Chautauqua Park

This park sits at the foot of the Flatirons and therefore is the perfect place to get a closer look at them and the Boulder area from a high vantage point. The park is actually in a residential area in Boulder and not far from U of CO. There’s not a lot of parking and it tends to be pretty busy so finding a spot can be challenging. Suggest you go at a non-peak time such as a morning or on a weekday. We did not explore the park fully. We basically just walked up the first incline to the initial “landing”. That’s a fairly steep walk on its own and plenty high enough to get a good view of everything. The trails go further up and around the Flatirons so you’ll definitely get your exercise in if you continue! This isn’t really a park for hanging out, relaxing or picnicking…it’s for walking/hiking/exercising, etc. So if you come for the views like we did, it can be a quick in and out.

Great local hiking spot. I went on a weekday, so it wasn't as busy as it usually gets. That was super nice! The Forrest Ranger came to greet me and asked if I had any questions and showed me their new map! And off I went! Check out the pics!

Beautiful place to see the Flatirons. We did not know what to expect so, no hiking shoes but the path was not bad and the trails are marked clearly. We did somehow encounter a few rough spots as we got to higher elevation due to the snowfall from a few days before. The blue trail especially, was a little rough and muddy. But when you do make it to the top, the view is breathless... no pun intended... 😆 It is worth taking the time to visit this park If you want beautiful photos and catch some wildlife. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our hike that afternoon.

This area was recommended to me as a good place to hike. It was very crowded on a sunny weekend at the end of March, but the hike was great! Still some snow and a lot of mud, but it was very scenic and enjoyable, especially with the great weather.

This park is one of those where you can go relax, get a picnic time, or just hike around. Amazing place to relieve all day stress and revive. The Faltirons around gives you plenty of options to hike. Never had issue with parking spots. Plenty of parking area around.

Just absolutely beautiful! Been hiking these trails all my life!

Wow. Such a beautiful place with incredible vistas and hikes. Can't wait to come back. The staff at the ranger station were cheerful and helpful. Loved my time here.

Beautiful as usual. And as usual it was quite busy even at 6:30 am. A small parking lot near the ranger station was almost full.

Always a 5 experience here. Today was the Flatiron Sounds Music Festival, a beautiful warm sunny Father's Day. There were craft and info booths, food and beer. And bands all afternoon. We missed most of the first performer, Alexa Wildish, a singer songwriter from Lyons. She has competed on The Voice and hearing her last song as we arrived confirms the quality of her talent. Often these events at Chautauqua are brutally hot in summer but today a happy cloud tempered the fierce brightness with some filtered shade. We did not stay past the second band as we had virtual visits with grandchildren for Fathers Day at our house.

My friends and I did the Chautauqua Park trail that goes a little ways up the Flatirons and then loops back around down to the base of the park. It was SUCH a delightful hike with a lot of varying terrain, beautiful overlook views of the entire city of Boulder and so much more of the foothills of these mountains as well! The hike is definitely a little bit challenging, I would rate it as moderate with its decently steep incline. The beginning and ending stretches are also fully exposed to the elements, no tree coverage, so keep that in mind for really sunny days. Once you're a little higher up and amidst the trees, the hike turns pretty pleasant and you pass by pockets of sunshine, creeks, event a snow bank here and there in mid-April. Chautauqua Park is a great place to hike, but also bring the whole group for photoshoots (we saw some graduation photos happening here) and picnics as well! Just bear in mind that the parking lot is pretty small given how large this park is, so plan to arrive earlier or later in the day if you want to easily find parking, prepare to do a couple laps during the busy hours and good weather days, or just plan to park along the street before and after the park's main road!

I completed the Royal Arch trail - amazing !!!! There are many trials. The trail guides are knowledgeable. I met so many people along the way. Great way to meet people! The views... love. Go!

Excellent park with many hiking trails although sign posts can be confusing. The Royal Arch trail is a must do - steep but short and very fun with stream crossings, waterfall scrambles and there is an arch at the end! The top is a very small area cannot accommodate more than half dozen people. More space to move around at the false top point. On street paid parking weekends, free on weekdays.

Can't beat Chautauqua Park for classic Boulder views! With decent parking, wonderful views and long trails, it's a must stop for new visitors and hiking enthusiasts alike. The parking can be tough on weekends and busy periods, but I've often gotten a spot by looping around. Once parked, you need to pay unless you're registered in boulder county. There are many nice trails to take, going to mountain peaks, ravines, meadows, forests, and even a natural rock arch! It's quite uphill and relentless. There are few flat spots unless you take a lower trail. Other parks like NCAR may offer flatter hiking. It's a wonderful park for every season!

