First and Second Flatirons Hike: Boulder’s Best Short But Steep Trail
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Boulder is known for being one of the best hiking towns in the United States. That’s why we decided to do our first real hike in Colorado, here on the First and Second Flatirons Loop.
This area is stunning, with mountain backdrops as well as the view of the city from above. The trail was crowded, even on a Wednesday morning.
It was a great first hike to get ready for the higher altitude in Rocky Mountain National Park and the San Juan Mountains later this year.
The Flatirons reach heights of around 2200 meters or 7200 feet.
In this guide, I will go over all the details you need before planning your hike here in Boulder, like parking, and whether this hike should be added to your Colorado bucket list.
First and Second Flatirons Hike Details
| First and Second Flatirons Hike Details | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado |
| Distance | 3.1 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 1,463 feet |
| Route Type | Out and back / loop variation |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Estimated Time | Around 2–2.5 hours |
| Trailhead | Chautauqua Trailhead or Enchanted Mesa Trailhead |
| Best Season | April through October |
| Dogs Allowed? | Yes, dogs are welcome; rules may vary by area |
| Parking | Chautauqua Park parking; seasonal fees and shuttle may apply |
| Main Highlights | Close-up Flatirons views, rocky switchbacks, Boulder views, light scrambling |
| Good for Beginners? | Only for fit beginners comfortable with steep, rocky trails |
| What Makes It Hard | Steep elevation gain, rocky footing, scrambling, and exposed-feeling sections |
Why This Is One of the Best Hikes in Boulder
The First and Second Flatirons are one of the more easily accessible trails in Boulder, while still being a challenging hike.
This, along with the stunning peaks throughout the Chautauqua Park, is why this part of Boulder sees over 1 million visitors per year.
Short Mileage, Big Reward
Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Loop trail was the first hike we did when moving to Denver. In ways, that trail has similar topography to the Flatirons but it wasn’t as rewarding.
This is a challenging yet short hike that offers rewarding views when reaching the top.
Is the First and Second Flatirons Hike Actually Hard?
Yes, the First and Second Flatirons hike is hard. With that being said, it is a very manageable hike if you take your time and are okay with some climbing.
What Makes the Hike Harder Than It Looks
The elevation gain is what most people say is the hardest part of this hike, and I agree. But another hard part that people don’t consider is how hot the sun is.
If hiking this trail during a summer day in Colorado, you’ll want to wear your sun protection.
There is very little shade throughout the hike and with the elevation reaching over 2000 meters or 7000 feet, the UV will be a lot stronger.
Things You Need to Know: Logistics
Hiking the Flatirons trail and Chautauqua Park is one of the most popular activities in the area. So it’s best to be prepared before showing up at the trailhead!
Parking at Chautauqua Park
Parking can be frustrating, especially at a popular trail like this. We came midweek, so we were able to find street parking right next to the trailhead.
Below, I’ll go over the different situations and how the parking changes:
Pre-Memorial Day Weekend:
If you’re planning on hiking this trail during the week, then there will be more parking options closer to the trailhead. These still exist on the weekends but it will be more crowded and you’ll have to pay for premium parking.
We parked on the nearby street of Baseline Rd and it was just a short walk to the trailhead.
Memorial Day to Labor Day:
This is peak season for this area and to combat that, a shuttle bus begins on the weekends.
The shuttle bus is free, and you can pick it up downtown. You’ll want to find parking garages with a green P, which indicates it is free to park there on the weekend.
Below is the map of where to park and where the shuttle picks you up. You can also find more information on their website.
Amenities by the Trailhead
Chautauqua Park is an amazing area and has been a town staple since 1898. Here you’ll find many amenities that can make your trip here even more memorable.
Right next to the main parking lot is the Ranger Cottage, which will have more information about the area.
A little further over to the East, there will be a dining hall and a general store.
You can grab a coffee or some quick snacks at the general store, while the dining hall serves fresh food all day if you’re looking for a good meal.
Best Time to Hike
The trail is open year-round but most people don’t want to hike in the snow and I get that. I hiked this trail during the spring and it was beautiful. Temperatures will be cooler in the spring and you’ll see more life all around you.
The fall is another good time but you can still run into weather issues. Hiking the Flatirons during the summer is what most people do, as the weather will be the best. More planning goes into hiking here during the summer and especially on the weekends.
