05/18/2026
8 reasons to elope in Colorado in July
July is one of our favorite months to elope in Colorado! This is when summer really kicks off in the mountains.
1. Wildflowers
July is the best month to elope in Colorado if you imagine being surrounded by wildflowers. You can find wildflowers all over the mountains, but the locations with the best wildflowers are Crested Butte and Ouray. Always be sure to stay on trail and avoid stepping on wildflowers!
2. Green foliage
In addition to wildflowers blooming, the grasses, trees, and other plants will also be thriving in July.
3. Flowing waterfalls
With so much snowmelt happening at high elevations, the waterfalls in July are even more impressive. The best locations for seeing waterfalls are Crested Butte, Ouray, and Telluride.
4. Full alpine lakes
Like waterfalls, the water levels in alpine lakes will be at their fullest in July. This is especially important for some alpine lakes that slowly drain throughout the summer and can be empty by fall! The best locations for alpine lakes are Buena Vista, Estes Park, and Ouray.
5. Open hiking trails
By July, you’ll have your pick of hiking trails in Colorado. By then, most of the mud from the spring will have dried up, and most of the snow will be melted.
6. Open off-road trails
We always suggest that couples who want to off-road on their elopement day wait until mid-July. By then, even the most remote trails should be open. The best locations for off-roading are Buena Vista, Crested Butte, Ouray, and Telluride.
7. Long days
With an average of 15 hours of daylight in the Colorado mountains, you’ll have plenty of time for adventure. The early sunrises and late sunsets also give you a better chance of having locations to yourself.
8. Great stargazing
If you elope in an area without light pollution, July is the perfect month for stargazing. And if you choose a date in the second half of July, you can even experience the beginning of the Perseid Meteor Shower.
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