Hike the Flatirons of Boulder Colorado

Boulder, Colorado

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

3.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1370 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ben NoLastName

This short little adventure is right on the edge of Boulder with great views of the city as well as Denver in the distance.

The Chautauqua hiking area has a maze of trails. It's a great spot to go to if you want to follow random trails and end up with great views of the Front Range and Great Plains!

My Route:

First Section: (0.6 mi)

Begin in the parking lot and follow the Chautauqua trail up the drainage to the junction with the Bluebell-Baird trail.

Second Section: (1.1 mi)

Go south at this junction and follow the Bluebell-Baird trail until you hit two trail signs. From here, go west and begin a set of epic switchbacks between the First and Second Flatirons. The trail ends at the top of these switchbacks behind the Second Flatiron. From here, enjoy views of the First and Third Flatirons as well as the cities along the Front Range!

Follow the trail back down after you've taken some rad pictures with your hiking buddies!

The link attached is a map of the whole Chautauqua hiking area.

https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/ChautauquaMeadow-1-201607261217.pdf

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Fitness

Rock Climbing

Chillin

Running

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Forest

Picnic Area

Scenic

Hike the Flatirons of Boulder Colorado Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

Beginning at the Chautauqua Trailhead, the Chautauqua Trail goes for 0.6 miles before connecting with the Bluebell-Baird Trail. From here it becomes a choose-your-own-adventure hike. For a short, simple hike you can do with people who aren't ready for lots of elevation gain, take a right and connect with the Ski Jump Trail that connects back to the beginning of the Chautauqua Trail. It is possi...

Royal Arch Trail

Royal Arch Trail climbs up Boulder's famous Chautauqua Park to an archway formed by sandstone rocks that tower over thirty feet high. Start at the Chautauqua Trail Station by the Ranger Station, and continue up Bluebell Road for 0.7 miles. You will then arrive at a more forested area, where you will head south, following the signs for the Royal Arch Trail for 0.2 miles. The trail will steepen...

Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Starting at the ever-popular and ever-populated Chautauqua Trailhead, take the main trail (a highway version of a dirt trail) straight towards the Flatirons. Continue going straight passed the Ski Jump trail to your right (0.2 mi.), then at a crossroads with the Bluebell-Baird trail (0.3 mi.) turn right onto the 1st/2nd Flatiron trail (0.7 mi.). Follow this trail over a rock slide, twice, and p...

Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

Starting from the popular Chautauqua Park trailhead, head west on the main trail to the first branch off onto a smaller trail that will take you toward Baseline Road. Follow this trail until it eventually connects with Gregory Canyon Trailhead—you can park at this trailhead if you wish, but miss out on view of the Flatirons. Head out on the main Gregory Canyon trail that heads due west into th...

Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

Start out on McClintock Trail for 0.7 miles (this particular stretch can get muddy), before switching over to Enchanted Mesa Trail. To add a scenic 0.4 miles to your hike, take the Quarry Loop by turning right at the stone cabin, then following the steps up to the quarry, where you can overlook the park.

Hike the Saddle Rock Trail

You can either start the from the Gregory Canyon Trailhead or the main Chautauqua trail. At the Chautauqua trailhead you will need to pay for parking on Saturdays and Sundays and at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead you will need to pay for parking if your car is not registered in Boulder. If you start from Chautauqua, start on the main trail and take the first branch off to the right and continue ...