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Royal Arch Trail

Boulder, Colorado

4.4/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

3.32 miles

Elevation Gain

1220 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brock DeHaven

Royal Arch Trail leads to an archway formed by rocks towering over 30 feet high. You'll enjoy views of Eastern Plains and Boulder's famous Flatirons.

Royal Arch Trail climbs up Boulder's famous Chautauqua Park to an archway formed by sandstone rocks that tower over thirty feet high.

Start at the Chautauqua Trail Station by the Ranger Station, and continue up Bluebell Road for 0.7 miles. You will then arrive at a more forested area, where you will head south, following the signs for the Royal Arch Trail for 0.2 miles.

The trail will steepen and the grade will steadily increase towards the upper-gulch up to Sentinel Pass, the most difficult section, which lasts 0.45 miles. Once you reach the top of the pass, you will keep left down 100' and continue for 0.22 miles along a twisting climb over Tangen Spring, which will bring you to the base of the Arch.

From there, climb up the Royal Arch to a set of outcrops with panoramic views of the Eastern Plains, foothills, Boulder and Denver.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Royal Arch Trail Reviews

Pretty much a continuous climb

Rugged hike, but so worth it! Trail was clearly marked. Finding a park was the hardest part of the hike, definitely get there early to hear the rush!

It was cool to see the archway formed by rocks towering over 30 feet high. Views of Eastern Plains and Boulder's famous Flatirons were great. The trail is slippery in the winter when there's ice.

Chautauqua Park is beautiful, but Royal Arch is outstanding. The elevation gain is killer on your calves, but it is so worth it in the end. Pack a lunch and eat it sitting in the arch overlooking Boulder!

This is an outstanding hike if you want to get engaged!

This is a great workout! After they rerouted post the floods in 2013, this really is a hike with quite the incline. But, the overall view at the flat irons and Boulder are stunning on a clear day. Try and go on the weekdays but even then this trail is pretty crowded. Have fun!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

Hike the Saddle Rock Trail

Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon and Ranger Trail