Flagstaff Mountain
Table of contents
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!
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
Weather Forecast
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