As the snow slowly starts to melt and summer is creeping up on us, wildflower season is approaching. Colorado, a gorgeous state in every season, is full of stunning wildflowers during the summertime. Many of us in Colorado live in the Denver area (but if you live in the mountains, you're living the dream), so this guide is dedicated to unveiling the best spots within and around Denver with awesome wildflower viewing! Get ready to explore the trails and hidden gems where nature's artwork is on full display.

View Wildflowers In and Around Denver:

William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park

William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park, located in Lakewood, has plenty of trails that are great for wildflower viewing. In addition, you get views of the city and views of the mountains. It's the perfect image to represent the Denver lifestyle.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a good place to spot not only wildflowers in the prairie grass but also other wildlife. Plus, it's only 10 miles from downtown.

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms

Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, located in Littleton, has 700 acres of land! It's a native plant refuge and farm. Here you will find historic buildings, nature trails, and, of course, lots of beautiful wildflower gardens. There's also some great bird-watching here!

South Table Mountain Park

Located in Golden, South Table Mountain Park is a great spot for a hike to see some wildflowers along with views of Green Mountain.

Kendrick Lake Park

Kendrick Lake Park is home to one of the most recognized xeric gardens in the Denver metro area. A xeric garden is drought-tolerant, which we can definitely appreciate here in Colorado. This park features gorgeous flowers, both native and non-native.

Bonus Cities to View Wildflowers:

Of course, there is even more wildflower viewing further out from Denver. Below are a few top picks for great spots to check out that we think are worth the drive, not just for wildflowers but for a whole experience. For some spots further away, you'll probably want to just go ahead and make a whole weekend/week-long trip of it! Who would argue against more time in the mountains?

St. Mary's Glacier

St. Mary's Glacier is a little over an hour from Denver. The hike is relatively short, and the views once you get there are beautiful. There are lovely wildflowers, a lake, and, of course, the glacier. You can even ski down the glacier, which is a fun way to keep skiing during the off-season.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Another great day trip option is Rocky Mountain National Park. Located about an hour and a half from Denver, this national park has many hiking options. A quick search on AllTrails for hikes with wildflowers in RMNP pulls up over 100 hikes!

Tip: Download the AllTrails app and filter your search by your specific preferences, such as wildflowers.

Crested Butte

Wildflower viewing in Colorado isn't complete without a trip to Crested Butte, Colorado's wildflower capital. It's such a big deal that they even have an annual wildflower festival in the midst of peak wildflower season. When I was there last summer, my boyfriend and I really enjoyed the Snodgrass Mountain Trail, which had some fantastic wildflower viewing. Crested Butte is around 4 hours from Denver, but it's absolutely worth the trip. Find a good spot to set up camp and stay for a few days to really take your time and take it all in.

Whether you're seeking a quick escape in Denver's vicinity or venturing further into Colorado's vast mountains, this array of parks and gardens showcases the unparalleled beauty of the region's flora. From the easily accessible Kendrick Lake Park with its drought-tolerant xeric garden to St. Mary's Glacier, each location presents a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Embarking on these journeys promises delightful views and contributes to the deep appreciation of our natural environment. As you plan your next outing, consider these destinations for an unforgettable spectacle of wildflowers and the serenity they impart.

What's your favorite place in Colorado for wildflower viewing? Let us know!