Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

5.0

4.2 miles 743 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail

Save Add Review Get Directions Add Photo

Mountainsides covered in wildflowers with panoramic views of the Gore Range and Holy Cross Wilderness.

Shrine Ridge is one of the most incredible wildflower spots in the state of Colorado. Not only is the area incredibly beautiful with carpets of flowers covering verdant mountainsides, it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Denver. The ridge summit is a short 2-mile hike from the parking area at Shrine Pass and winds through marshy meadows, pine forests, burn areas, and rocky outcroppings. Shrine Ridge was named for its sweeping view of Mt. of the Holy Cross and the area was originally a Ute Indian Trail.

Depending on snowpack and rain, the timing can vary for peak wildflowers; late July to early August is typical peak. Please respect the wildflowers and preserve the area for others to enjoy: don't walk through, trample, or pick the wildflowers.

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Go Pro.

We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!

Learn More

Reviews

Rate this Adventure

Gabi Robledo

🥇Top Contributor

Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

over 2 years ago

Great easy hike

This is a great easy hike if you're in the area. Went in July but sadly no wildflowers. Amazing views of the Gore Range at the top!

5.0

Anna Groman

Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

almost 3 years ago

Incredible wildflowers

This hike was quite easy and absolutely beautiful! I hiked it in mid-July and the wildflowers were in full bloom. Definitely would recommend!

5.0

Gayle Nobel

Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

over 3 years ago

All Time Colorado Favorite

This hike has everything. Stunning views gorgeous flowers snow patches in July altitude. We loved it!

5.0

Rachel Deloffre

Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

over 3 years ago

Stunning Every Step Of The Way

This hike was absolutely gorgeous and not too difficult. A diverse landscape with a couple of snow fields in early July. Gorgeous wildflowers. We went to the right once we reached the top of the ridge, which was a great choice. The views just kept getting better! Parking was easy and hike was dog friendly.

5.0

Kelley Dodge

🥈 Contributor

Hike through Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge

about 4 years ago

Stunning Wildflowers!

Hiked this trail in July and the wildflowers were breathtaking, covering the mountainside. We got an early start ~ 7am to miss crowds. Trail was empty at that time (we only passed one other group), but on our way back to the trailhead we passed lots of people just heading out.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.