Royal Arch Trail

3.3 miles 1391 ft Rated: Hard

Located just off Baseline Road, this fantastic hike features great views and gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible rock formations that have come to characterize the city of Boulder. This trail starts near the ranger cottage at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead. Start hiking along the Bluebell Trail and head south. After crossing a grassy meadow, you’ll enter a lush pine forest. Start paying attention to signs for Royal Arch as a number of other trails branch off. You’ll know you're going the right way when you get to the flagstone staircase. Much of the elevation gain on this route comes on the climb to Sentinel Pass. Once you reach this point, you’re about a half-mile away from the Royal Arch. The destination, Royal Arch, is a favorite among locals. However, this amazing rocky feature requires climbing many stairs to the top before arriving at this geological wonder! Along the way, you’ll have great views of the jagged, rugged, Flatirons and the open valley of Boulder.

Let's meet by the Ranger Station and, if anyone is interested, after the hike we could grab coffee, drinks or ice cream at the General Store just a few buildings away.