Three Wildflower Hikes

The wildflowers around crested butte draw admirers every year.

Courtesy visitcrestedbutte.com

Mayflower Gulch

Closest town: Frisco
Directions: Take Exit 195 off I-70, go south on Hwy. 91 toward Leadville. Trailhead is on your left after 5.3 miles.
Difficulty/length: moderate; 5–6 miles out and back
Elevation gain/max elevation: 1,500 feet up to 12,472 feet
Dogs: Allowed
Extras: You’ll pass old mining ruins, too.

Devil’s Thumb Lake

Closest town: Nederland
Directions: Parking is limited, so drive to Nederland and take the Hessie Trailhead shuttle (bouldercounty. org/open-space/parks-andtrails/ hessie-trailhead)
Difficulty/length: Moderate to difficult; 13.7 miles round trip to the lake
Elevation gain/max elevation: 2,400 feet up to 11,682
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Extras: Snowmelt streams, great views, and occasional moose

Copper Creek Trail

Closest town: Crested Butte
Directions: From Crested Butte, go north six miles on Gothic Road #317 to Road 317.3A. Difficulty/length: Moderate to difficult; 12 miles out and back
Elevation gain/max elevation: 1,400 feet up to 11,320 feet
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Extras: Go July 5–14 and enjoy the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

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