This post is about a few Wildflower Hikes near Breckenridge, Colorado. It’s warm and sunny these days up in the high country, and there’s even a drought like condition out there. So, be careful with backyard fires (Breck homes need a permit for fire pits now) and enjoy the summer with a few choice hikes. If you haven’t been yet, check out a sampling of Lower Cataract Lake, Shrine Ridge and Mayflower Gulch through our videos below.
If you’d like other suggestions for wildflower hikes, or want to check out some prime property that has access to meadows filled with wildflowers, send us a message through out contact page, or call Dina, who is an avid wildflower lover.
We know lots of neighborhoods in the Summit County area, including ones that have singletrack criss crossing them, including our own listing at 1144 Discovery Hill. Click here to see details about that new build in The Highlands in Breckenridge.
Lower Cataract Lake
Just 16 miles north of Silverthorne is Green Mountain Reservoir and the roads that lead to the trailhead of Cataract lakes. The lower lake is enough for most people, and is a nice loop around a lake. It has a few ups and downs, but most would call it a relatively flat hike.
It has some of the largest Columbine fields I’ve ever seen, and not that far into the hike. So, if you’re pressed for time, head to the left and you’ll find those within about 15-20 minutes.
This is an off-the-beaten path hike, so look it up on the map,and fair warning, you’ll be out of cell service when you’re up there, but most might consider that a good thing these days!
Shrine Ridge near Vail
A very popular hike, but for good reason. Parking at Vail Pass is plentiful, but you will also see all those people on the trail too. Everyone takes the same route and are generally friendly, so be patient and step to the side on tighter trail sections. Lots of big open meadows will be crossed on the way up to the higher part of the trail.
Once you’ve gained the ridge, you can choose to go left or right and explore. Bring some snacks and cold beverages for a picnic. Pack a rain jacket and keep your eye on the clouds. Descend if you start to feel the wind pick up quickly and hear rumbling in the distance. Most showers pass fast, so hunker down under an umbrella and it’ll soon be over.
Head down to Vail for a nice dinner, or stop in Frisco for the closest town in Summit. Either way, you’ll have lots of fun choices. Foote’s has ice cream and an outdoor space if you are craving something cold after a long, hot hike.
Mayflower Gulch near Copper Mountain
On the way towards Leadville from Copper Mountain is a superb hidden valley called Mayflower Gulch. It’s literally the backside of the mountain range that includes the Breckenridge Ski Resort and some even ski here in the winter. But, in the summer, a nice walk on a road brings you to a set of dilapidated cabins and roads and trails continue if you’re motivated.
Most turn around at the cabins, but we recommend bringing some snacks and going higher up and to the right. There you’ll gain the ridge and will be able to look at the magnificent Gore Range in the distance.
Afterwards, head up to Leadville for lunch or dinner, or back down to Summit County and choose from one of the many craft breweries like Angry James in Silverthorne, or Outer Range in Frisco. Other classics include Dillon Dam Brewery, the Breckenridge Brewery and Broken Compass.
Breckenridge Real Estate and Property
When you’re up in Summit County and want to look at Rocky Mountain real estate, just let us know what your dream home set up is all about and we’ll see what we can do about finding you that perfect fit for your family. Live your dreams!
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