When to Take Senior Photos for Wildflowers in Colorado
Kim Graves Photography Senior Portrait Boulder, Colorado
Wildflower season is one of the most magical times of year in Colorado and it’s no surprise that so many seniors (and parents!) are drawn to the idea of senior photos surrounded by blooms, tall grasses, and soft spring and summer light.
One of the most common questions I hear is:
“When should we schedule senior photos if we want wildflowers?”
The short answer? It depends on two important factors, location (or elevation) and timing (or season).
And, VERY IMPORTANT, for those who want wildflowers you are booking in spring of your senior year to guarantee the priority dates and times for late spring sessions or summer sessions.
Why Wildflowers Are So Popular for Senior Photos
Do I even need to say why?! Flowers are awesome… lol. But more if you need to be sold, wildflowers bring a natural softness and sense of seasonality to senior photos and frankly, they feel, wild and very Colorado! They are:
Colorful
Romantic
Timeless
Very “Colorado”
They’re especially popular with seniors who love the outdoors and want their photos to feel organic, with a romantic vibe, rather than overly styled. Think linen, soft breeze and different wild flowers.
It is so important to know if you are interested in wildflowers they are short lived (one week one wya or another makes the difference) and they are unpredictable, which is why planning with intention and flexibility is key.
Wildflower Timing in Colorado (What to Know)
Colorado wildflowers don’t bloom all at once and they don’t bloom everywhere at the same time. Elevation plays a huge role.
Here’s a general guide:
🌸 Late May – Early June
Lower elevation areas (5,000-6,000)
Open fields and foothill locations
Early spring blooms and tall grasses beginning to green up
This is a great time for seniors who want:
Soft greens
Subtle wildflowers
Fewer crowds
Great Locations:
Bobolink Trail – early grasses, buttercups, open space feel
South Mesa Trail – early blooms, dramatic Flatiron views
Shanahan Ridge Trail – grasses + foothill flowers
🌼 Mid June – Early July
Foothills and mid-elevation trails (6,000-8,000)
Peak bloom for many popular areas
Fuller wildflower coverage
Great Locations:
NCAR Trail – consistent blooms, golden light, low effort
Walker Ranch Loop – varied flowers, mountain feel
Betasso Preserve – layered scenery, tall grasses + blooms
Lower Brainard Lake Road areas – accessible alpine previews
🌻 Mid July – Early August
Higher elevation mountain locations (9,000-10,000)
Lush wildflower meadows
Iconic Colorado alpine scenery
This timing is perfect for seniors who love:
Mountain backdrops
Big, colorful blooms
A true “Colorado summer” feel
Best Locations:
Brainard Lake Recreation Area – dense blooms, iconic views
Mount Evans Scenic Byway – alpine flowers with minimal hiking
Guanella Pass – colorful meadows, aspen + wildflowers
Rocky Mountain National Park (alpine zones) – jaw-dropping but permit-dependent
Why Flexibility Matters
Wildflower season is influenced by:
Snowpack
Spring temperatures
Rainfall
That’s why I always recommend planning with flexibility rather than locking into a very specific look without guidance.
When you book a senior session with me, I help:
Choose locations based on bloom timing
Schedule your session and be ready to adjust plans if needed
Make sure we’re in the right place at the right time
Local knowledge makes a huge difference here and I am constantly on the lookout once the season begins!
Wildflowers vs. Fall Senior Photos
Some families feel pressure to choose either wildflowers or fall colors. The truth is, both are beautiful, and it comes down to preference.
Wildflower sessions feel:
Bright
Playful
Light and airy
Fall sessions feel:
Warm
Cozy
Classic
Neither is “better”, they’re just different seasons telling different stories.
A Note for Seniors Who Love Wildflowers
If wildflowers are high on your wish list, I recommend:
Planning earlier rather than later (book first!)
Trusting location guidance
Being open to different elevations and blooms
The goal for wildflowers is being ahead of the rest the seniors and prepared to go when the blooms are out!
When Should You Book?
Wildflower senior sessions tend to book early and quickly because the timing window is sooner and shorter than fall, so the sessions are significantly more limited.
If wildflowers are important to you:
Reach out in winter!
Be open to recommended dates
Let me help guide the details
This is where planning ahead really pays off.
Final Thoughts
Wildflowers make a beautiful backdrop for senior photos, but timing, location and local knowledge are everything.
My job is to take the guesswork out of it so you can simply enjoy the experience and trust that your senior photos will reflect the best of this season.
If you’re dreaming of wildflower senior photos, I’d love to help you plan something beautiful.
