So many amazing trails from this location. Chautauqua trail up to where it branches off to various others is a straight up and back relatively easy hike. For a little more challenging adventure at the top of Chautauqua trail take the 1st / 2nd Flatiron trail for some amazing views. Always bring water.

One of the most beautiful and rewarding places Ive ever seen and been in Colorado! A must see the hike is rewarded with a stunning view.

Absolutely beautiful spot. Unfortunately 80% of the people we passed on our hike did NOT wear masks or keep their distance. Boulder, you are better than this. Makes me not want to go back. Still completely gorgeous!

Wherever you go its incredible! Just completed Mesa 12 mile round trip. Perfect!

Amazing views and good trails, but way too crowded

Great hiking trail

Great trails, a ton of elevation change close to the front range. Its very popular and if the day is anywhere near nice, it will be crowded. Parking is a pain if you dont get there very early.

This place was absolutely amazing! The view was great and the trails were fun to hike. Definitely something to add to the bucket list

What a feast to the eyes and the mind. We lucked out to walk the trail during wild-flower bloom and moderate sunshine, in late June. The towering rocks looking over a limitless park is a sight to behold. Not sure if there is any parallel to this wonder of nature! A must visit.

We climbed up to Royal Arch from this trailhead. There were some beautiful views and lots of trails to choose from. It can be pretty crowded, especially on the weekend, so get an early start.

My son, daughter in law, and I nearly made it to the top. Recommend.

First time visitor but really enjoyed the hike. We were able to visit both the Royal Arch and Flatirons trails all in about 3 hours. While the views are amazing the hike isnt easy. There were many steep inclines and boulders to shuffle across. Will absolutely be going back!

I used to go here all the time when I lived in Boulder, great place to see nature and history!

Beautiful views and a variety of trails for different skill levels. The only downside is to reach any trailhead, you have to hike up a fairly steep hill.

This park has some easy trails & some hard trails. Mostly dog friendly place. Beautiful scenic views

Always a great spot for a hike with the pup.

A beautiful spot with some great trails, definitely recommend Royal Arch. Knocking it a star because this place gets chaotic and parking is a nightmare. They just rolled out a free bus service, so hopefully that helps with parking. The trails can get really busy though and traffic jams even during the week are common.

Great view. Takes about a bit over a hour to reach the first flatiron. And 45 min to come back.

Took this trail up to Royal Arch. The Royal Arch is absolutely beautiful but be warned it is a trek up. Boulder and rocks are your stairs and path up to Royal Arch! But it is rewarding when you reach the top! The views are just magnificent and the arch is a sight to see. During the weekend the trails at Chautauqua are very busy! Parking can be limited. I would suggest heading out early during the summer months. Happy Hiking!!

Okay, east coaster perspective here. Most of us werent in top shape to begin with. We went to royal arch looking for a quick hike to a nice view before going out to get some rocky mountain water brewed beers. That didnt happen. Being up there talking to other hikers I got the impression it is a starter hike compared to some of the hikes/bouldering/rock climbing. There are multiple views, cool rock formations, water comes right out of the mountain even up at the top. Cool dogs, kids having fun and the local wildlife is so chill. This place was pretty special. It was a good feeling to finally reach the overlook. There were chipmunks and birds hanging out on the trail with us. They were used to close human interaction so you know the people respect the nature here. We saw someone summit the very top of the mountain at the same time standing up like that inspirational poster. I didnt get that beer right away. Definitely showered after. TLDR: This is a 1300 ft climb. You will use your hands to climb some. It will kick your muscles and takes longer than youd expect with the difference in elevation one might not be adapted to. It is worth it.

So many varieties of hikes to do out here. Great views all the way around.

Great hike. Moderate difficulty with a great view at the top and even a good view around the halfway point.

This is worth the views to walk up at least as far as the paved ramp goes. But the farther you go up, the more beautiful the views get. It’s very steep- but so worth it to take as many breaks for selfies or just to breath and take in the scenery as you need. There are several branches of the trail and they all vary in difficulty and experience. There is parking and a bathroom at the base of the trail.

Sunny day which is nice as I live in Eugene, OR. Great hike to Royal Arch with our daughter.

My wife and I are visiting from Tampa and hiked to Royal Arch for the first time. The trails are well marked and maintained. I was happily surprised to see so many people using the trails. I would certainly hike this trail again if I return.

Nice hiking spot

Stunning views, great trails and good people.

