Chautauqua Park is a sprawling green space in historic Boulder, Colorado, that features fields, play areas, restrooms, hiking trails, and an auditorium. The trails crisscross the hills, cliffs, and flatirons, allowing you to choose your own adventure when it comes to routes, so to speak.
I went specifically to hike to the famous Royal Arch, yet somehow ended up doing a beautiful loop with no arch in sight. I guess I zigged when I should have zagged. Either way, I had a great time and will update this post the next time I drop by and actually find the arch.
I got a great spot in the parking lot and walked up the Chautauqua Trail. This is a steady incline until you reach the base of the red bluffs. Then the pathway crosses a rockslide and starts to descend to a picnic area. I think this is where I picked up Bluebell Road and made my way back down to the parking lot.
I’ll definitely be back with a trail map to better plan and navigate a larger loop.
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