Best Wildflower Hikes in the Gunnison Valley
Many of Colorado’s best wildflower hikes are in the Gunnison Valley. Over 1,500 types of wildflowers grow in Gunnison and Crested Butte, creating a palette of color throughout the valley. With millions of acres of public lands, there are exceptional opportunities for wildflower hikes. Whether your hike is a mellow stroll or high alpine climb, you’ll be rewarded with kaleidoscopic views. Keep reading to learn about the best wildflower hikes in the Gunnison Valley.
The Wildflower Capital of Colorado
Crested Butte is Colorado’s official wildflower capital. Crested Butte earned this designation because of the extraordinary variety and abundance of wildflowers in the area. Wildflower hikes and areas are also easily accessible in Crested Butte. They bloom in town and on trails close to town as well as in the alpine.
Why do wildflowers grow so well here?
Wildflowers grow so well in the Gunnison Valley, particularly Crested Butte, because of the geology and sunlight of the area. The Elk Mountains have an abundance of sedimentary rock. This type of rock makes soil full of nutrients that wildflowers thrive on. The rock also creates the ideal soil in the meadows where wildflowers flourish. The soil in Crested Butte is also ideal for aspens.
Aspen groves provide dappled light for flowers that need indirect sunlight such as columbines, geraniums and mariposa lilies. Read this article from the Gunnison Times to learn more.
Crested Butte Wildflower Hikes
Copley Lake – 3.5 miles out-and-back
The Copley Lake trailhead is 4.2 miles west of the town of Crested Butte up Kebler Pass. Begin with a steep ascent. Once it mellows out, the trail winds through spruce forests and meadows of wildflowers. Head left towards Copley Lake at the junction two miles in.
Find yourself at the lake in about a quarter mile. Look out for marsh marigold, blue and red columbine, mountain bluebells, corn lilies, white violet, and glacier lily.
Trail 403 – 7.5 miles out-and-back, challenging
This wildflower-rich hike provides stunning views of the Elk Mountains. This hike begins up Washington Gulch and offers incredible views almost immediately. Wind up the hillside on wildflower-lined switchbacks. Check out views of Mt. Baldy to the west as the trail heads east and meets up with the old 403 trail. Take a short detour to an old bench for stunning views of Washington Gulch.
Head right at the next trail junction before reaching another junction. Here, you can turn back or keep going to summit Gothic Mountain. You should see paintbrush, gilia, fireweed, corn lily, mountain bluebells and more on this hike.
Poverty Gulch and Daisy Pass – 9 miles round trip, challenging
This lesser-known hike offers spectacular wildflower views. From town, head north on Gothic Road and take a left onto Slate River Road in about 0.8 miles. Stay on the road for 7.2 miles before turning left onto Poverty Gulch Road, crossing the Slate River. The parking area is two miles up Poverty Gulch Road. If you don’t have a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle park before the river crossing.
Begin the hike by crossing Poverty Creek before ascending Baxter Basin. Thick patches of wildflowers cove the trail. They get denser as you climb to the top of Daisy Pass. Ascend through meadows and rocky switchbacks to the top. Along with amazing wildflower views, be sure to take in panoramas of Democrat Basin, Oh-Be-Joyful Valley and Scarp Ridge.
Wildflowers of nearly every variety, including wild raspberries, grow on this trail. Keep an eye out for old mining equipment as well.
Scarp Ridge – 3.9-mile loop, challenging
This hike begins near the old Irwin Lodge via Trail 419 or Trail 421. The trail begins on a wildflower-covered hillside. Continue east along the ridge. At the Gunsight notch, continue to the summit of Mt. Emmons or go north down to Gunsight Road.
This hike has 1,430 feet of elevation gain, so be ready for a workout. Alpine sunflower, glacier lily, calypso orchid and aspen sunflower are some of the flowers that grow here.
Brush Creek – 4.29 miles out-and-back, easy
This mellow trail provides exquisite wildflower and mountain views. From Crested Butte, head south on Highway 135 for two miles. Turn left onto Brush Creek Road. The trailhead and parking area is in 1.9 miles. This straightforward trail cuts through hillsides covered with wildflowers. See lupine, penstemon, fairy slipper, mariposa lily, arnica and shooting star on this hike.
Where to see wildflowers close to town
Wildflowers grow basically everywhere in Crested Butte, even in town. You can see beautiful wildflower meadows without going on a challenging hike or far from town. The following list outlines easy to moderate hikes and areas close to town with stunning wildflower views.
