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Dan Smith

Follower of Jesus | Husband | Fmr. Infantry SGT, US Army -- I have a passion for everything outdoors, the world is our playground, I am blessed to be able to explore it.

Climbed Mt. Flora starting off at 8am there was almost no one on the trail and we had an easy climb to the top!

This is a great hike! But... it is long and strenuous. Although you will see lots of trail runners coming up and down, I thought this hike was an ass kicker. I brought my parents who are approaching 60 on this hike and we were able to complete it in about 7 hours round trip which included a lunch at the peak. By the end of the hike we were spent, I recommend a lot of water and a very early start as this trail was packed with people.

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.