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Hike to the 1st Flatiron

Boulder, Colorado

4.6/5
based on 13 reviews

Details

Distance

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1422 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Annie Rumbles

Leave the crowd behind by pushing yourself just that bit further - passed the beautiful 2nd Flatiron and finishing behind the grand, and iconic, 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 passed the 2nd Flatiron via several switchbacks. Don't be fooled, once you reach the 2nd Flatiron, continue through a saddleback, up a couple more switchbacks, and up to the backside of the 1st Flatiron.

Once there, find yourself a nook in the rock, sit, and listen to swallows and swifts chirping overhead as you look out toward Indian Peaks Wilderness area and Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you'd like to assist in keeping Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks clean like I do, perhaps carry along a bag to fill with any trash you come across along the way. Because of the high use of this beautiful area, some treat it with less than the respect it deserves - leave no trace!

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Scenic

Hike to the 1st Flatiron Reviews

I went midday in April, there was a good bit of snow left (as expected) and a lot of traffic on the trail

Having only lived in Colorado for a week, I was looking for a hike that would challenge me, but also something that wasn't going to over exert me on my first hike. I'll start by saying the weather the prior two days was not ideal. Being from Wisconsin, I expect the unexpected, but nonetheless I was still disappointed thinking my weekend for hiking was shot. Much like Wisconsin, I am learning the weather here in CO is anything but reliable. Even with less than ideal weather the prior two days, I decided to head up to Boulder from Westminster where I reside and put some distance on my boots. The trail head is not hard to miss... if you do... something is wrong. The start of the trail was extremely muddy, which made the first part of the hike go slower than average, but it was really not much of an issue. The weather was perfect sunny, cloudless, and about 55 degrees. Once you hit the tree line the snow was visible, but did not make for any issues. The trail is well marked and with the heavy traffic it sees it is almost impossible to get off track. I will say once the switch backs start, the snow was packed down and icy due to the amount of hikers making the trek some what difficult; however, nothing that even a beginner couldn't handle. One recommendation would be to invest in some clamp on spikes or any other strap on tread making walking on ice easier. Once I reached the summit of the flatiron, the views were fantastic for how close you are to Boulder. In total it took me about an hour to reach the top, where I had a snack, hydrated, and snapped a few photos. The trek back down was slow going until you finish with the switch backs due to the icy trail, again I recommend spikes/strap on tread. My total time on the trail with the time I spend up top was about 2 1/2 hours. I am a pretty athletic person, but felt that I was moving a good pace with the trail conditions. Once I am more acclimated to the altitude here in CO I'm sure I could do the hike much quicker. Great hike, great views, and a hike for just about anyone. I will definitely be doing this hike again with visitors.

Great day hike with a variety of terrain. Hit the trail early because a lot of people come around later in the afternoon

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

Royal Arch Trail

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