Added by Christin Healey
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.
Pack List
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Sun protection
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Activities:
Hiking
Skill Level:
Beginner
Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Trail Type:
Loop
Distance:
2.1 Miles
Elev. Gain:
400 Feet
Rating:
Features:
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Reviews
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4 months ago
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.
4 months ago
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.
about 1 year ago
Nice Hike
Great views, not strenuous. Good for a lazy day
over 1 year ago
Best Views!
Hiked this trail all the way to the overlook point (small spur before trail goes all downhill). It was incredible! Fog and clouds were moving all though the peaks. Hike is pretty average, just a little tough when going back up.
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