Meeker, which is surrounded by public lands, is a must-see destination for photographers, hikers, and anyone looking for spectacular wildflower viewing.
During the spring and early summer season view cactus blooms, prickly pear and Western Springbeauty. During the summer, hike the trails in the White River National Forest and Flat Tops Wilderness to view endless meadows full of vibrant wildflowers such as Subalpine Larkspur, Fireweed, and Arrowroot Balsomroot.
Wildlfowers as big as your face!
Subalpine larkspur are large plants with deep blue to purple flowers that reach heights of 3 to 6 feet. See them intermixed with the large, white, lacy umbels of cow parsnip and loveroot, which hold their flowers at similar heights. Mountain lakes in July and August are covered with them!
Saddle up with one of the local horseback outfitters and enjoy a trip into Meadow Lake, Trapper’s Lake, Ute Creek, Skinny Fish, Big Fish, Mirror Lake and a variety of additional remote, picturesque locations.
Hiking on foot will get you up close to marvel at the details of the wildflowers. Park at Trappers Lake Lodge and hike to Trappers Lake, which has a shoreline trail that takes hikers through patches of fireweed, rosy paintbrush, and goldeneye. Flower lovers should also take the mile-long spur path up to Little Trappers Lake, where colorful fireweed has proliferated after the Big Fish fire. Click here to view a detailed list of hiking trails in the White River National Forest.
“To cover a lot of ground, ride miles of designated OHV trails that are part of the Wagon Wheel OHV Trail System. Flag Creek, Miller Creek, Hay Flats, Sleepy Cat Peak and the Fawn Creek Trails for some of the best for wildflower viewing.” Photo By Michelle Cox
GETTING HERE
If you are traveling from Steamboat Springs, Yampa or Meeker, the Flat Tops Trail Scenic Byway (Co Rd 8) will open up in late May. Fuel up and pack a picnic for your road trip to view the mixed groups of wildflowers along the White River Valley.
From the south, take the Buford/Newcastle Road north and pass through shady Aspen forests. The moist understory of these aspen communities is teeming with wildflowers. Lupine is a pretty blooming flower with divided leaves. It can be from 1 to 3 feet tall. Columbine, our state flower is prolific here too.
Visit Meeker this SUMMER
Visit Meeker and the surrounding area for a one-of-a-kind experience in the wilderness. Stay overnight at a lodge or cabin and explore all that our public lands have to offer. The Meeker Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center at 710 Market Street has maps and info to enhance your visit.
For detailed information on wildflowers and other native plants, check out the Celebrating Wildflowers website. Celebrating Wildflowers is dedicated to the enjoyment of the thousands of wildflowers growing on our national forests and grasslands, and to educating the public about the many values of native plants.
