Exploring Flagstaff Mountain

Start on Baseline Road in Boulder, Colorado and drive west heading straight towards the mountains. You will climb gradually until arriving at Chautauqua park, where the road will begin to steepen. Pass the park and continue heading west, the road will now begin to wind its way up the mountain. The first overlook will be on your right about a half a mile up the road. This first overlook offers spectacular views of Boulder's downtown and the adjacent flatiron's. If you visit during the holiday season, the infamous star you can see upon the mountain while driving into the city of Boulder is a short hike off the road directly past the entrance to the Flagstaff House restaurant. Continuing up the road you will see views around every turn of Boulder's green mountain ;feel free to get out at any of the pull off's to take in the views or begin one of the dozen of trails the interweave alongside the road. Continue up the road another five minutes until you see a medium size parking lot at the top of the mountain. Flagstaff Summit offers views of Boulder Canyon, the Continental Divide and the Eastern Plains. There are a variety of short hikes to obtain different angles of the views, picnic tables to enjoy meals and a variety of benches to take in the scenery. Keep heading up the road to explore or turn around and head back down the same way you came back to Boulder. This drive is a short 10-15 minutes (without stops) to the top from town and is a great way to see as much as possible without having enough time/having to hike. It is extra special at night to take in the lights in and around Boulder.