Breckenridge’s Best *Late Season* Wildflower Hikes
Yes…it is August but that doesn’t mean summer is over in the Rocky Mountains. Not yet. Not this year. After a wet spring and a fairly rainy summer the high country of Colorado is still bursting with wildflowers. If you haven’t gone hiking just to soak up the wildflower views there is still time.
Honestly, even if you have already hiked a hundred miles chasing wildflowers don’t stop now! One of the best parts of wildflowers is how they change all season long. The flowers that were dominate in late June are long gone but those alpine meadows aren’t empty. Oh no, they are filled with late season wildflowers…so use this as an excuse to go explore!
Oh, and these trails aren’t just about the wildflowers — each one will also get you views for days!
Willow Creek Falls Trail
Silverthorne, Colorado
~7 miles out-and-back trail to Willow Creek Falls // It is about 9 miles if you go all the way to Willow Creek Falls. You'll find the best wildflowers in the first three miles of the hike. The trails goes through forests of beetle kill, over creeks and through a meadow near South Willow Creek.
Tenmile Creek Trail
Frisco, Colorado
~7.5 miles out-and-back to an alpine meadow // It is about 7.5 miles [round trip] if you go all the way up to the Gore Range Trail. You'll find a mix of trail taking you through shaded forests, along a creek, and through an alpine meadow. The uphill climb is challenging.
Gold Hill Trail
Breckenridge, Colorado
~3 miles out-and-back to the Colorado Trail // It is a shorter trail but it does start with uphill hiking and is very exposed to the sun which means it can easily become a very hot hike. However, the exposure allows for a plethora of wildflowers with views all around. You can also make this hike longer by continuing on the Colorado Trail or even up to the Peak Trail.
Blue Lakes Trail [& Waterfall]
Breckenridge, Colorado
~1.5 miles out-and-back on one of two trails // For this trail check out the map, there are two trails that access the waterfall, one above and one below. Both offer great hikes and gorgeous views with wildflowers along the trail. Arrive early, parking is limited and illegally parking on the roadside will likely result in a fine.
Lily Pad Lake via Meadow Creek
Frisco, Colorado
~3 miles round trip to Lily Pad Lake // This is a very popular trail and most of it is in the shade of trees. Once you arrive at the lake you have the option to hike around the lake. Get views of Buffalo Mountain and the valley below as you hike up to the perfect picnic rocks near the lake.
Blair Witch Trail
Breckenridge, Colorado
~4.5 mile “lollipop” trail with options to connect to other trails // This is considered a challenging trail and you will likely see thru-hikers as you briefly link with the Colorado Trail. You will encounter switchbacks and some exposed trail but the views and wildflowers make it worth it.
This short list of trails are just a few of the best trails to explore in the late summer season. These trails often show up on the Adventure Feet First itineraries but the itineraries do not stop here — all adventure itineraries come with multiple trail options and logistical details to get you to and from the trail [and refueled enroute!].
Please take this information and run [hike?] with it…and do not hesitate to reach out to get more details on trails in the Breckenridge area! Happy trails!
