Best Trails to See Wildflowers
- Snodgrass Trail
Gently rolling trail with open meadows and big mountain views, especially colorful mid-July.
- Woods Walk & Lower Loop
Easy access from town with lupine and aspen sunflowers lining the river.
- Rustler’s Gulch
A local favorite for sheer variety and vibrant alpine blooms set against waterfalls and peaks.
- Brush Creek & Strand Hill
Wide meadows, long views, and great early season wildflowers in late June and early July.
- Gothic Valley
Just north of town, this area bursts with color and offers several interconnected trail options.
Tips for a Bloom-Filled Adventure
- Timing is Everything: Peak bloom varies yearly, but mid-July often offers the most vibrant displays.
- Stay on Trails: Protect our delicate ecosystems by sticking to established paths.
- Leave No Trace: Admire the flowers, but please don't pick them.
- Be Weather-Wise: Afternoon thunderstorms are common; start hikes early and come prepared.
Don’t Miss the Wildflower Festival
Each July, Crested Butte celebrates peak bloom with the Wildflower Festival. This year’s event runs from July 11–20, 2025, featuring guided hikes, art classes, photo workshops, and garden tours. It’s a fun and educational way to experience the wildflowers in full color.
Summer in Crested Butte isn't just a season. It's a full-blown show. As the snow melts and the trails dry out, the valleys and ridgelines burst into color. We're not just talking about a few flowers here and there. We’re talking about entire meadows glowing with purples, yellows, reds, and blues.
If you've never seen Crested Butte in full bloom, you're in for something unforgettable.
Colorado's Wildflower Capital
We take the title seriously. Thanks to our high elevation, rich soil, and long winters, the Gunnison Valley is home to one of the most diverse wildflower displays in the Rockies. From mid-June through early August, you can spot dozens of species on a single trail.
You’ll see Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine, blue flax, wild sunflowers, and so many more. The best part is that the landscape changes every week, so no two hikes feel the same.
When to See Wildflowers in Crested Butte
While exact timing depends on the snowpack, most locals will tell you the wildflowers start popping in late June, peak around mid-July, and linger through early August in higher elevations.
Lower elevation trails near town bloom first. As the snowline moves up, the flowers follow. If you want to catch the true high alpine magic, head up to places like Rustler’s Gulch or the back side of Kebler Pass by late July.
