Wildflowers Send Splashes of Color Across the San Juans
A San Juan Wildflower Guide
If you happen to be in Telluride during the spring San Juan wildflower blooms, you are in for a treat of flower power. The high-alpine wildflowers native to this area radiate against the majestic mountain scenery and the blue sky. Below is the San Juan wildflower guide that will help you identify the indigenous wildflowers as you hike through the area.
Lupine
This blue-purple wildflower grows in meadows from ponderosa forests up to the alpine elevations. June is the best time to see these blooming en masse, along the golf course and Jurassic Trail in Mountain Village.
Paintbrush
From semi-desert foothills to the high alpine, varieties can be found at almost any mountain elevation, ranging in color from common scarlet to pale yellow to rosy pink. Look for alpine varieties along the Wasatch Trail.
Fireweed
These reddish-purple flowers get their name from their ability to rapidly colonize recently burned or disturbed areas. Find them blooming later in the summer, along the San Miguel River Trail.
Columbine
The Colorado state flower, this montane-to-subalpine dweller loves sprouting in rocky soils. The ubiquitous Blue Columbine can be found in moist, open areas and on rocky slopes, such as along Ophir Pass.
Mule’s Ears
These happy, yellow flowers are widespread in open, sunny areas at elevations of 8,000 to 9,000 feet. Some of the first summer wildflowers to bloom, watch for them on the Valley Floor and mesas tops.
Monk’s Hood
Subalpine stream sides and wetland areas provide the perfect habitat for these tall, striking, dark purple beauties. Look for them while hiking Bear Creek Falls or driving up to the Lake Hope trailhead.
Elephant’s Head
These whimsical pink flowers resemble tiny elephant heads, complete with trunks. They grow in wet, high-elevation meadows—perfectly at home around Ice Lakes or American Basin.
Western Pasqueflower
Often spotted by their fluffy seed heads in mid-summer, these early bloomers feature pale purple petals. Find them in subalpine meadows along Blue Lakes Trail or near Lizard Head Pass.
Alpine Sunflower
Golden, daisy-like blooms that thrive above the tree line in rocky tundra. Watch for them while traversing high passes like Engineer or on the ridgeline near Bridal Veil Basin.
King’s Crown & Queen’s Crown
These succulent plants bloom in tight clusters—red for King’s, pink for Queen’s. They thrive in alpine wetlands and bogs, especially in places like Yankee Boy Basin.
Sky Pilot
Sweet-smelling and sky-blue, these cushiony flowers live in wind-swept alpine environments above 12,000 feet. Try looking for them near the summit of Mt. Sneffels or along the high ridges near Imogene Pass.
When exploring these fragile alpine environments, always stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect sensitive plant life. And please, never pick wildflowers. Allow them to seed for future generations to enjoy.
— Martinique Davis with Yvette Hensen of Colorado State University