04-15-2023 What a beautiful place to be able to come to and take in the magnificent & iconic Flatirons as well as inhale the fresh mountain air! Chautauqua is pronounced shuh-TAW-kwuh. Parking was a beast. It was a packed parking lot and around. I probably shouldn't have come on a Saturday! Luckily, I found a spot after going around a couple times. It had snowed the day before and most of it had melted away. Once I reached the forest, the ground was a bit mushy & muddy mess in a few spots. There were places where the snow hadn't melted, too! This cooler weather made for a much more pleasant time for me to walk the paths. There are Port-a-Potties to the right of the Ranger Cottage (Station). If those aren't suitable to your preference, there are "better" restrooms on the left side of the Ranger Cottage. They are open even if the Ranger Station may not be, as was the case when I was there. While you're out hiking, there is a restroom at the Bluebell Shelter where there's a picnic area. I took a quick glance at the maps but should have taken a closer, more detailed look!! I started up the "Easiest" Chautauqua Loop (green marked path) towards the right on the map. If I had known what I knew when I came back on the green marked path towards the left, I would have used that path to go up. As par for the course, I ended up on the "Moderate" Flat Irons Loop. My intent was to make it to the Royal Arch, but by the time I wandered uphill through the forest on the uneven path, I was toast. I made it to the Royal Arch Trailhead and debated on testing myself. I opted out of going any further since it was a Black Diamond "Difficult" trek. Yes, this is a review written by another Californian visiting Colorado! And yes, the altitude does take some adjusting to! Drink plenty of water, too! It helps! Don't push yourself too hard and you'll enjoy your day here! No matter your reason for coming here, you're bound to be refreshed in the great outdoors with magnificent scenery! If I end up out here again in the future, and am able to do so, I would attempt to make it to the Royal Arch!

Passed through here on a roadtrip with my family and the kids loved it! Definitely a highlight of our travels around USA!

Go take a stroll here! One of the only free things left in this world and also BEAUTFUL! They do have metered parking but you could probably find a spot in the neighborhood- Incredible views. I don't go up the inclined hikes but just standing at the base was majestic.

Everything was so green and absolutely stunning! It was a beautiful day to hike, clouds were forming but didn't storm. It was a great hike for all ages, you can decide how hard or challenging you want. I WOULD RECOMMEND

I'm self aware. I know I can't add anything that hasn't been stated already. But I love coming here. And my pictures always pale in comparison. Chautauqua Park is a must for out-of-towners. And I think locals often forget how special this place is. Of course, there are ass-kicking trails to be blazed. It is the land of false summits after all. Not looking for a workout? Come here early in the morning or late afternoon to watch the sunrise or sunset. Especially in the winter when I'm not up for a hike, the sunrise off the Flatirons is spectacular. There are many trails to explore, I think Royal Arch is the top dog personally. It's just so dang pretty. The unique views of the Flatirons (to see how slanted they really are) are unforgettable. Bring a flask and gaze upon the city of Boulder in all its glory. *Pro tip* park in the lot for free on Sundays. No question it's a top attraction in Boulder. It's so close to town that it's busy most of the time. Can't blame everyone for going outside and doing the same thing you are. We're all just trying to find the best view, right? A park for all seasons. Thanks for being here, Chautauqua.

First time in the Boulder area visiting friends and we went here for our first hike. To look at the mountains from the parking lot is spectacular! Being a Californian, we had to pace ourselves with the high altitude. The hardest part for us was probably the paved path to the trail because of our lungs were still adjusting to the altitude. Once we adjusted, the hike got easier. We did notice the locals and little kids hiking or running up and down rocks like it's no big deal. We even saw locals wearing crocs and flip flops! Once you get past the paved area, there are several paths to choose. Part of the trail was closed, but we decided to go towards the flat irons with the goal to make it towards the arches. There were some parts where I thought to myself, "Can I do this?" but somehow I managed - the part with the rocks was intimidating. I did make it to the first flat irons, but knew my limits when it required climbing rocks to get to the top and the famed arches. My husband and daughter proceeded up the rocks, while my friend and I decided to take in the view (you can see Kansas from there), and slowly make our way back. I have to remind myself that it's all about the journey and taking in everything around me that made it special and memorable. There is a parking lot, but on full days, you may have to park off street or take the shuttle from the school. Restrooms are located near the restaurant but it's a pretty walk. Porta potties are near the lot if you can't wait that long.

