Best Summer Wildflowers In Colorado: American Basin

All flowers are beautiful, but there’s something extra special about wildflowers. Wildflowers come in countless shapes, sizes, and colors, and when you come around a curve on a hiking trail and see a field full of them, it’s often enough to make you gasp at their beauty. In the highest elevations of Colorado, the time during which wildflowers thrive is often short, but they really pop in our great state in a way that you don’t see anywhere else. If you’re looking for summer wildflowers in Colorado, then you’re going to love American Basin near Lake City.

American Basin is a high alpine basin that is surrounded by cliffs. Elevations here range from 11,300 to 14,000 feet. It's incredibly beautiful.

The wildflowers here peak from mid-July to early August. People come from all over the state and even from all over the country and beyond to see this massive yet short wildflower bloom.

There are dozens of different kinds of flowers in American Basin. They represent every color of the rainbow!

You can count on seeing some Colorado Columbines when you visit this area. It's Colorado's state flower.

Some other common species in American Basin include Marsh Marigolds, Parry's Primrose, Owl's Clover, Larkspur, and Monk's Hood.

You might also see some Sneezeweed, Old man of the Mountain, King's Crown, Rose Crown, or Elephant's Head flowers just to name a few more.

Everywhere you look, you'll be surrounded by color and beauty.

Oh yeah - there's also a creek with some beautiful waterfalls.

You'll love hiking around this area to check it all out.

Some people even camp up there, but remember to bring warm clothes. It's very cold at that high of an elevation at night, and even during the day sometimes - even in the summer.

American Basin is one of the best places in Colorado to see wildflowers. This place will blow you away!

You’ll have to hike to get deep into American Basin and see summer wildflowers in Colorado, but you can get to the basin by vehicle – however, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is highly, highly recommended. You can rent a Jeep in Lake City to make the trek if you don’t want to endanger your own car. No matter what it takes, though – get up to American Basin because this place will stick with you forever!

If you’re not sure what to bring with you on your hike, check out our ultimate hiking packing list for ideas!

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American Basin, Colorado 81235, USA

This Colorado Trail And Area Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers

Christy Articola

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