Wildflowers & Wildlife: What to Look for on Colorado Trails This Summer
- marketing01884
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Colorado’s trails don’t just lead to epic vistas—they open into natural galleries of wildflowers and surprise encounters with wildlife. July is one of the most rewarding (and colorful) months to explore, as life bursts forth at lower and mid-elevations following the thaw and snowmelt in June. Here’s what to keep an eye out for—and why.
What’s Blooming
🌸 Columbine – Colorado’s iconic state flower thrives in shady forests and alpine meadows, especially near streams. Its pale purple and white petals spiral open like stars. Look for it along trails near Brainard Lake, Indian Peaks, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Wild Basin area.
🔥 Indian Paintbrush – These bold, red-to-orange spires aren’t actually flowers but modified leaves that attract pollinators. They pop in sunny, well-drained areas, like Chautauqua Park, Golden Gate Canyon, and open ridgelines.
🔵 Lupine & Bluebells – Found in moist meadows and along creeks, their cool-toned blossoms cluster in groups. You’ll often see them blanketing fields at lower elevations (around 7,000–9,000 ft), especially near Estes Park, Nederland, and the foothills west of Boulder.
🌼 Daisy & Arnica – These cheerful yellow blooms dot trailsides in grassy clearings and forest edges. They’re among the first to appear and spread quickly, making places like Walker Ranch Loop and Betasso Preserve vibrant in early summer.
Wildlife You Might Spot (from a safe distance):
🦌 Mule Deer & Elk – These grazers follow the green-up, moving higher as snow recedes. Early June sightings are common in open meadows at dawn and dusk, especially in RMNP, Golden Gate Canyon, and the foothills west of Denver.
🐻 Black Bears – Often spotted foraging in early summer, especially where berry bushes and downed logs are plentiful. Be bear-aware in densely forested areas like Golden, Evergreen, and Staunton State Park.
🦅 Birds of Prey – Red-tailed hawks soar above meadows, and golden eagles patrol ridgelines. You might see them catching thermals near Boulder Valley Ranch, Flagstaff Mountain, or perched near high rock outcrops.
Why Go with a Guide:
Our guides help guests identify flora and fauna in real time—and explain how elevation, soil, and snowmelt patterns shape their distribution.
We avoid high-traffic trails and lead you to the quietest places with the best bloom-to-effort ratio.
We share local ecological insight so every hike becomes more than just a walk—it’s a deeper connection to place.
See Colorado in Full Color
Whether you’re a nature photographer, wildflower enthusiast, or curious first-timer, June offers an unforgettable experience on the trail. Let us show you the best of it.
Join a guided hike and discover what’s blooming where the trail meets the wild.
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