Flatirons Loop Trail

Get up-close and personal with Boulder's signature Flatirons on this popular 2.9-mile loop that leads to a rocky perch high above Chautauqua Park.

Updated Feb 28, 2024

Abby Levene

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Boulder’s Flatirons Loop Trail is a 2.9-mile local favorite in Chautauqua Park with the greater Denver area extending to the east and the miles of untamed wilderness stretching to the west. Enjoy stunning views of 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes: metropolitan Denver, a sweeping natural rock amphitheater, and the jagged peaks of the Flatirons. This hike will make you feel like you’re truly straddling the edge of civilization.

Trail Facts

Distance: 2.9-mile loop
Elevation: 700 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate with rock scrambling
Dog-friendly: Yes

The Route

This quick overview breaks down the Flatirons Loop Trail in sections and gives hikers a good idea of what to expect along their journey from the Ranger Cottage at the hike’s start its highest point and back.

-Mapped by Brian Beer and Kim Phillips

Ranger Cottage to Bluebell Shelter

Bluebell Shelter sitting in the shadow of the Flatirons.

From the Ranger Cottage, follow Bluebell Road (an emergency access road) for an easy climb through a golden meadow. The paved path climbs gently for about 0.5 miles as it meanders through a rolling meadow. After half a mile, bear right onto the narrow Royal Arch Trail. There are restrooms about 100 feet past the junction. Follow the Royal Arch Trail up to a 4-way junction and the Bluebell Shelter, a perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch.

Bluebell Shelter to Boulder Field

Snow-covered boulder field. — This boulder field along the Flatirons Loop Trail is fun to scramble up.

Follow the Royal Arch Trail across a small boardwalk as the trail narrows and you fully leave the meadow and enter a dense pine forest. At the Y-junction, bid adieu to the Royal Arch Trail and bear right to continue onto the Bluebell-Baird Trail. After about 500 feet, the path becomes rockier and steeper. The trees clear as the path weaves through a rugged boulder field.

Boulder Field to Boulder Views

The trail opens up to beautiful views of Boulder. — Views of Boulder from the along the trail.

Catch your first panoramas of the expansive eastern plains as you continue along the Bluebell-Baird Trail toward the junction with the First-Second Flatiron Trail. At the intersection, bear left onto First-Second Flatiron Trail and prepare to climb a series of moderate yet rocky switchbacks. After the trail delves into a series of moderate switchbacks, the trees break to reveal a magnificent sandstone rock face that offers plenty of bouldering opportunities. About 50 feet further, trees frame a postcard-like vista of the CU campus.

Postcard-like views of Boulder to the Hike’s Highpoint

Views of a rocky, snow-covered ampitheater at the Flatirons Loop highpoint. — Overlook at the hike’s highpoint.

Half a mile later, you’ll reach the hike’s highpoint—the saddle between the monolithic First Flatiron and Sunset Rock. The area offers views of a sweeping natural rock amphitheater to the west. Hikers with an insatiable appetite for adventure can climb even higher by bouldering up the magnificent rock formations that form the saddle’s frame.

Highpoint to Ranger Cottage

View of the Flatirons from a snow-covered Chautauqua Trail. — Flatirons from the Chautauqua Trail.

Backtrack to the Bluebell-Baird Trail and bear left to finish the clockwise loop back to the trailhead following signs to the Ranger Cottage. The gradually thinning trees open up to a gentle meadow as the trail widens and smooths out. Follow the path back to the Ranger Cottage and parking area.

Flatirons Loop: Additional Photos

None — A sign along the Chautauqua Trail points to the Ranger Cottage.

An outhouse sits at the top of Bluebell Road with the Flatirons in the background. — An outhouse sits at the top of Bluebell Road.

Bluebell Shelter sign on the side of the trail. — Bluebell Shelter sign.

Black and white trail view of the Flatirons. — View of the Flatirons along the Flatirons Loop Trail.

Trail sign marking the junction of Ganier Ridge, Lake Trail, and the Royal Arch Trail. — Trail junction along the Royal Arch trail.

Wooden North Shoshone Trail sign pointing to Shoshone Geyser Basin. — Trail sign along the hike.

Wild birds blend into the brown grass and dirt along the trailside.

Trail sign along the Flatirons Loop Trail warning of mules and their guides. — Always listen to the guide.

Four people walking along the trail with dogs and Flatirons in the distance. — Views of the Flatirons in the distance.

A black and white view of the Flatirons. — Up close and personal with the Flatirons.

Buck standing in the pine forest. — Deer spotted along the trail.

Guy in an orange jacket walking along the snow-covered Chautaqua Trail. — Hiking along the snow-covered Chautauqua Trail.

Meadow along the Chataqua Trail with the Flatirons in the distance. — Meadow along the Chautauqua Trail with the Flatirons in the distance.

For more great Boulder hikes, check out Outside’s Best Hikes in Boulder.

As a Content Specialist at Outside, Abby helps people get outside and stay safer in the backcountry with Gaia GPS. She's a writer, editor, and podcast producer.