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Boulder, CO: Flatiron Loop
Get up-close and personal with the signature red sandstone of Boulder’s legendary Flatirons while catching inimitable views of the Eastern Plains on this 2.89-mile Front Range classic.
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| Author: | brianbeer |
| Activity: | Hiking |
| State: | Colorado (CO) |
| Distance: | 2.89 mi |
| Average Speed: | 0.9 mph - 1:06:22/mi |
| Duration: | 3:11:43 |
| Difficulty: | 5 / 10 |
| Rating: | Unrated |
With the greater Denver area ranging to the east and miles of untamed wilderness stretching to the west, you’ll truly be straddling the edge of civilization while hiking this 2.89-mile local favorite. Start by following Chatauqua Park’s Mesa Trail at an easy grade through a gentle meadow. After about 0.5 miles, transfer to the narrow Royal Arch Trail as it weaves through a dense pine forest before hitting the Bluebell-Baird Trail. As the path steepens and gives way to periodic boulderfields, you’ll pass several side-trails leading to popular bouldering spots.
Catch your first panoramas of the expansive Eastern Plains as you continue on toward the First-Second Flatiron Trail junction. Once at the intersection, fork left to climb a series of moderate yet rocky switchbacks. After 0.5 miles, you’ll reach the hike’s highest point – the saddle between the indomitable First Flatiron and Sunset Rock.
From your awe-inspiring perch, take in stunning, 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes: metropolitan Denver to the east, a sweeping natural 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 red rocks that form the saddle's frame.
After returning to the Bluebell-Baird Trail via the same trail you hiked up on, bear to the left to follow the loop back to the trailhead.
TO TRAILHEAD: From US 36, take the Baseline Rd. exit and turn left on E. Baseline Rd. After 1.3 miles on Baseline Rd., turn left on Sumac Dr. and follow for 200 feet. Turn right at Clematis St., which opens up to a large parking lot.
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
ACTIVE LOG 001
| Distance: 2.89 mi | Points: 268 | |
| Total Time: 3:11:43 | Speed: 0.9 mph | Pace: 1:06:22 / mi |
Points of Interest
FIL001
Location: 39.999042, -105.282721The trailhead offers plenty of space for parking as well as restrooms in the Ranger Cottage.
FIL002
Location: 39.998809, -105.282913Starting on the smooth, clearly-marked path, stay straight on the Mesa Trail at the three-way intersection. Follow the path at a gentle incline for about 0.5 miles as it meanders through a rolling meadow.
FIL003
Location: 39.991711, -105.285388Depart from the Mesa Trail by veering right onto the Royal Arch Trail. There are facilities about 100 feet past the junction.
FIL004
Location: 39.991770, -105.285980Veer left at the Y-junction as the meadow begins to yield to groves of Ponderosa Pines.
FIL005
Location: 39.991043, -105.287502At the four-way junction, veer left to stay on the Royal Arch Trail. About 70 feet to the rear of the intersection, the three-walled Bluebell Shelter offers a perfect spot to stop for a picnic lunch.
FIL006
Location: 39.991138, -105.288064Cross a small boardwalk as the trail narrows and you fully leave the meadow and enter a pine forest.
FIL007
Location: 39.989173, -105.288643At 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: 39.989535, -105.289965The trees clear as the path weaves through a rugged boulderfield.
FIL009
Location: 39.989465, -105.290570At the Y-junction, bear to the 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 glimpse of the Denver skyline to the far southeast.
FIL010
Location: 39.990419, -105.290294The trail levels out and opens up to a spectacular panorama of Boulder and the seemingly infinite Eastern Plains.
FIL011
Location: 39.991728, -105.289284At the Y-junction, veer to the left as the trail begins its 0.5-mile upward swing toward the saddle between First and Second Flatirons.
FIL012
Location: 39.991318, -105.292039Fork to the left at this Y-junction. About 40 feet down the path, forego the wooden bridge leading to climbing routes and again bear left to continue upwards.
FIL013
Location: 39.990996, -105.291619Reach another boulderfield and take in more striking views of Boulder and the Front Range to the north.
FIL014
Location: 39.990387, -105.293186After the trail delves into a series of moderate switchbacks, the trees break to reveal a magnificient sandstone rockface offering plenty of bouldering opportunities. About 50 feet further, trees frame a postcard-like vista of the CU campus.
FIL015
Location: 39.989715, -105.293956The trail culminates at the saddle between the jagged First Flatiron and Sunset Rock and offers views of a sweeping natural ampitheater to the west. More adventurous hikers can continue scrambling up the inviting rocks at this popular bouldering spot. To return to the Bluebell-Baird trail, descend from the saddle via the same route you used to hike up.
FIL016
Location: 39.991977, -105.289392At the Y-junction, bear left on the Bluebell-Baird trail.
FIL017
Location: 39.992895, -105.289262Continuing your descent, follow signs to the Ranger Cottage at this four-way intersection.
FIL018
Location: 39.994029, -105.287423The gradually thinning trees open up to a gentle meadow as the trail widens and smooths out.
FIL019
Location: 39.995679, -105.286263Now fully in the meadow where your hike began, veer left at the Y-junction.
FIL020
Location: 39.997159, -105.285530Bear to the right while taking in views of Flagstaff Mountain, Mt. Sanitas, the red-roofed CU campus, and the Front Range stretching to the north.
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