Chapman Drive

Dogs Leashed

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

Starting from Red Lion in Boulder Canyon, cross the fancy new bridge installed in 2012. Follow the sign to the trail, going straight past the misleading sign that says "Private Road". You are perfectly welcome on this part of the road. Chapman Drive continues up through a gate and then gently ascends Flagstaff Mountain. Enjoy the views and some very nice stonework on the turns. Soon you'll arrive at Realization Point on Flagstaff.

Factoid: the Bridge to the Red Lion was heavily fought over after a flood washed the old one away in June 2010 after a record snow year. The Red Lion is the host of many weddings and the major beneficiary of the bridge (Chapman Drive was used as a fire road in principle) but wanted the city to bear the entire cost. After much wrangling, they compromised, and taxpayers got better access, trailhead parking, and a greatly improved Chapman Drive trail that opened in December 2012.