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 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!