This will be the only post I write when it comes to hiking in Boulder. I am giving the trail system 5 stars. Chautauqua trail system has great hiking for anyone, hard, intermediate, easy, 1 to 20 plus miles in a day if you have the conditioning and legs for it. I Love It. The single down side is an ever increasing number of people that come to hike and have no trail etiquette. As a long-time resident, its becoming increasingly more disrupted by rude, inconsiderate weekenders with no concern of others hiking. This is troubling for me to see people blasting music, smoking, hiking four abreast, not picking up after their dog, circus atmosphere. I Love dogs as well. One suggestion for those strolling into town is to go online and read up on trail rules. In essence, this is simple common courtesy.

Great way to take advantage and see some of what Colorado has to offer. Short drive from downtown Denver to reap some health benefits.

Super fun, easy-moderate hike. Good for all ages, and so many amazing views of Boulder all throughout the hike!

Awesome views great trails very close to city center and the dining hall food and service were outstanding

Great trail head for both a quick hike or a long excursion. The bottom portion of the trail is approachable yet offers some fantastic views. Quickly accessible from downtown Boulder.

Breathtaking views of the city and the flatirons. I would recommend being there on a winter sunrise

Perfect area to go hiking right next to Boulder. Plenty of routes to hike around in and could easily spend a day here. The parking is limited on the weekends during summer and it can get very crowded. Most of the people we hiked near were respectful and not too loud, so we didnt mind the crowd.

Great view!can almost see all of Boulder

Very busy trailhead. Get here early to avoid the crowds. Otherwise a very pleasant place to take in a hike.

I wasnt super impressed. I hiked from the parking lot to the top of a hill above Flatiron 3, and the entire trail was in terrible condition and poorly maintained. It looks like they are trying to come up with a plan to remedy the trail conditions as there were closed areas, so perhaps in the future these trails will be better; but after hiking my way across 13 states to get here, this was definitely the least interesting trail and was in the poorest shape of any that Ive done on this trip. Once I got to the end of the trail however, there is a fun Boulder scramble to the very top. There was nobody up there as everyone else on the trail seems to stop down in the woods where there is no view. Do yourself a favor and scramble to the very top; the views of Boulder and the flatiron from that point are worth the mediocre hike.

Beautiful!!!! Quite a few trail choices and a great ranger station to help guide you to the perfect hike for you!!! Amazing views, fresh air, a little crowded because everyone loves a good thing. Parking is limited, patrolled, and for a fee. Come ready for a great day!

Great place to go hiking not to mention, the view is amazing!!!!Lots of trails to follow and a lot of parking availability!!!!

Great views of the beginning of the National Park.However this little place charges for parking. A porta loo is only available if paying to park.Beautiful view, a parking stop to the loo. Worth waiting to the clean toilet at the Fall River Visitor Center, if heading up to the National Park

Get here early to get parking and enjoy the trails. Great trails with fantastic views. The Rangers are friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Great place to spend time with family and friends!

Amazing trails and beautiful views. Good for the inexperienced just looking for some nature

The views here are beautiful! We noticed many out of state license plates and tourists coming from all over to take photographs of the scenery, making certain times of the day and week crowded. But otherwise, it’s a wonderful place to hike.

Very beautiful place. Parking is limited, but you can park along the streets.

There are some beautiful hikes here. While they are both pretty popular, I recommend the first flatiron hike or the Royal Arch hike

Friendly rangers helping you plan your hike! Great trails!

Fairly easy trail with good views.

Nice to walk in nature, always love to come back!

This trailhead is great because there are all different lengths and difficulties for trails. It is dog friendly

Great place, I dont feel good alot and I dont like to go outside but when I go here is moist and cool and very enjoyable, if you go hiking its very calming and relaxing, if you go with a friend or a few you can all have a mellow and nice talk and just have a good time in general

Breathtaking views of this fabulous mountain peak and Boulder Colorado. We came when it was a little bit wet so the walk-up was a little slippery. Good view of the Flatlands below as well as the mountains good photo ops five stars

Nice place. Did my first and last front flip here on a snowboard. Would suggest not parking up there on weekends and just park around the big houses just north of baseline.

Great park, but rather crowded on a Saturday. There was no parking available in the afternoon. The flat irons hike is awesome!

One of my favorites places in the world !

Beautiful and iconic views of the flatirons!

Love this park! Dont visit Boulder without doing at least one hike in Chautauqua. My favorite is the royal arch, though its a steep one! Lots of dog lovers out on the trails and plenty to see, no matter which trail you choose.

The trails here offer great meadow views of the Flatirons, and you can continue some of the trails all the way up the Flatirons themselves. You can get a great view of the city from up there. It can get crowded on weekends, so arrive very early for a parking spot. Trails are easy enough for anyone in the family, and some can continue to be a moderately challenging hike.

