As a photographer, I’m always on the hunt for new places to document and explore. But as awesome as it is to unexpectedly stumble upon somewhere new, sometimes having a game plan is ideal! As spring awakens the rolling landscapes of Wyoming, every corner of the state’s vast plains and rugged mountainsides burst to life in a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers. Spring blooming season brings a splash of color to Wyoming’s already breathtaking scenery with patches of Indian paintbrushes, lupines, and sunflowers adding a little extra magic to the state’s richly-hued backdrops. While I can’t possibly list every wildflower-studded meadow in Wyoming, this road trip shows off a few highlights!
Sundance White Ranch Park is a hidden gem to many, but well worth a visit in every season. This historic spot is a beautiful, 100-acre natural area and non-profit park located at the foot of Sundance Mountain that boasts a plethora of trails, events, and nature experiences for all ages. Keep an eye out for aspen, juniper, Indian paintbrush (the Wyoming state flower), ponderosa pine, and a multitude of native flowers and grasses, and be sure to grab a brochure from the SWRP website so you can check each species off your list!
About half an hour east of Laramie, Pole Mountain is one of the first places in Wyoming to see wildflowers every spring. This area, sprawling over approximately 55,000 acres, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, from large rock outcrops and rolling hills to short grass prairies and an array of tree species - all of which become flooded with colorful wildflowers. Late spring to early summer showcases a variety of blooms, including the especially rare Golden Lupine and Wyoming's state flower, the majestic Indian Paintbrush. The Tie City and Happy Jack trail systems kick off here, leading to even more hidden pockets of flowers.
Pilot Peak might be known for its wild horses and easily recognizable shape, but there's a softer side to this jagged mountain and its surroundings. Some of the most abundant lupine patches in the state can be found in this area, and the sweeping meadows that make up the valley floor simply come alive with wild color. Keep an eye out for Autumn Sneezeweed, Indian Paintbrush, and a fantastic array of tiny groundcover florals.
Contained within the Pole Mountain area is Vedauwoo - Wyoming's beloved geological playground. Here, intermixed with the granite rock formations and pines is a brilliant patchwork carpet of Pasque flowers and Balsamroot - among many others!
Where to even begin? If hitting the trails is out of the question, wildflower enthusiasts will still find plenty to ogle in Laramie proper, starting with a colorful stroll along the Laramie Greenbelt. Or, keep that camera handy and head out to one of the Plains Lakes! These marshy bodies of water don't get much attention beyond fishermen looking for a bite, but the meadows surrounding each of these five lakes (Hattie, Meeboer, Galett, Sodergreen, and Twin Buttes) are all typically bursting with delicate blooms. You can also opt for a less "wild" (but still beautiful) experience at the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center on the University of Wyoming campus.
Travelers along the Snowy Range Scenic Byway are likely to be treated to seasonal roadside displays without even stepping foot out of the vehicle. However, there's no denying that getting out and hiking is the best way to get up close and personal with such beauty! Columbine, Forget-Me-Nots, and other gorgeous flowers are positively overflowing along the Upper and Lower Gap Lake Trails, while Sugarloaf Mountain is a treasure trove of Marsh Marigolds, Queen's Crown, and Rocky Mountain Iris, just to name a few. And set against the rugged mountain backdrop… absolute perfection.
Heading farther west now, around 30 minutes outside of Jackson, Munger Mountain boasts a huge network of trails that meander through spectacular aspen groves and are swimming in a rainbow of wildflowers. Every corner offers something new, but for a particularly scenic hike, take the Wally’s World Trail up to the ridge where a sweeping view of the Teton Valley awaits.
Tucked away near Teton Pass, Ski Lake is just one glittering facet of a larger recreation area that has become especially popular with mountain bikers. The trail to the lake is a quick three-mile day trip hike that meanders through a variety of landscapes, each punctuated by a myriad of wildflowers. The hillsides that stretch off into the distance glow particularly brightly during golden hour.
Perhaps one of the best-known wildflower hotspots in the state, the Jackson Wildflower Trail stretches from Teton Village up to the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort - and shows off a whole lot of beauty along the way!
This iconic, but challenging, 20-mile trail is not for novices, but rather for prepared endurance hikers and backpackers seeking scenic reward after reward. As you climb the Paintbrush Canyon Trail, connect with the Divide, and head down into Cascade Canyon, you'll discover that this already-stunning natural wonder is also a goldmine of wildflowers. You'll find them tucked around the trails, enveloping the many lakes (Holly, Solitude, Inspiration Point), and beautifully paving the way to Hidden Falls.
Please note that many of the stops presented here involve hiking and are best undertaken as their own day trip – we’re hopping all over the state on this trip! Since Wyoming’s wildflowers typically hit their peak moving from lowest to highest elevation, break this road trip up as necessary to make the most of the entire spring and summer wildflower season (typically April-July). Grab the map and start planning!
If you have any favorite trails, parks, gardens, or side trip suggestions along this route, feel free to share.