I haven't been back to Boulder in probably 3-4 years but when I visit I always hike Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons. Sure it's busy Sure parking sucks. But the hike up is great and the views are spectacular. Dog friendly but keep your pups on a leash as the rangers love giving out tickets for noncompliance. Kind of unfair when you have to scramble up the face and leashing a dog is dangerous..but heck I don't make up the rules...and somebodies gotta pay the rangers salaries.

You get a view of the vaulting arrowhead like formations of the the Flat Iron Mountains throughout the park. The namesake Bluebell trail is mostly manicured and doable with sneakers with a few rocky patches. Just under 2 mile circuit. Halfway there are picnic tables. I look forward to returning and taking the offshoot options, which I hope are more rugged. The UC students flock the trails as the campus is a stone throw away. There is parking lot fee, which I believe is only app accessible for the entire city. I didn't see a pay station. If you go pass the lot there are a few free options, but read signs carefully. Bathrooms at the trailhead and just after the halfway point.

Great park in Boulder with access to a lot of trails. I was here this Saturday 5/6 and it was poppin! I went to the royal arches and it was tough but definitely worth it. I love the nice water fountains at the park so you can fill up before and/or after a hike! Porta potties were a little gross haha. Chautauqua has trails for everyone and clearly marked signs that even say how difficult the trail is. I've done the easy loop too and it was also beautiful! Great views of the flatirons wherever you go.

Very difficult and we work out often but beautiful! Just the right length! Cute gift shop and cafe also!

Awesome place to hike! It lives up the hype. Glad I had the privilege of stopping here. Unfortunately, the hike that I wanted to hit to the royal arch was closed. However, I enjoyed the hike I went on. The park links to lots of different trails. The park can get a little crowded so come early if you can. I took a hike up to realization point and linked it to flagstaff mountain. I saw some amazing views and it was so nice to be surrounded by such beautiful nature. I would definitely recommend this park. There's a hike here for everyone. The park also makes a great spot for a family outing and or a picnic. I would definitely return!

What a great park located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. They have wonderful hiking in here with levels for all ages and experience. They also have a Playground, Tennis Court, Pickleball, Picnic Tables, Demonstration Garden, Nature Play Opportunities. Right near downtown Boulder so there were plenty of places to go to eat or drink around the park. Parking is available in the lot or along the adjacent streets. It does get busy on the weekend.

Note: I had no idea what the word "Chautauqua" actually meant and didn't really get a sense of that during my brief visit to the park, but it's worth looking up. This park basically starts at the edge of residential Boulder and goes up into the mountains. The dedicated parking lot is not much, and both the lot and the surrounding neighborhoods have adopted paid parking even on weekends. A free shuttle bus runs from the center of town during peak times, which I might have tried if I'd known about it when I was downtown. They definitely seemed to be enforcing the parking. It was a bit irritating, but I would much rather have the views than the $3 for the hour I spent there. I didn't have time for an extended hike through the park's many trails, but going through a splendid, lively meadow and up just a bit of mountain produced a variety of opportunities for photography and a significant workout. There were some facilities open, a fountain to fill a water bottle, and a ranger sitting outside with information. There were many dogs, and signs detailing a local Boulder law allowing off-leash dogs for those that wanted to go through some kind of canine credentialing process. With or without the dog, you're unlikely to find a comparable spot with better scenery.

Paying parking only in the street and gets hard. Traffic builds up. It's mostly a starting point for lots of hikers. Lots of open space. Not a lot of shade except for the park side down the hill.

Beautiful park in Boulder with a trail for almost any type of hiker. It is usually pretty crowded so get there early to find parking and avoid the traffic on trails. Great place to bring visitors too!

Chautauqua Park is an amazing place to visit if you are in the Boulder Area. The view is absolutely amazing and the trails are a great place to hike and get some exercise. Be warned, the trails are quite a climb, but the climb is gradual. This park is a must-see if you're in the area. If you don't want to walk the trails or climb, it's still a great place to visit to enjoy an incredible view.

Aside from the parking, this place was great. Great views, a decent hike, and seeing the rock formations was great. There are a few trails you can take and the one we took started out very gentle and got more aggressive as we got closer to the Flat Irons. There were tons of people out of all ages and plenty of dogs.

Here for the Bolder Boulder. We stayed in the cabins in the park. They are clean, the kitchens well appointed and everything is what you would need for a stay. NO TELEVISION which is the right thing to do! If you are staying her you should not be watching TV, you should be out in the meadow or the trails. Good choice on the park's part! This is close to town, easy access to the trail system and a good dining hall. One thing I'd chnage, I'd have assigned parking. The parking is a bit difficult. Not impossible but not extremely easy either.

