Steamboat Springs treats us with a wildflower explosion come summertime. Mother Nature takes the wheel and puts on a show, painting our fields and meadows in vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and purples. Wildflower season is truly enchanting - we don't want you to miss it!
Here are our Top 5 Steamboat Springs Hikes to enjoy the wildflowers:
1. Rabbit Ears
Rabbit Ears Pass, the way in/out of Steamboat via Denver, is a wildflower playground in the warm months. Head to the trailhead, located just past the Dumont Lake Campground. This 6-mile loop hike will grace you with Columbines (Colorado's state flower), Indian paintbrush, Geyer's larkspur, orange wild buckwheat, and other beautiful wildflowers. The broad fields of blooming flowers and the surrounding water make picture-perfect scenery. Don't forget to enjoy the iconic rock formations at the top of the hike, our famous 'rabbit ears'!
2. Mount Zirkel Wilderness - Slavonia Trailhead
Head west out of Steamboat, take Elk River Road, and a scenic drive down Seedhouse Road to access the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. This leads you to the Slavonia Trailhead, the starting point for hikes to Gold Creek, Gilpin Lake and Mica Lake. Expect to see Colorado Columbines and Red Indian Paintbrush along the way. These are iconic Steamboat trails, enjoy the Zirkels!
3. Steamboat Lake - Tombstone Nature Trail
Head out to Clark and Steamboat Lake State Park for more wildflower peeping. The drive itself will offer lots of opportunities for you to identify Colorado's favorite wildflowers. While at the park, try out the Tombstone Nature Trail, a one-mile loop that is great for the whole family with views of Hahn's Peak and Steamboat Lake. Keep your eyes open for more Columbines!
4. Mad Creek Trail
This local's favorite offers deep canyon views, aspen groves, and dozens of varieties of wildflowers along the 3.6-mile (out and back) hike to the iconic Mad Barn. You'll find a plethora of colors awaiting you in the meadows at the foot of Mad Barn. It's worth the trek!
5. Flat Tops Wilderness
As summer wanes on, the higher elevations are your best bet for wildflower viewing. The Flat Tops near Steamboat offer this opportunity. Check out Black Mountain Creek Trail or Mosquito Lake via Bear River Trail for wildflower fields to feast your eyes on.
Want to learn more about the types of wildflowers you can expect to see? Check out this article by the Steamboat Chamber featuring the most common Northwest Colorado Wildflowers.
