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Royal Arch Out and Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.4 (178)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Chautauqua Park
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“A classic Boulder hike to a natural arch with great views. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

Out and Back

6,883' 2,098 m

High

5,709' 1,740 m

Low

1,252' 382 m

Up

1,251' 381 m

Down

14%

Avg Grade (8°)

53%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Steep, but fun for adventurous families

Overview

Enjoy some technical trail that culminates in great views and a natural arch - right above Boulder!

In addition to the Arch's geologic oddity, the views from the top of this hike are unbelievable.

Description

From the northeastern corner of Chatauqua Park, this doubletrack/somewhat paved road heads directly south, almost straight up the contours. Once you've passed the final house on your left, the trail bends to the right and the grade steepens. Eventually, you'll reach an intersection with Mesa Trail, where there is a single pit toilet.

After the toilet, Bluebell Road winds back on itself, making a lollipop loop. This loop connects to the Flatirons Loop trail, Bluebell-Baird Trail, and Bluebell Spur Trail.

Though the views are stunning, this is one of the LEAST aesthetic trails in Chautauqua. Good thing, however, that you're about to enter one of Boulder's MOST scenic.

From the end of Bluebell, bear left onto Royal Arch Trail. Royal Arch Trail starts climbing to the southwest at the bottom of a drainage. This trail is rocky and becomes steadily more technical as it ascends. Soon after starting out, the Flatirons Loop will branch off to the right. At about the halfway point, things get a little steeper and more difficult. Loose rocks, tight switchbacks and areas of built steps will have your legs working hard.

Eventually, you'll reach a sort of false summit just to the south of the third flatiron. Take in the views of Boulder and the surrounding sandstone formations for a moment and then start the short, somewhat scrambling descent. The trail will level out momentarily as it passes through another drainage before it turns upward once more. This is the final approach to the arch.

Be prepared for more tight switchbacks and big steps. You'll have no doubt in your mind that you've made it once you do - the arch is a spectacular sight. From below the arch, there are great views of Boulder as well as the backside of the third flatiron. This is the terminus of the trail and it must be retraced back down as there are no other trails from this point.

Flora & Fauna

Black bears and mountain lions inhabit this area. Many other wildlife species are common including birds of prey, mule deer and coyotes. Additionally, you'll encounter multitudes of wildflowers along this route, especially down low.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Eric Internicola
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 178 votes

#1

in Chautauqua Park

#75

Overall
  4.4 from 178 votes
5 Star
53%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Chautauqua Park

#24

in Colorado

#75

Overall
39 Views Last Month
25,906 Since May 5, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
19%
12%
69%
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Photos

A snowy start of the Mesa Trail looking at the first Flatiron.
Apr 14, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Colorado is THIS AWESOME!
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Morning at the Flatirons.
Apr 26, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Hiking back down the many steps to the Royal Arch.
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado
Apr 26, 2015 near Boulder, CO
One of the finest “end of the trail” views!
Jan 28, 2018 near Boulder, CO

1 Comment

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 90 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 28, 2024
Anonymous
Jun 16, 2024
Marc Daniel
With Mila — 14h 00m
May 13, 2024
Ad Benz
We did it in 240511 with fjr crew
May 2, 2024
Mark Douglas Dally
Feb 29, 2024
Scott Schnijderberg
Jan 1, 2024
Brandy Coffey
Sep 11, 2023
Jill Out
3.4mi
Aug 14, 2023
Laura Karr
I saw a bear - took lower McClintock 1.5mi

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