Hiking Project Logo

The centerpiece of the Chautauqua meadows trails.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

6,140' 1,872 m

High

5,704' 1,739 m

Low

436' 133 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

22%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

Starting from the main trailhead at Chautauqua, this trail ascends towards the majestic flatirons. Try to peel your eyes away from these awe-inspiring geologic formations enough to watch your step. This is one of the most used trails in the whole park so it is wide and mostly smooth. As you gain elevation, take a look back to the east and admire Boulder from above.

This trail provides access to Ski Jump Trail, Bluebell-Baird Trail and the Flatirons Loop Trail.

Flora & Fauna

This trail runs straight through the heart of Chautauqua meadows. Due to the proximity of the parking lot and other infrastructure, you'll most likely only see various birds, most of which will be Magpies. The tall grasses of the meadow give this trail an enchanted feel.

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 9 votes

#10082

Overall
  4.0 from 9 votes
5 Star
11%
4 Star
78%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#829

in Colorado

#10,082

Overall
12 Views Last Month
7,847 Since Jan 11, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
20%
70%
0%
10%
0%

Photos

First snow of the year in the Flatirons.
Sep 22, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Morning at the Flatirons.
Apr 26, 2015 near Boulder, CO
This is how you know a run/hike is going to be good, right from the get go. Flatirons from Bluebell Road.
Dec 20, 2014 near Boulder, CO
Boulder Colorado - Winter Wonderland
Jan 2, 2015 near Boulder, CO
There is a nearly constant stream of people most times of the day on the main Chautauqua Trail
Jun 17, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Chatauqua Trail
Dec 28, 2023 near Boulder, CO

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 67 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 2, 2022
Ben Vogel
hiked Chautauqua to first-second flatirons trail. ~1400' elevation gain over 1.2mi (one way) 2.4mi
Feb 5, 2022
Matt Culpepper
Last leg of Chautauqua Park Loop 0.6mi
Nov 28, 2020
Matt Makowski
Little on the icy side at parts.
Nov 19, 2020
Emily B
Jul 25, 2020
Robert Lee
Jun 18, 2020
Ryan William
Jun 14, 2020
Rachel Solorio
0.6mi
Jan 26, 2020
Alicia Wyatt
Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started