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 possible to turn this hike into a long, 7-mile adventure, but it's not necessary to climb the flatirons to get a good view. 

This trail is dog friendly, but they are required to be on a leash at the trailhead and on the trail unless they are enrolled in the Boulder Voice and Sight Tag program. 

The parking lot fills quickly and the City of Boulder encourages visitors to walk or bike to the trailhead instead of driving.