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Royal Arch Trail

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Boulder
  5. Chautauqua Park
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“A technical trail that rewards with great views and a natural arch. ”

Brian Smith
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Google Map
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Map Key

0.9

Miles

1.5

KM

Point to Point

6,884' 2,098 m

High

6,096' 1,858 m

Low

848' 259 m

Up

72' 22 m

Down

19%

Avg Grade (11°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From its inception at the end of Bluebell Road, 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.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Shared By:

Brian Smith
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 21 votes

#3

in Chautauqua Park

#351

Overall
  4.4 from 21 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Chautauqua Park

#71

in Colorado

#351

Overall
38 Views Last Month
3,611 Since Jan 11, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
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35%
0%
65%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Colorado is THIS AWESOME!
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Hiking back down the many steps to the Royal Arch.
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
One of the finest “end of the trail” views!
Jan 28, 2018 near Boulder, CO
One of the best picnic spots in Boulder!
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Someone thinks this is a great hike.
Nov 7, 2016 near Boulder, CO
Royal Arch.
Aug 21, 2018 near Boulder, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Jan 1, 2024
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Jul 25, 2020
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Jun 30, 2020
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