Wildflowers are often associated with the newness of spring and the end of winter’s icy grasp. But fortunately for Wyomingites, colorful blooms can be found popping up across the state nearly year-round, courtesy of the Cowboy State’s diverse landscape and varying altitudes. These vibrant floral displays are a dream for photographers and offer a fantastic, multicolored backdrop for backcountry hikers. Of course, when most people think of Wyoming’s best wildflower hikes, the Tetons instantly come to mind – and rightfully so! But for those itching for some flora a little farther east, Wyoming won’t let you down. Although, it might surprise you to learn that one of the best places to ogle wildflowers in Wyoming is actually right from your car on a scenic byway!
Grab that camera and hit the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to see what we mean.
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway has repeatedly been named one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. Surrounded on all sides by the Snowies, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, and some of the most pristine views in the state, it's easy to see why!
Time your drive just right and alongside the larger-than-life picturesque views, you'll also encounter a magnificent tapestry of wildflowers including Wyoming's state flower, Indian Paintbrush!
The high altitude of the Snowy Range creates the perfect conditions for late summer blooms. Richly-hued Lupine and a rainbow of ground cover flowers intermingle with the rocks, pines, and grasses that dot the mountainsides.
Aside from their abundance and diversity, part of what makes wildflower viewing in the Snowies so fantastic is the phenomenal backdrop that the mountains create for the flowers themselves. The rugged granite peaks and clear alpine lakes in the distance create a scene that is nothing short of breathtaking.
The Snowy Range Scenic Byway stretches for approximately 30 miles from Centennial to Saratoga and offers magnificent scenery around every curve from a soaring height of around 8,000 feet. You'll find a plethora of overlook opportunities to pull over and enjoy the sights.
Do note that the byway typically opens around late May or early June, depending on snowfall.
However, if you can't get enough of Wyoming's magnificent roadside wildflowers from your car, experiencing the colorful scene is always better up close! Venturing off into the heart of the mountains is a sure way to experience peak Wyoming beauty.
Sheep Mountain Trail is another great place to encounter summer wildflowers. Lengthy, but gorgeous, the higher parts of this trail cross a natural basin that fosters snowmelt streams and wetlands… resulting in a fantastic variety of wildflowers like Marsh Marigolds, Queen's Crown, and Rocky Mountain Iris, just to name a few.
The best time to experience Wyoming's wildflower season along the byway is late July through early August. Plan in advance to make sure you have your perfect trail route picked out! (You really can't go wrong, though.)
It's illegal to pluck Indian Paintbrush, as well as remove anything from a national park or protected area. We want to preserve this beautiful landscape for generations to come!
Simply admire from afar. It's pretty fantastic, we think!
Of course, the Snowy Range is just one of countless places to enjoy Wyoming’s vibrant wildflower displays. Wyoming is full of pretty little wildflower trails of every level and in every corner of the state. Grab a trail app to help you find even more of these hidden gems!
For a challenging hike that leads to an unexpected surprise, there’s a trail in Wyoming that leads to the remnants of the 1955 Flight 409 wreckage.,
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