The Best Wildflower Hike 2 Hours From Denver: Acorn Creek Loop
The secret is out, thanks to social media. With a higher amount of rain than usual, wildflowers this year are having a serious blooming season. Acorn Creek Loop in Silverthorne, Colorado has become a popular wildflower hike after going viral on TikTok. Located off a dirt road in the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness, this loop is just under 5 miles and is a moderate difficulty. It’s no 14’er, but there is a constant incline no matter which direction you do the loop in. But which way is better for the views? Ella and I hiked it counter-clockwise, so we were greeted to the fields of wildflowers in the first 3/4 of the hike, but if. you hike it clockwise and go into the forest first, you’ll emerge int fields of wildflowers plus get the view on the way down.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The trailhead is on a dirt road, but a very accessible dirt road! No AWD, 4WD or high clearance needed.
In the forested part of the hike, there were three small stream crossings. Two of them we managed to get by without getting our feet wet, but the other one our hiking boots succumbed to the water for a moment.
There is no shade in the fields, so depending on the time of day that you go, prepare for the sun!
Make sure you go on the Acorn Loop Trail, not the Acorn Trail which goes up to the Ute trail and will give you a different hike. The first fork you come across, take a right for the loop trail. Going left will take you on the Acorn Creek Trail.
Trail map via All Trails