Hiking the 1st Flatiron at Chautauqua Park

This amazing trail starts at Chautauqua Park in Boulder. Elevation at start is 5,710ft. It is a very popular hike so on weekends it is usually pretty crowded. Parking is a bit of a pain. We usually park on the surrounding streets. 

The trail begins on a wide open plain looking straight up to the Flatirons. With my personal experience the first mile of this hike is always the worst. Up & up you go until you hit your first glimpse of Flatiron 3. This is when the trail starts to change. You are surrounded by pines & cedars. Wild flowers surround you as you hike. You will eventually get a 3 way split. Take the trail towards Flatiron 1 & 2. The trail splits quickly again for Flatiron 1. Follow signs right and continue on steep switchbacks across an uneven stone field. The trail curls up a final set of switchbacks to the back of Flatiron 1 and its official end at the Saddle Rock Trail split. From here a short scramble leads up to an alcove behind Flatiron 1 with panoramas across Boulder's back range and Continental Divide.