A Bloom-Filled Itinerary: 3 Days in Crested Butte During Wildflower Season
At Vaquera House, we believe a getaway should do more than just help you unplug – it should fill you up. And there’s no better time to feel filled to the brim than wildflower season in Crested Butte. The hills come alive with color, the trails soften with fresh blooms, and the air smells like something straight out of a daydream.
If you’re dreaming of mountain mornings and fields of flowers, we’ve developed a 3-day itinerary that blends wild beauty with the kind of comfort you’ll only find at a place like ours.
Day One: Settle In & Stroll
Welcome to the beautiful town of Crested Butte. Check into Vaquera House, and soak up those big mountain views. Your room? Cozy, luxe and ready to wrap you in high-country hospitality.
Evening Stroll: Woods Walk Trail is located just a few blocks from the hotel and is the perfect way to ease into things. The Woods Walk Trail starts with an aspen grove with big payoffs – think blooming Columbines, early season Lupine, and the kind of golden-hour light that makes your phone camera look like it went to art school.
For dinner, make reservations ahead of time at Sunflower for a delicious farm to table mountain meal and a good glass of wine. You’ve earned it – even if you didn’t break a sweat.
Day Two: Hit the Trails and Chase the Blooms
Morning Hike: Rustlers Gulch is a great way to get those steps in after your delicious, chef prepared breakfast at Vaquera House.
Rustlers Gulch Trail is legendary during wildflower season. It’s got it all: dramatic peaks, gentle meadows, and more blooms than your camera roll can handle.
Take a picnic lunch with you. We recommend grabbing Frank’s Deli, located just steps from the hotel, for the best sandwiches in town. Find a sunny patch near the creek and dine al fresco, surrounded by thousands of wildflowers and the kind of silence you can only get this high up.
Afternoon spa soak at Vaquera House, kick off those dusty hiking boots and dip into the hot tub. Or – take a nap. That’s what vacations are for.
Evening Sunset: Paradise Divide is a short drive from the hotel if you still have some gas in the tank. Sunsets here will stop you in your tracks. Be sure and stop by Secret Stash to pick up a delicious pizza to go, pack a flask and a blanket. Trust us.
Day Three: Slow Start and Sweet Goodbyes
Morning coffee on the porch is a great way to start the day how you like it – quiet and steady. Then, it will be hard to decide between the breakfast sammy or French toast, feel free to order both!
Mid-Morning Wildflower Stroll: Lupine Trail is a must last stop before you hit the road, we recommend that you squeeze in one more hike. The Lupine Trail is just outside of town and delivers big views and gentle terrain. It’s the perfect soft landing to end your trip.
Grab-and-Go Farewell. We’ll send you off with a snack box for the road – because leaving Crested Butte is hard, and travel snacks help.
Wildflower season doesn’t last forever — but the memories sure do. At Vaquera House, we make sure every detail feels like part of the story: warm beds, thoughtful meals, trail maps at the ready, and a team that knows the mountain like an old friend.
Book your summer stay now – before the petals fall and the hills quiet down. We can’t wait to welcome you.