Early June (June 1–15)

Wildflower season starts to stir at lower elevations, where south-facing slopes melt first. Spot glacier lilies, pasqueflowers, and early spring beauties along the Lower Flume Trail and Blue River Rec Path near downtown. Iowa Hill Trail is another good bet, especially in open meadows and sunny bends. Higher trails remain snow-covered, but the signs of summer are peeking through.

Late June (June 16–30)

Wildflowers begin to take over mid-elevation trails with pops of color across open hillsides and aspen groves. Look for lupine, arrowleaf balsamroot, scarlet gilia, and Colorado blue columbine on Sallie Barber Road, B&B to Turk’s Trail loop, and Moonstone Trail. The Reiling Dredge Trail also comes alive with patches of yellow and purple blooms. Trail conditions improve quickly as snow retreats.

Early July (July 1–15)

This is prime wildflower time in Breckenridge! Hike McCullough Gulch, Boreas Pass, or Spruce Creek to Mohawk Lakes to see carpets of columbine, parry’s primrose, monkshood, and bluebells. Alpine meadows are bursting with color, especially near waterfalls and creek crossings. Don’t forget your camera—this is peak viewing in both bloom and scenery.

• Visitors wishing to hike Quandary Peak or McCullough Gulch are required to reserve a parking reservation or ride a shuttle from June 14 to September 14, 2025.

Late July (July 16–31)

The wildflower display hits full stride at higher elevations and alpine basins. Trails like Mayflower Gulch, Hoosier Pass, and the Upper Mohawk Lakes deliver stunning fields of alpine sunflowers, elephant’s head, sky pilot, and queen’s crown.

Early August (Aug. 1-15)

High alpine trails still dazzle in early August, especially above tree-line. Look for elephant’s head, paintbrush, gentians, purple asters, and late-blooming columbine along Mohawk Lakes, Mayflower Gulch, and Crystal Lakes Trail. Black Powder Pass near Boreas Pass is also a stunner this time of year. Expect lingering wildflower glory paired with crisp mountain air.

Late August (Aug. 15-31)

Wildflowers begin to fade, but patches of color remain at higher elevations. You’ll still spot fireweed, harebell, yarrow, and goldenrod along French Gulch, Spruce Creek, and Hoosier Pass. Blue Lakes Trail is another great spot, especially around alpine pools. Lower trail blooms start dwindling down, but the alpine remains lively and worth the climb.

Early September (Sept. 1-15)

Wildflower season quietly wraps up as the first hints of autumn arrive. Trails like Boreas Pass Road, Baker’s Tank, and Iowa Hill offer the last sightings of daisy fleabane, fireweed, and the start of fall foliage. It’s a transitional time—look for colorful mushrooms and berries taking center stage under fading blooms. Light layers and golden mornings make it a dreamy time to hike.

Late September (Sept. 16–30)

By late September, most wildflowers have gone to seed, giving way to Colorado’s famed fall color. While blooms are scarce, the show shifts to glowing aspen groves and crimson willows along Aspen Alley, Moonstone, and Barney Ford Trail. Occasional late asters or yarrow may linger in sheltered spots. This is the season for golden hour hikes and crisp, colorful views.

Loved the Wildflower Watch? Check out the Breckenridge Leaf Brief for real-time updates as the leaves change this fall.

Breckenridge Alpine Garden

The Breckenridge Alpine Garden has been maintained by the Summit County Garden Club since it began. Located along the Blue River in downtown Breckenridge, it displays beautiful mountain plants and flowers such as the Rocky Mountain columbine, lupine, penstemon and gaillardia as well as a variety of sedum, poppies and geums.

Flower beds + baskets along Main Street

The Town of Breckenridge plants thousands of flowers downtown each summer, but due to the extended cold weather in the mountains, planting typically doesn’t begin until Father’s Day weekend. The town sources flowers from nurseries in Fort Collins, Denver, Salida and Alma, with the latter location at 10,400 feet providing particularly hardy mountain-adapted varieties. Take a stroll along Main Street to take in all the colors and see what you can find!

Carter Park and surrounding trails

This short-and-sweet hike is just up the hill from Carter Park, which is home to a dog park, pavilion, tennis courts and more. Panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and Breckenridge Ski Resort await after just a few minutes of climbing. The distance to the top is easier measured in yards rather than miles, so this is a great short-on-time option. However, Carter Park is one of several popular town trailheads that provide access to a vast network of town and county trails, so if this short hike just isn’t enough, continue to Moonstone Trail or Sunbeam Trail.

• Look for: asters, lupine

Blue River Trail

The Blue River Trail is a moderate hike that rolls gently along a ridge bordering Illinois Creek, crossing a variety of ecosystems, from thick spruce forest to aspen groves and open meadows. Mining relics, wildflowers, and views of Boreas Pass and the Ten Mile Range draw you along the trail.

• Look for: Mule’s ears, columbine, blue flax, sulfur buckwheat, prairie smoke, lupine

Breckenridge Rec Path + River Trail

Summit County maintains an extensive paved Recreational Pathway System, commonly known as the Rec Path. This scenic 55-mile stretch of paved path is open to all user groups and connects many of the resorts, transit stops, trailheads, town and local attractions. Rent a bike or just take a stroll to find wildflowers along the river and popping up beside the path as you go. 

