Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
Every summer, Utah's mountains shake off their dour white winter clothes and slip into nature's equivalent of a colorful sundress: vivid wildflowers.
The same slopes that just months ago hosted skiers and powdery snow transform into stunning wildflower meadows throughout the state.
Picture fields of columbine, paintbrush, lupine and yarrow framed by blue skies and alpine peaks (extra points if you break into a "Sound of Music" song when doing so).
Whether you're a hardcore hiker prepared to brave the toughest trails while in floral pursuit or you're simply content to ride a chairlift and enjoy the sea of blooms below, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Utah's wildflowers.
Choose from some of the best hikes, walks, and yes, ski lifts, to decide your summer wildflower itinerary!
Know when to go
Before you dive into planning your botanical adventure, take a moment to learn about which wildflowers bloom, and when, in the Beehive State.
You'll want to do a bit of research to catch the flowers in all their glory. To learn 10 of the most common wildflowers you'll see in Utah, check out this handy guide from Ski Utah.
Wildflower season typically begins earlier at lower elevations and hotter climates.
Southern Utah enjoys wildflowers from March to June, while the Wasatch Front may not see many varieties until July. A good rule of thumb to "follow the bloom" is to hunt for wildflowers at lower elevations earlier in the summer and climb to higher elevations by mid-July and August.
- Early summer (May-June): Globe Mallow, Sego Lily, Silvery Lupine, Blue Flax
- Mid to late summer (July-August): Paintbrush, Columbine, Fireweed, Elephant's Head
Weather can also affect wildflower seasons. A dry winter usually means flowers starting in early spring, while heavy snowfall can stretch blooming well into August and September.
Where to find the best wildflowers
Wherever you live in Utah, there are gorgeous wildflowers within reach. Here are some of the best spots to visit this summer.
Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain in Eden (near Ogden) offers plenty to do in the summer with its panoramic mountain views and stunning wildflower displays.
Trails wind through vibrant bursts of lupine, paintbrush, balsamroot and blue flax, and the quiet atmosphere make it ideal for wildflower lovers seeking an uncrowded experience.
Take the Paper Airplane trail, a family-friendly one-mile loop for up-close wildflower viewing for your little ones.
Plus, you'll see the giant paper airplane sculpture! Brim trail offers a bit more challenge—clocking in at 6.5 miles and 511 feet of elevation gain—and rewards you with endless flower-filled meadows and groves of aspen and fir trees.
Solitude/Brighton
The wildflowers at Solitude and Brighton ski resorts are so good, they host one of the weekends for the Wasatch Wildflower Festival!
There are many trails and options to choose from, packed within the two ski resort areas.
Try Lake Solitude trail, where you can enjoy an easy three-mile walk with a variety of wildflowers.
You might spot a moose on the 4.6-mile Lake Catherine trail. Or you can complete the Brighton Lakes Loop, a seven-mile loop with boulder fields, wildflower meadows, and seven lakes in as many miles.
Albion Basin
If you only do one wildflower adventure this summer, make it Albion Basin. It's the best-known and most popular spot for good reason! Prepare for some serious meadow frolicking, Julie Andrews style.
Visit Utah says, "Follow Little Cottonwood Canyon Road to Alta Ski Resort during the summer and you'll drive straight to one of the best wildflower-viewing spots in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest... Albion Basin is a high-altitude meadow filled with more than 120 species of plants.
Peak season for lupine, paintbrush, columbine and sunflowers is mid-July to early August."
Beginner-friendly trails include Cecret Lake, at 1.8 miles and 465 feet of elevation gain, or the Albion Meadows trail, which is 3.6 miles roundtrip.
Sign up to attend the Wasatch Wildflower Festival at Snowbird July 19 and Alta July 20, which runs from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. both days.
Tony Grove
If you'd rather have your wildflower viewing with a side of picnicking and swimming, visit Tony Grove Lake near Logan. The day-use area has six picnic sites and multiple trailheads.
The easiest trail is the Tony Grove Nature Trail, which takes visitors on a 1.2 mile-loop through vivid daisies, paintbrushes, lupine, columbine, and mountain sunflowers. The alpine lake is a chilly but memorable way to cool off after your walk!
Brian Head
Nestled at nearly 11,000 feet, Brian Head Resort and nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers each summer.
The Alpine Pond Trail is one of Utah's most underrated wildflower destinations and is an easy 2.2 mile loop.
The annual Wildflower Festival from July 4–12 at Cedar Breaks features guided walks and interpretive talks, highlighting over 250 species — like aspen bluebells, silvery lupine, and Colorado columbine.
Tips for your best wildflower walk
Visit at peak bloom times so you don't miss out on the best and brightest colors.
Download the iNaturalist app for a crowdsourced, verified way to see actual submissions of what is currently blooming near you. You can search for trails and destinations near you to see what's in season.
Always stay on the trail. As these spots get more popular (thanks, Tiktok), unscrupulous visitors can trample flowers trying to get the perfect shot, which ruins the experience for future visitors.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in, and don't leave any trash.
Don't pick the wildflowers. While it's tempting to bring home a gorgeous bouquet, the plants are an important part of the ecosystem and should be left alone.
Be prepared! Always carry water and dress appropriately for the weather.