Great place right outside of Boulder for hiking. Easy to get to, perfect for an after work hike.

The Flatiron peaks 1 & 2 trail is absolutely gorgeous. At the top of #1 you have a stunning view of Boulder and in the distance you can see the Rocky Mountain National Park peaks. If you make the hike in winter / early spring Id recommend using crampons or shoes with a good grip as the trails can get icy, especially in the shade.

Multiple trials for all abilities

Nice place for a walk or hike

Beautiful mountain views just from the parking lot. Connects to the entire boulder trail system. Flatiron loop is a nice moderate hike with nice views and shaded by trees. Royal Arch is a favorite but is a mile of steep ascent. My favorite is 1st and 2nd flatirons trail. This is a bit less steep than RA but is longer but beautiful view of mountain peaks further west. Make sure and continue on ten minutes past the 1st Flatiron to reach the 2nd. Alot of people turn back early and in ten minutes more could have better views.

Beautiful hike but always crawling with people no matter which trail you take. Moderate-hard difficulty level; I would take a visitor that isnt altitude adjusted yet to Mt. Sanitas or Flagstaff instead because this one is really difficult for anyone Ive brought here that was just visiting. Its a moderately steep climb and will wind you pretty quick if youre not used to it. Parking is a nightmare but there is now a free shuttle bus to help with that. Love this hike but I only do it on weekdays during the school year to catch the less busy times.

Fun hike! Bouldering and rock climbing available too. Once you get up the first incline it gets way easier! Bring water!

Unbelievable hike. Perfect for anyone who wants to feel like they accomplished something tough without having to hike for 10 hours. It was 4ish and perfect for 10 28 year old guys.

Great hike that promises a great reward at the top. Very accessible to all ages. Sitting on the flatirons is quite the experience.

Busy but beautiful. All trails start uphill

Beautiful park! Great hiking trails

A beautiful park underneath the Boulder Flatirons! The hike are amazing, to the Royal Arch or to NCAR

Perfect place to start many after work hikes. You never know who youll meet on these trails and the panoramic views are breathtaking!

Convenient hiking near the flatirons in boulder.

Beautiful place with a lot of trails but if you are trying to get away from people and crowds...look elsewhere, it gets BUSY here!

Incredible place. Went here for a memorial service. Very nice.

Most beautiful place in boulder with challenging trail heads. Loved it here.

Trails in every direction. The Flat Irons and beautiful views of the mountains. The smell of meadows.

This is a great place to go for a day hike! I really love being around the Flatirons and being so close to town.

Fantastic place for a day hike. The flatirons are beautiful.

Great hike for families! Wide trails, nicely maintained. Gorgeous views!!

Chautauqua has so many hikes that you will never get bored! You might get lost... but not for to long as they usually wrap around and you are sure to find another hiker along the way. As you can see from the photos Ive posted the trails are for everyone - from easy hikes with your kids to advanced hikes for avid athletes. You will love it! Come out and see what makes Boulder the best place to live, ever, totally and forever.Be sure to check out the kids park, which is where I took the photo of my daughter in the castle. They also have a great concert schedule and events for everyone planned all summer long. Spending a week in one of the cottages will be a unique Boulder experience.

Always a promising trailhead for an amazing hike.

One of the best parts of boulder. So many trails...

Beautiful with good hiking trails that are good for all levels.

Great area. Limited parking. Get there early!

Lots of great hikes for beginners and advanced enthusiasts.

Very busy trailhead area for hikers, climbers, runners. Often it is challenging to find a parking spot on nice days. Watch for poison ivy.

Moderate incline. Very beautiful and fun trail! Making to it the top is so rewarding!

SO many great trails from here! Check out Flatiron #1 or Royal Arch Trail.

Hikes arent too long, but you can hang out here for a little while. Its a great spot to get a view of Boulder and the campus, but parking can get a little crazy if the weathers nice on a weekend/during peak hours.

Awesome hike! Many different trails to choose from, personal favorite is the Arch!

Great place to take an out-of-town visitor for a quick hiking experience

Nice place to take out of town visitors for a hike. Parking can be a pain

The view of the peaks from the bottom and of the city from the top are both breathtaking.

One of my favorite places to catch a quick hike.

What an awesome trail system. Beautiful flatiron views and great hiking!

Heavenly views of the Flatirons with great angles for photography and trails for hiking.

Busy Busy.. Get there before 10 to get good parking and before the trails get busy.

Love it so much!

Always a good hike.

Great trail, challenging or chill depending upon your preference.

Easy to Advanced trails, the best views an afternoon can offer.