Shrine Ridge Wildflowers

Shrine Ridge

I backpacked to the summit of Shrine Ridge near Vail, CO.  The wildflowers were bountiful again this year although not quite as good as last year.  Lupine and red paintbrush were the predominant varieties with some alpine sunflowers and others mixed in.  I camped near the top so I could do some night photography in the moonlight and catch sunrise on the ridge.  A thunderstorm hung around until after midnight so I had to wait a while before the moon came out.  I was rewarded with some fantastic photo ops when the moon finally emerged.  Although I could not see all the flowers, the meadow was filled with flowers.  Once the sun came up, I was amazed with the color and variety of flowers.

Trail directions

Shine Ridge is located at the summit of Vail Pass, 10 miles east of Vail.  Take the exit for the rest area at the summit and drive on the dirt road to the right for about 2.5 miles.  Park at the trail head (get there early because the lot fills quickly).  The trail begins by wandering through willow in a boggy area.  It climbs past a small pond and then climbs steeply past some meadows of paintbrush.  As you climb, you will cross a small creek.  Stay on the main trail at the 1 mile marker where it meets a spur trail leading from a mountain inn.  After about 1.25 miles, the trail flattens out briefly as you reach the base of the ridge.  Snow cornices linger here well into summer.  The trail veers right and climbs again steeply up to the ridge.  At the summit, veer right and explore the wildflower-filled meadow.  Views of the Holy Cross Wilderness open up to the west.