Boulder, CO: Flatirons Loop
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.
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With the greater Denver area extending to the east and the miles of untamed wilderness stretching to the west, you’ll truly be straddling the edge of civilization on this 2.9-mile local favorite in Chautauqua Park. From the Ranger Cottage, follow the Bluebell Road (an emergency access road) for an easy climb through a golden meadow. After half a mile, pick up the narrow Royal Arch Trail as it weaves through a dense pine forest before hitting the Bluebell-Baird Trail. The path steepens and passes several side trails to popular bouldering spots.
Catch your first panoramas of the expansive eastern plains as you continue 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. Half a mile later, you’ll reach the hike’s highpoint—the saddle between the monolithic First Flatiron and Sunset Rock.
Enjoy stunning, 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes: metropolitan Denver to the east, a sweeping natural rock amphitheater to the west, and the jagged peaks of the Flatirons to the north and south. Hikers with an insatiable appetite for adventure can climb even higher by bouldering up the magnificent rock formations that form the saddle’s frame. Backtrack to the Bluebell-Baird Trail and bear left to finish the clockwise loop back to the trailhead.
-Mapped by Brian Beer and Kim Phillips





















Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.7
Waypoints
FIL001
Location: 39.999006, -105.282822
From the parking area, head south on the paved Bluebell Road.
FIL002
Location: 39.998826, -105.282897
Continue heading straight on the Bluebell Road @ 3-way intersection near the Ranger Cottage. The paved path climbs gently for about 0.5 mile as it meanders through a rolling meadow.
FIL003
Location: 39.991693, -105.285378
Bear right onto the Royal Arch Trail. There are restrooms about 100 feet past the junction.
FIL004
Location: 39.99177, -105.28598
Veer left @ Y-junction as the meadow begins to yield to stands of ponderosa pines.
FIL005
Location: 39.991019, -105.28747
At the 4-way junction, veer left to stay on the Royal Arch Trail. The Bluebell Shelter (located at the trail junction) offers a perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch.
FIL006
Location: 39.991186, -105.287958
Cross a small boardwalk as the trail narrows and you fully leave the meadow and enter a pine forest.
FIL007
Location: 39.98926, -105.288699
At the Y-junction, bid adieu to the Royal Arch Trail and turn right onto the Bluebell-Baird Trail. After about 500 feet, the path becomes rockier and steeper.
FIL008
Location: 39.989546, -105.289965
The trees clear as the path weaves through a rugged boulder field.
FIL009
Location: 39.98946, -105.290625
At the Y-junction, bear right to bypass the Third Flatiron climbing access and continue on the Bluebell-Baird Trail. Carved into the side of a steep slope, the path steadily dips while offering a distant glimpse of the Denver skyline to the southeast.
FIL010
Location: 39.990405, -105.290238
The trail levels out and opens up to a spectacular panorama of Boulder and the seemingly infinite eastern plains.
FIL011
Location: 39.991966, -105.289246
At the Y-junction, turn left onto First-Second Flatiron Trail. Ahead, the trail begins its 0.5-mile ascent to a rocky saddle between the Flatirons.
FIL012
Location: 39.991318, -105.292039
Bear left @ Y-junction. About 40 feet down the path, pass a wooden bridge leading to climbing routes, then bear left to continue your ascent.
FIL013
Location: 39.990968, -105.291617
Reach another boulder field and take in more striking views of Boulder and the Front Range to the north.
FIL014
Location: 39.990343, -105.293135
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.
FIL015
Location: 39.989722, -105.293859
The trail culminates at the saddle between the jagged First Flatiron and Sunset Rock and offers views of a sweeping natural rock amphitheater to the west. More adventurous hikers can continue scrambling up the inviting rocks at this popular bouldering spot. Next, return to Waypoint 11 and turn left (north).
FIL016
Location: 39.992032, -105.289224
Turn left @ T-junction onto the Bluebell-Baird Trail.
FIL017
Location: 39.992854, -105.289214
Continuing your descent, follow signs to the Ranger Cottage at this four-way intersection.
FIL018
Location: 39.994029, -105.287423
The gradually thinning trees open up to a gentle meadow as the trail widens and smooths out.
FIL019
Location: 39.995679, -105.286263
Bear left @ Y-junction and continue descent through the meadow.
FIL020
Location: 39.997153, -105.285542
Bear right while taking in views of Flagstaff Mountain, Mount Sanitas, the red-roofed CU campus, and the Front Range stretching to the north. Follow the path back to the Ranger Cottage and parking area.
The Flatirons
Location: 39.998821, -105.282873
The Flatirons rise behind a grassy meadow in Chautauqua Park.
Top of Bluebell Road
Location: 39.991597, -105.285547
An outhouse sits at the top of Bluebell Road.
Bluebell Shelter Sign
Location: 39.991716, -105.285936
View of the Flatirons
Location: 39.991785, -105.286
Bluebell Shelter
Location: 39.991194, -105.287124
Trail Junction
Location: 39.98937, -105.290418
Trail Sign
Location: 39.989263, -105.288694
Boulder Field
Location: 39.989527, -105.290159
Wildlife
Location: 39.990282, -105.290346
Trail Sign
Location: 39.991309, -105.29195
Views of Boulder
Location: 39.990914, -105.291896
Flatirons
Location: 39.989735, -105.293865
Flatirons
Location: 39.989735, -105.293865
Overlook
Location: 39.989717, -105.293828
Deer
Location: 39.991935, -105.28992
Deer
Location: 39.991935, -105.28992
Chautauqua Trail Sign
Location: 39.993114, -105.28903
Chautauqua Trail
Location: 39.993114, -105.28903
Meadow along the Chautauqua Trail
Location: 39.993762, -105.288334
Flatirons from the Chautauqua Trail
Location: 39.99564, -105.286294
Chautauqua Trail Sign
Location: 39.99728, -105.285467