Outbound Collective logo

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.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

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

Royal Arch Trail Reviews

Beautiful hike up to the Royal Arch with beautiful views. Intermediate hike up the mountain but the arch and views at the top are worth it!

This one was more challenging than others I've done. The trail was pretty crowded but we went during the warmest part of the afternoon. My dog had a little trouble trying to scramble up some of the rocky steps/paths to the trail, but otherwise a good hike.

Beautiful spot for running.

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