What to Pack
Shoes with a Good Grip
You don’t necessarily need a good pair of hiking boots to do this hike but it is recommended. The bare minimum you need is a shoe with a good grip.
I did this hike in my Merrell Moab Hiking Boots and I wouldn’t have worn anything else.
Water and Sun Protection
This might sound like a “duh” moment but you’ll be shocked at how many people I see hiking without water.
If you’re hiking this trail during the summer months, then you’ll want to bring at least a liter of water and sun protection.
My Experience Hiking the First and Second Flatirons
Starting at Chautauqua Park
This is where most people will begin the hike towards the Flatirons. It starts in an open meadow on a flat trail with the flatirons staring right at you in the face.
I love some foreshadowing in my hikes and this is one of those times. I knew the hike would get harder after this but I was determined to get to the top.
Following the Trail Toward the First and Second Flatirons
The Chautauqua Trail begins flat and without any shade. As we started to approach the tree line, the elevation increased.
We had temporary shade, which was nice and then it opened up into a rock field that was completely open to the sun.
The views behind us of Boulder below were amazing but the warm weather that day had us wishing for a bit more shade while hiking.
The elevation gain would only increase from here on out.
The Rocky Climb to the Saddle
The steepest section of this hike was shortly after the rock field. It was a climbing section that had two paths to choose from but both required the use of your hands.
This was the most fun section for me because it made the hike feel more rewarding when we would finally reach the top of the saddle.
Once we reached the saddle, we could see people scaling the flatirons. This looked terrifying but also so cool. I thought to myself during this moment, “Maybe I’ll be doing that one day”.
The Viewpoint Near the Top
Shortly after traversing through the saddle, we reached the end of the hike. There were spots to sit down to take in the view near the base of where the climbers were going up.
On one side, you can view the other flatirons and on the other side, we took in views of the Rocky Mountains.
It was difficult trying to find the perfect spot to sit down and take it all in, as there were more trees in this area than I thought there’d be.
We settled on sitting down on the southern side of the first flatiron and looking at the second.
First and Second Flatirons vs Other Boulder Hikes
There are many different trails throughout the Chautauqua Park and beyond. Each offering something different.
First and Second Flatirons vs Chautauqua Trail
When taking on the Flatirons, you’ll start on the Chautauqua Trail until you hit the crossroads of Bluebell Baird Trail.
The Chautauqua trail is good for those who are short on time or don’t want to do the extra hiking/climbing to get up to the Flatirons.
First and Second Flatirons vs Royal Arch
The Royal Arch is a unique hike that takes you through the Chautauqua Park as you reach a geological masterpiece that is the arch.
This is a 3.3-mile hike with similar elevation gain as the Flatirons but offers something different.
Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the Elevation Gain
The quick elevation gain is no joke, especially if you aren’t used to climbing in higher altitudes.
The elements of the sun blazing down and the elevation kicking up made this a tougher hike than I thought it’d be.
Getting a Late Start
Arriving at the trailhead late isn’t always a bad thing. Some people prefer hiking later in the day but at very popular hikes like this one, I’d suggest not doing that.
If you’re coming on the weekend and you arrive late, you’ll either have a hard time finding parking or you’ll be forced to take the shuttle.
The trail will be more crowded and the sun might be hotter. Arriving earlier in the morning will give you a better opportunity to have the trail to yourself.
Where to Stay in Boulder, Colorado
- Courtyard by Marriott: Located 1.5 miles from downtown, this hotel has all the amenities you need and at a reasonable price!
- Embassy Suites: If you’re looking for something a little bit closer to downtown and higher class, the Embassy Suites won’t disappoint.
FAQs
How long is the First and Second Flatirons hike?
The First and Second Flatirons hike is 3.1 miles long and will take most people between 2 and 3 hours to complete. This will depend on your fitness level and how long you sit at the top.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
The Flatirons is a dog-friendly trail but they must be on a leash.
Is the First and Second Flatirons hike beginner-friendly?
I would not recommend the First and Second Flatirons hike for absolute beginners due to the climbing section of the hike.
If you’re okay with climbing, then this hike is most likely doable for you.
Final Thoughts
Boulder is one of the hiking capitals of the United States and it’s easy to see why. Exploring Chautauqua Park on its own is worth the trip out here with its stunning beauty. The Flatirons hike is a great one to do if you’re looking to test your abilities as a hiker. It’s short, tough, and offers great views of one of Colorado’s prestine destinations.
