16 September 2008
Chautauqua/Flatiron Trail
Posted by kris under: Trails .
Name of Trial: Chautauqua/Flatiron Trail
Total Distance: 5+ miles
Elevation Gain: 500+ feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Out and back
Starting Location: At the intersection of Baseline Rd and Kinnikinic Rd.
You can get to Chautauqua Park by heading west on Baseline Rd. until you see the entrance to the park on the south side of the road. Once there you have a lot of options on which trail to take. There are a lot of trails that will take you all over the park and around the mountains in the area. These trails are well marked and they are a great way to see the Flatirons, the City of Boulder and the CU campus.
My friend Dave and I took the trail to the third Flatiron by starting on the Chautauqua Trail and then following the signs to the 3rd Flatiron. Walking through the trees makes for a nice experience and as you climb there are some rock field crossings that are fun to walk across and allow for a nice view of the city bellow. If you are into rock climbing there are some nice rocks to start on because they are not that vertical, making it easier to climb. On the weekends you are likely to see a lot of people climbing in this as you hike around the area.
There are so many wonderful trails, like Bluebell, Mesa, Flatiron, Chautauqua and Ski Jump, that start at Chautauqua Park which gives you some great variety every time that you go there. I like this park and think that it is a great place to see some unique rock formations, get some exercise and see great views of Boulder.
To see photos that I took while on my hike go to my Photo Gallery.
