Royal Arch Trail

Boulder, Colorado

4.3/5

based on 12 reviews

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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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Reviews

Explorer

Jason Hatfield

Explorer

Royal Arch Trail

12/23/15

Beautiful spot for running.

4.0

Explorer

Johnathan .

Explorer

Royal Arch Trail

11/02/15

This is definitely one of my favorite hikes near Boulder. The trail can be steep at times, but keep pushing because the payoff at the end is worth it. On a clear day you can see all the way to DIA!

5.0

Explorer

Brynn Schmidt

Explorer

Royal Arch Trail

10/14/15

This is an awesome hike and one that I love in Boulder. The arch is a really cool spot, but you will be tripping over people as you get near the end and around the arch. I think it is worth the crowds, but don't go there looking for much peace and quiet.

4.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

Beginning at the Chautauqua Trailhead, the Chautauqua Trail goes for 0.6 miles before connecting with the Bluebell-Baird Trail. From here it becomes a choose-your-own-adventure hike. For a short, simple hike you can do with people who aren't ready for lots of elevation gain, take a right and connect with the Ski Jump Trail that connects back to the beginning of the Chautauqua Trail. It is possi...

Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Starting at the ever-popular and ever-populated Chautauqua Trailhead, take the main trail (a highway version of a dirt trail) straight towards the Flatirons. Continue going straight passed the Ski Jump trail to your right (0.2 mi.), then at a crossroads with the Bluebell-Baird trail (0.3 mi.) turn right onto the 1st/2nd Flatiron trail (0.7 mi.). Follow this trail over a rock slide, twice, and p...

Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

Starting from the popular Chautauqua Park trailhead, head west on the main trail to the first branch off onto a smaller trail that will take you toward Baseline Road. Follow this trail until it eventually connects with Gregory Canyon Trailhead—you can park at this trailhead if you wish, but miss out on view of the Flatirons. Head out on the main Gregory Canyon trail that heads due west into th...

Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

Start out on McClintock Trail for 0.7 miles (this particular stretch can get muddy), before switching over to Enchanted Mesa Trail. To add a scenic 0.4 miles to your hike, take the Quarry Loop by turning right at the stone cabin, then following the steps up to the quarry, where you can overlook the park.

Hike the Saddle Rock Trail

You can either start the from the Gregory Canyon Trailhead or the main Chautauqua trail. At the Chautauqua trailhead you will need to pay for parking on Saturdays and Sundays and at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead you will need to pay for parking if your car is not registered in Boulder. If you start from Chautauqua, start on the main trail and take the first branch off to the right and continue ...

Royal Arch Trail

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Chautauqua Trail to the Ski Jump Trail

Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Green Mountain via Chautauqua Park

Hike the Enchanted Mesa Trail

Hike the Saddle Rock Trail

Green Mountain via Gregory Canyon and Ranger Trail

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