Boulder Open Space - Chautauqua Park - Flatiron Trails 1, 2, 3

Chautauqua Park Trail Map and Parking

Chautauqua Park is located near downtown Boulder, Colorado with free parking located at the corner of Baseline Road and 9th Street. Chautauqua Park trailhead is the starting point for numerous trails that are maintained by Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Leashed dogs are allowed on most trails with free pet waste bags available, but horses, hunters, motorized vehicles, and bikes are not allowed on the trails that originate from the Chautauqua parking lot. The trails are most suitable for hiking, nordic walking, and rock climbers. Portions of the trails are wheelchair accessible. In addition, there is a picnic shelter that can be rented for gatherings. Restrooms and water can be found at the Ranger Cottage near the parking lot. Cell phone service should be available while on the low elevation trails. In addition to Chautauqua Park, Mount Sanitas is great Boulder trail for hiking with dogs and trail running.

Chautauqua Trail

Hiking from the Chautauqua Park trailhead up to south side of Flatiron 1 is approximately a 1,400 feet climb in elevation, from 5,700 feet to 7,100 feet. Since there are numerous interlocking trails, the distance traveled depends on the chosen trails. The following hike was done counter-clockwise using trails of varying lengths. The Chautauqua trail is a 0.6 mile trail that starts from the trailhead and heads towards to the Flatiron trails. This trail cuts through an open field and, thus, provides a clear view of the Flatirons and the accompanying ridge.

Bluebell-Baird Trail

The Bluebell-Baird trail runs north-south and serves as a connector to many other trails. It is a slightly rolling trail with shade provided by a serene collection of trees.

1st and 2nd Flatirons Climbing Access - Flatironette Rock Climbing

Continuing towards Flatiron 1 using the First-Second Flatiron trail marked on the trail as "1st and 2nd Flatirons Climbing Access", you arrive at Flatironette. Flatironette is a rock climbing base station that can be seen in the subsequent picture and video. It is one of many rock climbing sites in Chautauqua Park.

Continuing on 1st and 2nd Flatirons Climbing Access

The climb in elevation is more pronounced upwards of Flatironette. A Kelty child carrier is manageable for most of the trail but the following picture highlights one stretch of trail that requires the careful use of hands and, thus, may not be suitable for kids or parents with kids in a child carrier.
What makes hiking between Flatirons 1 and 2 so much fun is the seemingly endless switchbacks that cut through forest and along side large rocks.
The trees near the trail subside as you approach the south side of Flatiron 1 and, thus, a view of the ridge including Flatirons 2 and 3 becomes unadulterated. The direction of slope of the mountain side determines what kind of plants and trees are able to survive. Northern and eastern slopes are typically cooler, moister, and contain plants that are shade tolerant while southern and western slopes are warmer, drier, and consist of plants that are shade intolerant. For example, the Ponderosa Pine has deep tap roots and thick, wind-resistant bark so it can survive along drier, southern slopes and along ridges. The following picture looks south and shows both northeastern slopes and southeastern slopes.
The subsequent picture looks west and shows a northern slope. The plants and trees in the following picture get less sun than their southern slope counterparts.
The following video was taken from a perch on the soutwest side of Flatiron 1. It starts with a view to the south of Sunset Rock and then rotates towards the west.

2nd and 3rd Flatiron Loop

After heading down from Flatiron 1, you can head towards Flatiron 3 using the 2nd and 3rd Flatiron Loop trail. This trail rolls slightly starting with an open landscape and then runs primarily through dense forest. The following picture showcases Flatiron 3.

3rd Flatiron Climbing Access

The following picture highlights another rock climbing access point. However, this is not the official 3rd Flatiron climbing access point. Instead, the following picture was taken (I think) about the 1/3 of the way up the 3rd Flatiron Climbing trail.

Continuing on 2nd and 3rd Flatiron Loop

Continuing south on the 2nd and 3rd Flatiron loop sends you to the Royal Arch trail which is then used to head back in the direction of the Chautauqua Park trailhead to the Mesa trail.

Bluebell Road

The Mesa Trail starts at Bluebell Road and is worth noting because it is the beginning of a trail that runs 6.9 mile south from the Chautauqua Park trailhead. The Mesa trail is a popular trail that can be hiked in all seasons.
The Flatirons hike can be finished by hiking north along the Mesa Trail via the Bluebell asphalt road. This final stretch provides a panoramic view of Boulder and the foothills that run along Boulder's western edge.
In sum, Chautauqua Park is tremendously fun because of its numerous, interconnected trails that each have their own personality, scenery, and challenges.