in Colorado and from now through the middle of summer, you can jump in the car and head north, south or west to take in an eye-popping display of blooming color. These wildflower hikes and bike rides are all moderate and take you past pockets and fields of wildflowers. But for super easy hikes, go to The Denver Ear and, for more challenging treks through the wildflowers, check out Colorado Public Radio.
Nearby Day Treks
Where: Spruce Mountain
Length: 1.5 and 4.0 Mile Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Blooming: Mid-June – early July
Highlights: Spruce Mountain is about 20 minutes south of Castle Rock and offers breathtaking views of Pikes Peak, Eagle Mountain and the rolling hills of Greenland and Larkspur. Colorado Photo Hikes has captured the beauty of a riot of wildflowers, including Rosy Paintbrush, Nodding Onion, Hoary Alyssum, Pine Drops, Scorpion Weed and California Poppy.
Where: Rock Island Trail
Length: 11.7 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Blooming: Mid-June – July
Highlights: This biking/walking trail in Colorado Springs is bursting with blooms right now. There are sections of the Rock Island rails still in place that are fun to see, as you ride past on the asphalt, crushed stone, concrete and gravel trail. Colorado Photo Hikes offers an idea of the 25-plus varieties of wildflowers you’ll see (hint: you might want to bring your camera to capture pretty pics of your own!). Rock Island Trail is about 45 minutes south of Castle Rock.
Where: Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs
Length: 6.4 mile out and back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Blooming: Mid-June – July
Highlights: Yellow and red wildflowers will be in bloom all over the valley as you climb to the shimmering green Herman Lake at nearly 12,000 feet. It’s a feast for the eyes and food for the soul just 60 miles north and west of Castle Rock.
Further Away Treks
Where: Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland
Length: 13.3 mile out and back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Blooming: Mid-June – early July
Highlights: Hiking a length of the Devil’s Thumb Lake Trail not far from Boulder offers a breathtaking alpine ascent and awe-inspiring views of the Continental Divide. That alone is worth the 90-minute drive from Castle Rock, but you will also be rewarded with the most gorgeous bluebells and wild purple columbines – just pack a lunch and enjoy the soothing surrounds!
Where: White River National Forest near Vail
Length: 6.4 mile out and back trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Peak Blooming: Early June – July
Highlights: Bighorn Creek is one of the prettiest valleys with an abundance of wildflower blossoms for a visual spectacle put on by nature in summer. The trail is an easy day hike and has some of the most beautiful meadows with flowers dotting the path the entire way.
Follow the Flowers to Crystal Valley
Just walking through the neighborhoods in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley is a feast for the senses as hometown horticulturists groom their flower gardens. Explore the beautiful model homes from top home builders: Richmond American Homes, Kauffman Homes, and D.R. Horton offering a variety of ranch and two-story designs, priced from the $300s.
