Hike the Tenderfoot Trail
2.1 Miles
400 Feet
Hiking
Beginner
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Loop
Great little hike with views of the Continental Divide and the Indian Peaks mountain range with chances to see wildlife. Dog friendly and a 10 minute drive from downtown Boulder, this is a great option and less crowded than most other local trails.
From Chautauqua Park in Boulder, follow Baseline Road west (if you are driving up the mountain, you are golden). Drive 3.4 miles up Flagstaff Road and look for the sign for Realization Point on your right. It’s a little tricky to see from the road, so keep an eye on your odometer. The trail starts just past the picnic tables that you can see from the parking area. The trail is well marked the entire way, and there are several spur trails with different views that are great side trips if you have the time.
This is a great winter hike as well, just make sure to bring trail shoes with micro-spikes or some type of cleat to grip the snow. Nothing too elaborate, but just enough so you don't slip and you'll be rewarded with amazing views and a lot less people.
Keep in mind that this is one parking area where you will need to pay a fee if you are not a Boulder resident. There is a pay station at the trailhead, and it’s $5, cash only.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
The Woods
Frisco, Colorado
The Greens
Frisco, Colorado
Copper Springs
Frisco, Colorado
Reviews
Overall rating:
Great Family Hike!
Easy with just enough intensity to get your cardio up. Great views! And so convenient from Boulder.
Great View, Little Effort
This was an excellent hike. It had beautiful views with little effort to see them. It was still about 2 and a half miles of hiking, so it was a good work out as well. We went in the middle of Feb on a warmer day and it was perfect. It was not too cold and their were minimal hikers.
Fun little hike
We enjoyed this hike a few weeks after a big snow in January in the middle of the day. The views out to the Indian Peak range were great. The trail is easy, though the shady areas had hard packed ice so we used our ice trekers for better traction. A great little hike on the far side of the Flat Irons, and a beautiful drive just outside of Boulder.
