Faces As Big As Pie Plates

Photo and text by Reid Neureiter

Late summer is sunflower season in Colorado, with fields in bloom south and east of Denver International Airport. Mountains and sunset provide dramatic backdrops for these six-foot tall sunflowers, their faces as large as pie plates and stretching as far as the eye can see. Two large fields of sunflowers are within a 30-minute drive of Park Hill.  To visit, take I-70 west to Peña Boulevard as if going to the airport. Exit onto 56th Avenue East.  Drive east on 56th through Green Valley Ranch, past C-470 and all the way to Imboden Road.  One field is on the southwest corner of Imboden and East 56th.  To get to the other field, turn south onto Monaghan Road from East 56th.  It’s about 1.5 miles further, on the west side of Monaghan. If you go, take pictures only from the road. The fields are private property and so be respectful while appreciating Colorado’s infinite beauty.