Summit County’s wildflower season is truly magical. After the long-anticipated snowmelt, the alpine lights up with a vibrant array of colors as many flowers brave the short high-country bloom. As we near the end of this season, now is the perfect time to plan a visit for next year if you missed out! Check out some of the stunning wildflowers you can find in Summit County, Colorado, below.
*The flower information for this blog was found in the “Rocky Mountain Wildflowers Pocket Guide” by David Dahms >
Experience The Best of Summit County’s Wildflower Season
Mountain Harebell
During wildflower season, you’ll quickly discover the delicate beauty of lavender-blue Mountain Harebells. Blooming from June to September, these dainty flowers make the most of the short summer months. You’ll often find them in dry open spaces, forest clearings, and meadows, ranging from the foothills to the alpine. Their bell-like shape and vibrant color, in particular, make them stand out as true gems of the high mountain landscape.
Silvery Lupine
Summit County’s wildflower season brings a beautiful display of light-blue/purple Silvery Lupine from May to August. These flowers are often found in the foothills and subalpine regions, particularly in meadows and aspen groves. Take a stroll through Aspen Alley in Breckenridge, and you may spot these lovely flowers tucked away among the trees.
Wild Blue Flax Wildflower
The Wild Blue Flax adds vibrant splashes of color to the subalpine landscapes. Found primarily in dry areas, these deep, sky-blue flowers bloom from June to August. Even though each petal only lasts for one day, a new bloom emerges the very next morning. As you hike, you’ll undoubtedly notice these stunning flowers among the greenery, offering a pop of color that’s hard to miss. Without a doubt, they are a highlight of any wildflower walk.
Blue Columbine
A highlight of Summit County’s wildflower season, the iconic Blue Columbine, Colorado’s state flower, never fails to impress. As you venture through the region’s rocky terrain and aspen groves, you’ll frequently spot these blooms from July to August. The scenic area around Blue Lakes by Quandary Peak, in particular, offers an ideal setting to admire them. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of a Mountain Goat along the way, making this a must-visit spot for wildflower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Sego Lily Wildflower
The breathtaking Silvery Lupine quickly takes center stage, blooming from May to August. Most often spotted in foothills and subalpine meadows, these light-blue/purple flowers thrive in aspen groves. For a closer look, take a stroll along Aspen Alley in Breckenridge, where you might catch glimpses of them tucked away among the trees. Undoubtedly, they are one of the most striking flowers of the season, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Pink Pyrola
A gem of Summit County’s wildflower season, Pink Pyrola blooms in moist, shady forest floors from June to August. They are commonly found in the subalpine. Take a hike up the Sawmill Trail in Breckenridge to the reservoir at sunset or sunrise for a chance to see these delicate flowers while enjoying views of Baldy Mountain reflected in the water.
White Geranium Season
The White Geranium adds a subtle touch to Summit County’s wildflower season. Blooming from May to August, they prefer shady, forested areas and are most commonly found from the foothills to the subalpine. You can recognize them by their unique pink-colored veins running through each petal.
Globeflower
These flowers are commonly found in marshy areas. If you are walking along a stream, keep your eyes open for these delicate flowers. Hike or bike the Bakers Tank Trail and keep your eyes open for these flowers.
Marsh Marigold Season
Summit County’s wildflower season brings the Marsh Marigold to life from June to August. These alpine flowers love moist, marshy environments and are often found near melting snow banks. Mohawk Lakes, particularly the upper lakes, are ideal spots to see them.
I have found that during Summit County’s wildflower season, identifying these blooms while hiking heightens my awareness, deepens my connection with nature, and leaves me with vivid memories of the trail. I encourage you to take the time to notice these beautiful flowers—you never know what you might discover!
