Flagstaff Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
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.
3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
28.9 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.
1,017 km
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama on Flagstaff Mountain road biking route near Boulder, Colorado

Flagstaff Mountain Road is a steep and twisty mountain road that begins at the base of the iconic Boulder Flatirons. Conveniently close to downtown Boulder, and being one of the steepest roads in the area makes this ride an experience you will never forget!

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Route Description for Flagstaff Mountain

Flagstaff Canyon is a popular Boulder bike ride. This bike ride begins at the entrance to Boulder Mountain Park. The climbing will begin immediately! The first landmark is Panorama Point, which is an overlook that views over Boulder Valley. The road curves back on itself as it increases in grade through a series of steep switchbacks.

Ride past Crown Rock, which is a popular destination for hiking and climbing, until you arrive at Realization Point, where the shorter variation to this bike ride takes you up Flagstaff Summit Rd to Artist Point. For the full bike ride, continue past Realization Point and continue climbing to Lost Gulch Overlook. From Lost Gulch Overlook, you should be able to see the snowcapped mountains of Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park. Shortly after Lost Gulch Overlook, the road levels out to a nice bike ride in the mountains all the way to the Gross Reservoir parking lot.

Turn around and head back down the way you came. The descent off of Flagstaff Mountain is a full adrenalin rush with fast sections that flow straight into tight curves that will have you on the drops, with the brake levers squeezed tight! Watch out for heavy traffic as you cruise down back to the base.

Insider Hints for Flagstaff Mountain

  • Shorter variations of the Flagstaff Canyon bike ride include turning around at Flagstaff Summit or Lost Gulch Lookout.
  • Cycle Flagstaff Canyon early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic.

Getting to the Flagstaff Mountain Trailhead

From Boulder, take 9th St south to Baseline Rd. Take Baseline west towards Chautauqua Park. There are multiple parking options. You can park along Baseline Rd or in Chautauqua Park or at the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.

Route Information

  • Type of Ride

    Single-day

  • Re-supply points

    Chautauqua Ranger Cottage

  • When to do

    Year round

  • Toilets

    Chautauqua Ranger Cottage & Flagstaff Summit Park

  • Level of Car Traffic

    High

  • Road Type

    Shared roads with cars

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Flagstaff Mountain Elevation Graph

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Flagstaff Mountain Reviews

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