With all the rain this year, the Colorado growing season has been a bit wonky. But, it’s finally time to enjoy a bright burst of sunflowers. Best part, sunflower season starts now and goes until late August or early September.
While plenty of these golden beauties can be found along the roads as you drive toward the eastern plains or towards the southern areas of the state, make a plan to visit a field of sunflowers either for an epic photo shoot or just to get a little fresh flower magic in your life.
There are also places that specialize in U-pick sunflowers. This way you can bring a bouquet of sunshine home.
Just remember, when searching for these sunny blooms, some fields of flowers are on private property. So even if you drive by a clutch of sunflowers, you need to be conscious of signs or warnings against trespassers and don’t drive onto private farms.
Otherwise, enjoy the season and get a dose of floral sunshine.
Anderson Farms
Now is the time to head to the Erie farm for prime sunflower picking. Anderson Farms features a 15-acre sunflower field with 17 different types of blooms, making it not just a great place to find the best flowers, but also the most unique blooms.
Admission to the farm is $15 for those 4 and up (3 and under are FREE), which includes a wagon ride to the sunflower field and access to the flowers for pictures and a nice stroll.
To pick your own sunflowers you need to purchase an all-you-can-fill cup, bag, or bucket for $10, $20, or $30 respectively.
The farm also hosts food trucks and special classes, which are listed on the website, andersonfarms.com. Order sunflower field tickets in advance online.
The farm is open Thursday through Sunday, and sunflower fun goes until August 24.
6728 County Road 3 1/4, Erie
The Bee Hugger Farm
Since 2006 this adorable farm has been growing sunflowers. Today, The Bee Hugger Farm is a hot spot for those looking to pick them or take photos with the beautiful blossoms.
No reservations needed, but you can find more info on times at thebeehuggerfarm.com.
The farm operates on an honor system, accepting donations ($10 per dozen stems suggested). Guests can pay through Venmo or cash at the VW bus. While there, take a pony ride and visit the animals too.
12590 Ute Hwy, Longmont
(Near) Denver International Airport
One of the best fields near Denver is also close to the airport, though it’s not quiet flanking the tarmac. Find the field by taking Pena Boulevard to 56th Avenue and driving about five miles past the E-470 exit near North Valley Head Street.
It’s also suggested that driving a loop around the airport and taking 120th Avenue, Imboden Road, 56th Avenue and Tower Road will bring you to some stunning sunflowers.
Don’t be surprised if other flower hounds gather at this spot, it’s popular with photographers and locals who want to get a selfie with a lush line of yellow blooms. Best part, it’s FREE to go.
Sunflower Farm
Head to Longmont for some supreme sunflower viewing this season at the aptly named Sunflower Farm. We heard the blossoms are extra bright and big this year, making it the perfect spot for photos and to pick-your-own bouquets.
The only trick, hours and days vary depending on the Farmfest dates, live music and other events. The best way to book a time to see the sunflowers is to go to the farm’s website and reserve a spot.
Tickets run $18 per person, and guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.
11150 Prospect Road, Longmont
I have been trying to find the sunflower fields near DIA (which I’ve had no problems finding in past years) but had zero luck this summer so far. I took the exact route listed above (Peña to 56th, drove 5+ miles east & also did an entire loop around DIA via Imboden up to 120th). Still nothing. Such a bummer!
That’s too bad. Maybe they just didn’t bloom this year with the weird weather. — LD