• Look for: asters, showy crazy weed, golden and wax currents

Illinois Creek + Trollstigen Trail

This short trail can be taken as a loop or can be connected to nearby trails to lengthen the hike. Illinois Creek offers an easy hike through lush forests and meadows, with scenic views of Illinois Creek and the surrounding mountains. Suitable for all skill levels, the trail features a gentle incline and a chance to spot local wildlife. This trail also connects to the Trollstigen Trail, home of the famous Breckenridge Troll—be sure to stop by for a photo!

• Look for: iris, columbine, geranium, nodding sunflowers, spotted coral root orchids

Iowa Hill Trail

The Iowa Hill Trail is a historic hike that offers a glimpse into the town’s rich mining past. This moderate 1.2-mile loop takes you through lush forests and past well-preserved mining relics, including cabins and equipment from the late 1800s. Along the trail, informative signs provide insight into the lives of the miners who once worked the area. The trail is suitable for all ages and offers a unique opportunity to experience Breckenridge’s heritage while enjoying a peaceful walk in nature.

• Look for: paintbrush, scarlet gilia, lupine, fireweed, wild rose

Sawmill Reservoir

Tucked just below the Snowflake lift, this peaceful and short trail leads through shady forest to the tranquil shores of Sawmill Reservoir. The trail is perfect for a quick nature escape, a peaceful picnic, or a fishing stop—and it’s designed to be welcoming for all users. A short walk from the parking area brings you right to the water’s edge, surrounded by lodgepole pine and mountain reflections.

• Look for: arrow leaf ragwort, tall chiming bells, geranium, paintbrush

Burro Trail

Burro is a cool and shady trail, with creek crossings, and only a moderate elevation gain. Plus, the out-and-back trail setup allows you to hike only as far as you’d like.

• Look for: arrow leaf ragwort, tall chiming bells, geranium, elephant’s head

Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve

Cucumber Gulch Preserve is a rare fen and beaver-engineered wetland, that is the crowned jewel of Breckenridge. Cucumber Gulch was designated as a Preserve, in order to protect rare habitat and endangered species. The preserve is home to many rare, wetland-obligate plant species, as well as many prairie species. You can help protect Cucumber Gulch Preserve, and the wildflowers here, by practicing Leave No Traceprinciples, such as: Stay on the Trail, and Leave What You Find. The preserve is closed May – June to protect wildlife during calving and nesting season.

• Look for: geranium, valerian, corn lily, bog orchid, bedstraw, cinquefoil

Pence Miller + Shock Hill (under the gondola)

This loop trail meanders through aspen groves and offers glimpses of Breckenridge’s historic flume systems. It’s a moderate hike with varied terrain and scenic views.

• Look for: wild rose, goose berry bushes

Aspen Alley

This trail is spectacular in fall, when beautiful golden foliage arcs the path. And, at just 600 feet in elevation gain, this trail, located near the Breckenridge Ice Rink, is family-friendly and accessible to even the youngest (and eldest) hikers.

• Look for: columbine, lupine, wild rose

Gold Hill Trail

This moderately trafficked trail climbs steadily through pine forest with occasional views of the Tenmile Range. It connects with the Colorado Trail for extended hikes.

• Look for: lupine, wild rose

Golden Horseshoe Area – B&B trail, Reiling Dredge, Mineral Hill, Minnie Mine

B&B is a loop trail that offers a mix of forested paths and open areas, featuring remnants of historic mining operations and views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a moderate hike suitable for most skill levels. This trail easily connects to other trails in the area to create the B&B, Reiling Dredge, X10U8 and Mineral Hill.

Minnie Mine Loop is a 1.6-mile trail offering stunning fall colors, historic mining relics, and views of the Tenmile Range. Along the way, explore remnants of the Reiling Gold Dredge, a nearby 1922 mining site. This loop connects with the ADA-accessible Reiling Dredge Trail, X10U8, and Mineral Hill for extended hikes.

• Look for: lupine, wild rose

Black Powder Pass

A short and rewarding alpine trail at the top of Boreas Pass. The hike offers wildflowers, wide-open views, and a chance to walk the Continental Divide.

• Look for: paintbrush, kings crown, bistort, alpine sunflower, sky pilot

Breckenridge Ski Resort – Peak 8 Hiking Trails

McGullough Gulch Trail + Quandary Mtn. (Requires Permit)

McGullough Gulch is a beautiful, high alpine hike that wanders through rich evergreen forests with granite outcroppings, waterfalls, green meadows and fragile wildflowers.

Hiking Quandary offers panoramic views overlooking the Ten Mile Range, the Continental Divide, and Hoosier Pass. Although it’s a relatively short hike for a (14’er), the trail still requires a good level of fitness and is not recommended  for novice hikers.

Visitors wishing to hike Quandary Peak or McCullough Gulch are required to reserve a parking reservation or ride a shuttle from June 14 to September 14, 2025.

• Look for: paintbrush, alpine avens, bistort, primrose, elephant’s head, sky pilot, old man on the mountain (alpine sunflower), alpine forget-me-not

Boreas Pass Road

Boreas Pass follows the old railroad line and connects Breckenridge to the town of Como, and offers spectacular views of the Blue River Valley and the majestic Tenmile Range. The top of the pass is 6.4 miles from the trailhead and marked by the old Boreas Station. This hike can easily be made shorter by turning around partway in or longer by joining connecting trails. This relatively flat hike is open to hikers, bikers, e-bike, and vehicles in the summer. Please consider carpooling or taking the free bus to keep traffic minimal.

• Look for alpine sunflowers, paintbrush, lupine, columbine, fireweed, penstemon, iris, sky pilot