Everyone knows that Colorado is colorful, but until you have seen it ablaze in pinks, yellows, blues, and purples, you have yet to see just how vibrant it can be! What is the best way to experience the colorful landscape in all of its glory? We suggest taking this Colorado trail that is brimming with wildflowers and just begging to be visited:
Crested Butte is nicknamed the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” so it only makes sense that it is home to one of the best wildflower hikes in the state!
Flickr/flamouroux
Get ready for a brilliant trek when you take on Rustler’s Gulch; this 9-mile out-and-back trail that may sound daunting, but is actually fairly easy to navigate.
All Trails/Zach Schonberger
The journey is best taken between June and October, when you’re sure to see an endless sea of over 100 different species of fragrant wildflowers.
All Trails/beth hendrickson
Don’t let the distance of the Rustler’s Gulch trail keep you from embarking on this colorful adventure; the hike is only rated moderately difficult due to its smooth terrain and minimal elevation gain.
All Trails/Zach Schonberger
The wildflowers reach their peak blooming season from mid-July to mid-August, so plan your visit accordingly!
AllTrails / Carla Jaramillo-Ford
Ready to hike?
All Trails/beth hendrickson From Crested Butte, take Gothic Road north past Mt. Crested Butte for approximately four miles. You will pass by the Snodgrass Trailhead parking lot and descend into the East River Valley. Continue driving for another 6.5 miles past Gothic until you reach Rustler Gulch Road. Turn right onto Rustler Gulch Road and cross the East River, where you will find a small parking area and the Rustler Gulch trailhead.
Once you park and find the trailhead, you can expect to see beautiful blooms from the get-go!
All Trails/Diego Restrepo
The out-and-back trail can typically be completed in 4 to 5 hours.
All Trails/Medha Vora See you there!
Address: Crested Butte, CO 81224
Flickr/flamouroux
All Trails/Zach Schonberger
All Trails/beth hendrickson
AllTrails / Carla Jaramillo-Ford
From Crested Butte, take Gothic Road north past Mt. Crested Butte for approximately four miles. You will pass by the Snodgrass Trailhead parking lot and descend into the East River Valley. Continue driving for another 6.5 miles past Gothic until you reach Rustler Gulch Road. Turn right onto Rustler Gulch Road and cross the East River, where you will find a small parking area and the Rustler Gulch trailhead.
All Trails/Diego Restrepo
All Trails/Medha Vora
See you there!
Have you had the opportunity to hike Rustler’s Gulch? Do you recommend other incredible wildflower trails? Either way, let us know in the comments!
While you are visiting Crested Butte, make sure to also check out Not Many People Know About This Unforgettable Colorado Summer Fun Park.
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