There are plenty of beautiful trails in Northern California, but wildflower lovers flock to this one hike each year to witness the explosion of colors that blooms each summer. The typical wildflower season in the high Sierra happens from May through June, but with the long winter, many wildflowers will be blooming into August this year.

The Sagehen Trail near Truckee is a great place to view wildflowers in a stunning alpine meadow. You’ll want to go back year after year to see these blooms.

Sagehen Creek Trail is a 4.5 round trip hike located north of Truckee.

AllTrails/ Elizabeth Vera

The hike starts off highway 89 and goes to Stampede Reservoir.

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In addition to the scenic wildflowers located along this route, the view of the reservoir does not disappoint.

AllTrails/ Edita Sirusaite

And the scenic green meadows surrounded by pine trees isn’t too bad, either.

AllTrails/ Edita Sirusaite

The trail starts about 6 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89.

AllTrails/ Judy Prince

It’s a relatively flat trail and is easy for hikers of all ages… especially kids. The elevation here is 6,100 feet, so if you aren’t used to the altitude, remember to take it easy.

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

As you start hiking alongside the creek, you’ll walk through aspens, willows, and conifers.

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

At about 2 miles in, you will emerge into the picturesque Sagehen Meadow.

AllTrails/ Brooke Harper

The trail and meadow get their names from a bird that was once very common in this area. The Sagehen is similar to what is more commonly known as sage grouse.

AllTrails/ Edita Sirusaite

To find the trailhead, take Interstate-80 to Truckee. Take Exit 188B to Highway 89 North towards Sierraville. Continue north on Highway 89 for 7 miles to Sagehen Creek, which is located right after a bridge on 89.

AllTrails/ Edita Sirusaite

Throughout your hike, take the time to experience the unique flora and fauna of this trek.

AllTrails/ Dana Watkins

The wild and unruly explosion of flowers that happens in the Sierra Nevada mountains is like nothing else.

Flickr/ Ken-ichi Ueda

The habitat along this hike is referred to as riparian, which means “of or relating to a river.” The Sagehen Creek is sure to be as beautiful as the surrounding wildflowers this summer with all the snow this past winter.

Flickr/ Ken-ichi Ueda

The hike has such a diverse range of things to look at you will never get bored, but the most spectacular part of it all is definitely the wildflowers.

Flickr/ Ken-ichi Ueda

Do yourself a favor and go see them ASAP before they are all gone!

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

Here’s a video, just in case you didn’t get enough wildflowers in the photos above:

AllTrails/ Elizabeth Vera

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AllTrails/ Edita Sirusaite

AllTrails/ Judy Prince

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

AllTrails/ Brooke Harper

AllTrails/ Dana Watkins

Flickr/ Ken-ichi Ueda

Have you ever been to Sagehen Meadow? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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