Hiking the Flatirons at Chautauqua in Boulder, CO

Hiking the Flatirons at Chautauqua in Boulder, CO

While on my visit in Boulder during a clear, sunny September afternoon … I ventured off towards one of the nearby parks that make Boulder a great outdoor town.

The hiking trails are great for any level of experience and are not too difficult to climb. The scenes, which ever way you look, are all breathtaking. There’s something that’s unexplainable when you finish climbing to the top, and then look out into the vast expanse.

If you’re visiting Denver, CO … Boulder is not far away. It’s around a 30 to 45 minute bus ride from either the downtown Denver or from Denver International Airport. I highly recommend a day hike around the gentle mountains near Boulder!

Beginning my ascent towards the Flatirons from the bottom of Chautauqua Park.


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Great view of the Plains transitioning over to the Rocky Mountains.


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Still many steps to go!


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The view of University of Colorado-Boulder from a mid-point on my way up to Flatirons.


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There were these random slopes of large boulder formations. I thought they were "human" made, but apparently were formed naturally from glaciers a long time ago.


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Here's another perspective looking from the top to bottom. From speaking to local hikers, people have died when some of these large boulders came loose, and either hit them or caused them to tumble down. Don't step off the trail!


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Almost towards the top of the Flatiron!


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The view from the top. Kind hiker helped me climb the rock wall towards the top. I don't recommend doing it without an expert climber!


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I ended up sitting in this small enclave, and chatting away with two hikers and listening to their travel stories on mountaineering.


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Where have you hiked around the world?


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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Andrea January 18, 2012 at 4:02 pm

Looks like an awesome place for a hike! I’ve never been to Colorado but would love to get there at some point.
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Harrison January 18, 2012 at 8:12 pm

Colorado is absolutely beautiful. I definitely plan to visit other parts of the state to explore more of their ski/snow locations, such as Aspen.
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Suzy January 21, 2012 at 4:01 am

Sometimes I forget that this is my backyard! Thanks for the reminder. Born and raised in Colorado, I know I am spoiled to have these landscapes just 45 minutes away. Glad you enjoyed Boulder!
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Abbie January 21, 2012 at 4:45 am

The hike up to the Flatirons is gorgeous, but it is at elevation, so visitors should be prepared and bring lots of water to stay hydrated!

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