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    Chautauqua Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5-1h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    1.9 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    128 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    At the foot of the Flatirons, the Chautauqua Trail is an awesome wilderness adventure that reveals up close and personal views of the jagged blades. Family-friendly and incredibly beautiful, this is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Boulder. A great excursion in and of itself, The Chautauqua Trail also connects to dozens of other scenic routes in the park.

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    Route Description for Chautauqua Trail

    Located within the Chautauqua Park, the Chautauqua Trail is an incredibly busy, but stunning nature walk. Traveling to the base of the foothills, this trail delivers dumbfounding views of the sandstone rocks that protrude from the countryside. If you were seeking a secluded adventure, then we highly suggest considering another hike. If you venture to Chautauqua Park in the summer, we recommend an early morning weekday walk for more solitude. Furthermore, parking in Chautauqua Park is a nightmare in the summer months, so we urge you to take the free Park-to-Park bus to avoid the annoyance. The meadow-laden path reveals epic sights, but also warrants unbearably hot conditions on summer afternoons, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen to avoid overexposure. Note there are also rattlesnakes in the area, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you travel.

    The crowds that the Chautauqua Trail draws are a testament to the beauty of the area. Though the park is highly frequented, we strongly encourage you to venture the trail. It seems like it is a rite of passage to hike through Chautauqua Park when visiting boulder! Immerse yourself in the wilderness and revisit history as you trek along the magical grassland path. As you hike further into nature and closer to the Flatirons, you will likely be able to spot intrepid adventurers climbing up the flank of the sandstone blades. This scenic nature walk presents the ideal excuse to get the whole family out into nature on your next adventure to Boulder.

    Embark on your adventure along the Chautauqua Trail from the trailhead off Kinnikinnick Road within Chautauqua Park. From here, you will immediately be granted expansive vistas of the Flatirons and Flagstaff Mountain. Begin your excursion by hiking southwest along the Chautauqua Trail. As you walk further into the wilderness, you will encounter many merging and connecting paths, ignore these, and maintain along the Chautauqua Trail. Trek along the meadow-cloaked path, keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes.

    As you wander through the grasslands, make sure to take the time to read the interpretive signs which explain the area’s flora, fauna, and geological history. The closer you get to the Flatirons, the more shaded you will find the path. Enjoy the coverage of the ponderosa pines that line the route as you near the trail’s end. You will meet the end of your adventure at the intersection with the Bluebell Baird Trail. From here, you will be granted views of the Boulder cityscape through the tree breaks and epic sights of the Flatirons towering above.

    Revel in the views, and if you are craving a longer adventure, why not ascend the Flatirons by way of the 1st/2ndFlatirons Trail? If you have had enough, simply retrace your footing along the route all the way back to the trailhead. Once you finish your nature walk, consider having a picnic on the Chautauqua Greens, overlooking the stunning iconic Boulder landmarks.

    Trail Highlights

    Colorado’s Chautauqua

    Colorado’s Chautauqua Park is one of the last remaining locations from the Chautauqua Movement. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Chautauqua movement took over, promoting family retreats focusing on culture, education, music, and nature. Popping up all over the country, Boulder’s Chautauqua came to fruition in 1898 when a group of Texans chose the area to escape the heat. The Colorado Chautauqua quickly became a popular family retreat destination which in turn safeguarded the surrounding environment. Located within the park, the Chautauqua Auditorium was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and remains in function to this day. Much of the area’s trails, restoration, and protection efforts are intertwined with the culture and history of the Colorado Chautauqua. On your next visit to the area, consider catching a show at the Chautauqua Auditorium.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do you have to pay to park at Chautauqua?

    You only have to pay for parking at Chautauqua on weekends during the summer holidays, which costs $2.50USD per hour. We recommend taking the free Park-to-Park bus to avoid the annoyances of trying to find a spot in the summer. In the off-season parking is free.

    Are dogs permitted on the Chautauqua Trail?

    Yes, dogs are permitted on the Chautauqua Trail if they remain on leash.

    Can you hike Chautauqua at night?

    The Chautauqua Park closes at 11 pm, so adventurers can do a late-evening stroll or picnic in the park.

    How long is the Chautauqua Trail?

    The Chautauqua Trail is 1.9 km long, but you can extend your hike by hooking on to one of the several connecting routes.

    Insider Hints for Chautauqua Trail

    • Take the free Park-to-Park bus bus in the summer months to avoid paying for parking
    • Pack provisions and have a picnic overlooking the flatirons
    • In the winter months trade your hiking boots for snowshoes
    • Catch a show at the Chautauqua Auditorium after your nature walk
    • Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes as you track the trail in the summer months

    Getting to the Chautauqua Trail Trailhead

    The Chautauqua Trail is accessed via the trailhead off Kinnikinnick Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      Year-round

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      Extreme

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Chautauqua Trail Elevation Graph

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    Chautauqua Trail Reviews

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