Although the Dowdy Draw – Spring Brook – Goshawk Ridge Loop is 8 miles long, it is on the easy side of moderate to hike. Along the way you will see varied scenery, including some great views of Eldorado Canyon, and the Front Range mountains.
Lake Isabelle is a beautiful alpine lake all on its own, but if you’re a fan of wildflowers, the hike to and around the lake features an amazing variety of wildflowers in the summertime. The Jean Lunning Trail that skirts Long Lake on the way out in particular is a wildflower goldmine.
If you are a fan of wildflowers, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the wildflower capital of Colorado, Crested Butte. In particular, the Snodgrass Mountain meadow and Brush Creek/East River Trail had the best displays of wildflowers at this time. You can see hills blanketed with a variety of wildflowers and rare flowers such as the Monument Plant in abundance.
Rabbit Mountain features several trails where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride. For hiking, the Eagle Wind Trail loop hike is most recommended by locals. This hike features wildflowers, wildlife, and views of the Rocky Mountains.
Interim Joder Trail is a pleasant hike with some nice views, but the wildflowers were definitely the highlight of the hike. If you are a fan of wildflowers, I would recommend taking a short hike along this trail.
This loop around Homestead Trail and the Mesa Trail, with some added mileage on the Shadow Canyon South Trail is a relatively easy hike of 4.15 miles with a total of 800 ft elevation gain. These trails, located in South Boulder, provide lush green scenery at this time of year with beautiful views of the mountains, including the Flatirons, as well as an abundance of wildflowers.
Veach Gap Trail was not too strenuous, but enough of a hike to get good exercise, and had gorgeous views at the top. Even though there were many people visiting, there are a few viewpoint spots at the top, providing enough space for everyone to enjoy the view.
Our camping trip to Spruce Knob was enjoyable. There are many excellent camping spots next to the water source of Seneca Creek, making it an ideal destination for backpacking.
The Dolly Sods North loop is excellent both for a day hike or for a backpacking trip. The beauty of the sweeping scenery and boulderfield are memorable.
Our first backpacking trip was a success and we fell in love with the sweeping landscapes and mixed forests of Dolly Sods Wilderness. With it’s many camp spots next to rivers and beautiful variety of nature, this southern half of Dolly Sods Wilderness is a perfect place to go backpacking.
