Spring is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, wander through wildflowers and sit by gushing waterfalls, full of life after winter snow, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. There are many unique places to explore in the US, but it can be tough to figure out which ones are best for hiking and enjoying nature’s beauty.
We’ve got you covered! This list includes some of the most beautiful hikes around the country that offer stunning views of waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore some of nature’s finest landscapes!
What State has the best Wildflowers?
The best state for wildflowers depends on what you’re looking for. For example, California has a wide variety of wildflowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer months, and Alaska also has a short but very colorful blooming season. If you’re looking for the most diverse, Texas is a great option, with over 60 species of wildflowers blooming in the spring and there is no place quite like Oregon or Colorado for mountains covered in wildflowers come summer.
Beautiful Wildflower hikes across the United States
One of the best things about springtime is all the amazing wildflowers that start to bloom. Here are some of our favorite hikes where you can see beautiful wildflowers in bloom: Lace up those hiking boots and don’t forget your camera.
Canyon Creek Meadows: Camp Sherman, Oregon
The hike to Canyon Creek Meadows is a beautiful, moderate hike through an alpine forest that will take you through amazing wildflower meadows that are a real treat to experience in the early spring. This is a very popular route, and for a good reason. The 7-mile loop starts at Jack Lake after a rough drive up to the trailhead, and it gradually climbs up 2,000 ft. in elevation gain to get to this fantastic destination. Make sure you bring your camera on this one – the views are incredible! Best to climb– May and June.
Bar Island, Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine
Experience the beauty of Bar Island in Acadia National Park! The gravel bar connecting the town of Bar Harbor and Bar Island is exposed for 1.5 hours before and after low tide, providing opportunities to investigate small tide pools. Once on the island, the Bar Island Trail gradually ascends through the forest on an old road to various open sections with Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay views. The island is full of lupines in blue, purple, and pink in spring—absolutely stunning! Check out the full guide to exploring this beautiful National Park.
Mitchell Lake Trail to Blue Lake: Brainard Lake Recreation Area: Ward, Colorado
Mitchell Lake Trail is a 6.6 mile, out-and-back trail near Ward, Colorado, that offers beautiful scenery and a challenging route. This popular trail is open year-round, but the best times to visit are June through October, when you’ll encounter wildflowers in full bloom. Crossing Mitchell Creek along the way, this trail is perfect for hikers of all levels. Get the Best Backpack for Photographers
Treasure Loop Trail, Lost Dutchman State Park: Apache Junction, Arizona
If you’ve never hiked in Arizona you are missing out. Springtime in the desert is one of the most spectacular times of year so if you’re heading to the Phoenix or Scottsdale area this is a must. The Treasure Loop Trail is a beautiful 2.3-mile hike that features stunning wildflowers and commanding views of the desert landscape. Rated as moderate, this trail is perfect for hikers and runners looking for a challenging but rewarding experience. The best time of year to visit is from October through May.
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Lancaster, California
Come explore the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve and witness one of nature’s most incredible displays. From mid-February to late May, the reserve comes alive with a blanket of California poppies, creating a landscape of colorful beauty. With 8 miles of moderate trails to wander, you can truly immerse yourself in this stunning springtime spectacle. The reserve is currently open with restrictions, so be sure to check the website here before visiting. Discover more California hikes.
403 Trail, Crested Butte, CO
The 403 Trail in Crested Butte Colorado. This is one of the most challenging Mountain biking trails in Crested Butte but also makes for a beautiful hike among thousands of wildflowers that turn the mountain purple, yellow, red, and white when you visit in the late spring-early summer. This trail also can take you up to the summit of Gothic Mountain for those looking for a rocky and narrow summit experience as well.
There are few states with a more extraordinary outdoor reputation than Colorado, and you’ll understand why when you walk along paths like the Rustler Gulch Trail and Lower Loop Trail in Crested Butte. The landscape of Crested Butte (known as the wildflower capital of Colorado) is painted in yellow alpine sunflowers, lavender elephant’s heads, and indigo larkspur.
The best time for wildflowers in Colorado is July—especially during the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which offers photography classes and art shows. Speaking of beauty, Elk Avenue is nearly as colorful as the wildflowers, and you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants to check out after your hike. Discover more about hiking in Colorado.
Shenandoah National Park Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is home to more than 850 distinct kinds of wildflowers nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Look for pastel-colored liverwort and white bloodroot in late March.
You will see purple trillium, yellow and purple violets, wild geraniums, and pink lady slippers in the late spring. If you visit in the summer, you will find columbines, ox-eye daisies, and orange touch-me-not. Skyline Drive is the most popular route for flower viewers, and in fact, you can simply cruise along the windy road to spot flora and fauna. Walk along the South River Falls, Mill Prong, and Rose River trails for the best views.
Columbia River Gorge in Washington
On your hike up Dog Mountain, the first thing you’ll notice is how much color there is. The lush greenery of red paintbrush, blue lupine, and yellow balsamroot make for a perfect view as they burst out from between tall mountainsides in all shapes and sizes. It’s not easy getting here, though; prepare yourself as this 7-mile round trip hike is steep. However, the views of Mt. Helen’s and the Columbia River Gorge are well worth the effort.
Cottonwood Creek Trails-Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana
Located in the Bozeman District of Custer Gallatin National Forest, the three different Cottonwood Trails (South, Middle & North) offer dense forest and meadow landscapes as they meander next to Cottonwood Creek. Much noted as a hike for a hot day thanks to the adjacent cold waters of Cottonwood Creek, the best reason to get on these trails between June and August is the wildflowers that take over the area, presenting a stunning view of alpine excellence. All three trails provide different flora options, and all three trails provide different experiences in terms of hiking difficulty but check them out in the right season. All three won’t fail to stimulate your springtime senses.
Pisgah National Forest-Pink Beds Trail Loop, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a laidback hike with plenty of pretty views, Pink Beds is the spot for you. This five-mile loop in Pisgah National Forest is perfect for all skill levels – there’s hardly any elevation change, so it’s great if you’re not used to climbing mountains! You’ll love the shaded paths and abundance of pretty wildflowers in the summertime. And be sure to check out the overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway – it’s definitely worth a stop.
Taylor Creek Loop, Tosohatchee Preserve: Christmas, Florida
This may not be a trail with colorful and lush wildflowers like the west but, you will find rich hued greenery and unique foliage. Located along the St. Johns River near Cocoa, the Taylor Creek Loop is a 4.7-mile loop that will take you through lush greenery you can only find in Florida. The occidental palm trees provide much-needed shade from the hot Florida sun. In the spring, you will be treated to beautiful blooms as you make your way through this 4.7-mile loop.
Tips for finding Wildflower Hikes Near Me
If you’re looking for a wildflower hike near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Spring is the best time of year to see wildflowers in bloom, so try to plan your hike around that time frame. You can also check local park or forest websites for information on upcoming wildflower hikes and events. Additionally, you can use online resources like All Trails or Hiking Project to find hikes near you known for their wildflower sightings. If you need help finding a hike near you, drop a comment down below and check out some of the other great hikes here on the AA BLOG.
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Beautiful. I can confirm that Oregon is FULL of wildflowers come May/June. We visited last June and they were everywhere. Love it!