Woods Walk – 2.9-mile out-and-back, easy
This mellow hike is close to town. The trailhead is up Kebler Pass. Get to Kebler Pass from Crested Butte via Whiterock Avenue. The trailhead is 0.2 miles up the road; park on the left side of the road opposite the trailhead.
Follow the loop for views of Peanut Lake, Gothic Mountain and Crested Butte Mountain. Wildflowers carpet the meadows that line the trail.
The Rec Path – 4.6 miles out-and-back, easy
The Rec Path is a paved path that connects Crested Butte with Mt. Crested Butte. The path winds through open meadows and provides views of the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers dot the open meadows. Large swathes of color are visible on the hillsides surrounding the Rec Path.
Lupine Trail – 7 miles out-and-back, moderate
To get to this hike go north on Gothic Road from Crested Butte for 0.8 miles. Turn left onto Slate River Road. The trailhead is 2.6 miles up the road. This trail is aptly named for the lupine that blooms in droves on the hillside the trail cuts through. Dwarf larkspur and mule ears also thrive here.
Lower Loop Trail – 7-mile loop, easy
Lower Loop begins on Peanut Lake Road. Enjoy views of wildflower-filled meadows, shady aspen groves and the Slate River on this mellow hike. Benches provide resting spots along the way.
Teddy’s Trail – 1.8-mile loop, easy
This trail begins at the Snodgrass Trailhead. Incredible wildflower views are visible right at the start. You can also immediately drink in views of Crested Butte Mountain, Gothic Valley and Snodgrass Mountain. The trail winds through a meadow dense with wildflowers and through shady aspen groves.
Places to see wildflowers in Gunnison
Wildflowers grow at Hartman Rocks, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Van Tuyl Trail, Mill-Castle Trail and Signal Peak in Gunnison. Most of Gunnison is a high-desert environment. High desert wildflowers include paintbrush, purple asters, Gunnison sego lily, pennycress, phlox, cacti, balsamroot and tumble mustard.
Other places to see wildflowers in the Gunnison Valley
Other places to see wildflowers in the Gunnison Valley include the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area. You can also find beautiful blooms in the Gunnison National Forest surrounding Pitkin and Cimarron.
Best time to go on a wildflower hike
Early-season wildflowers begin blooming in late May or June. The flowers usually peak in July and are gone around the end of August. July is typically the best month for wildflower hikes. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for viewing and photography. Late season blooms include fireweed and fleabane.
Wildflower Guides
Check out our wildflower guides to learn more about the wildflowers you’ll see on hikes in the Gunnison Valley:
Crested Butte Wildflower Guide
The Sunflowers and Other High Season Blooms
The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Wildflower lovers should check out the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. Typically held in July, this festival encourages admiration and preservation of wildflowers in the Gunnison Valley. Explore festival events you could attend.
Wildflower hike tips/FAQ
- When is the best time to see wildflowers?
The peak wildflower season typically runs from late June to mid-August, depending on snowmelt and elevation. Mid-July is often the best time for the highest variety and density of blooms.
- Can you pick wildflowers?
No, it is illegal to pick wildflowers. Removing them can cause damage to the environment.
- Can you go off trail to look at wildflowers?
No, you must stay on the trail to see wildflowers. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for a more up-close view.
- What types of wildflowers can I expect to see?
Common wildflowers include:
Columbine (Colorado’s state flower), Paintbrush, Lupine, Mule’s Ear, Elephant’s Head, Bluebells and Larkspur. Each trail and elevation range has its own floral highlights. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival has a wildflower and alpine wildflower guide with more information.
- Do I need a permit or reservation to hike?
Most trails in the Gunnison Valley do not require permits. However, always check regulations before heading out on a hike.
- Are dogs allowed on wildflower hikes?
Dogs are permitted on most trails in the Gunnison Valley. Please pick up after your pet and stay on designated trails to avoid harming the environment.
- What should I bring on a wildflower hike?
Water and snacks
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Layers (weather changes quickly at elevation)
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Camera or phone for photos
Wildflower ID guide or app (optional but fun!)
- Are there guided wildflower hikes in the Gunnison Valley?
Yes! The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival offers guided hikes, photography walks and botany workshops. Other guide services also offer wildflower hikes. Learn about these opportunities on our guided hiking blog.
- Where can I find trail maps and current conditions?
Trail maps are available at:
Crested Butte Visitor Center
Our hiking guide
GPS apps like Caltopo, AllTrails and Gaia
Check trail conditions with local public land offices or local outdoor shops.
Plan your trip
Discover 10 more reasons to hike in the Gunnison Valley on our blog. Jumpstart planning a trip with this sample hiking trip itinerary. Book flights, choose lodging accommodations and plan other things to do with our trip planning guide.