Chautauqua Park looks like it is straight out of a painting. The views before and during your hike are absolutely stunning. As I was driving into the park, I loved how you could see the Flatirons from the highway. They are very distinct mountains in the Boulder area-you can't miss them. They are unique and look like they came out of nowhere when compared to the surrounding areas. I came here a few weeks ago and did the first and second flatiron loop. On the day we hiked there were no clouds in the sky with a casual temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Needless to say, it was absolutely grueling. I sweat off my sunscreen within 10 minutes of starting. Take it slow and you'll get it done! Also, this park allows dogs! Keep in mind, it is a challenging hike, so your furry friends may be happier sitting this one out. Also, the earlier you arrive, the better. Parking is tough and you may have to park on a side street. All in all, this park was very impressive. There were multiple map and rangers available. There are multiple restrooms and there are even restaurants close by!

Wonderful hiking spot but holy shit is it busy and nearly impossible to find parking, even going midweek before noon. Unfortunately, the Chautauqua trail was closed when we arrived, but there was a super helpful ranger there to recommend another path and answer questions. We ended up walking the Bluebell trail for about 30mins, getting a couple shots of the flatirons, then turning back. We couldn't do the 90min loop -- us humans and the dogs were tired, haha! A couple great things: people do a great job of picking up after their dogs, the restrooms by the ranger hut were clean, and everyone seems to be pretty chill and friendly on the path.

While one of my best friends claims she is an avid hiker, I most certainly am not. Chautauqua Park was a perfect hike for someone like me who is moderately fit but by no means experienced in hiking. There are friendly park rangers (actually everyone in Denver is friendly, it's wild) who can help you decide what path to go on. I forget the distances, but there is an easy, moderate and advanced path. We did kind of a mix of moderate and advanced because we wanted to see the flatirons. My tips to you: +TAKE WATER - this altitude is no joke for a girl from Miami. I had one bottle but I wish I would have brought a bigger one because the way back I had already finished it. +WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES - sneakers with traction / boots are where it's at for this. Other than that, just prep to be hiking for a couple of hours. It was rough getting up the initial hill, but once we got to the actual trail it really wasn't very hard. There are lots of hikers which made it cool to see the routes different folks take. Shout out to the rangers who were so helpful in making Miami girls feel right at home during our hike!

This place has it all, easy flowing hikes for the amateurs, to black diamond level for the professionals. Even saw some people bouldering (free hand climbing) on parts of the mountain. The most part it's really smooth, maybe alil less shaded in certain areas but very beautiful. Saw the flat iron trails

Great hikes for all levels and ages. I love the First and Second Flatirons Trail and the Royal Arch trail. Stunning views and good shaded areas.

Chautauqua Park is one of Boulders top outdoor attractions and the gateway to ask of the best hikes and views in the area. After a day of outdoor recreating, head to the picturesque Dining Hall for a solid meal with unbeatable views.

I love Chautauqua Park! There are so many hiking trails from easy to challenging. It's a fun park to go with the kids and they even have stroller accessible trails. We've been here multiple times to take some family photos and videos. This is such a great park to get pictures of the Boulder flatirons, especially when it is less crowded. It can get crowded on the weekend, but weekdays are less crowded I ask love that there is a children's playground too. It has plenty of play structures, a play house, and an apple tree. Parking can be a challenge, but people are always coming and going. So the most we usually have to wait is 5 minutes. Or we park on the street. We have been to this park over 10 times. It's a place you'll come back to over and over again.

Cannot believe I've never reviewed this Park, as many times over years I've been. This is where I go to get my Mountain fix ASAP: leaving Denver International Airport in about 40 minutes I feel sane again, and at One with The Universe.........................if I can find parking. Go. See. Feel. Live.

How amazingly lucky we are that these trails were forged for us, maintained well and free for us to use!! These trails are always busy, humans, floofers and occasional wild animal appears. Ladies if you enjoy a solo hike but want to be safe in case of accident/fall then this trail is perfectly made just for you as your never too far from someone. Parking IS an ISSUE , best to car pool if your meeting friends. Many trails with all levels available. Micro spikes are warranted as the trees hide the ground from the sun quite a bit. Microclimates abound so dress in layers. Instagram worthy pics abound at every turn of the trail.

Loved this park! Hiked the Chautauqua trail then stopped at the Dining Hall for a beer. Definitely a good stop while visiting Boulder.

My friend took me here and it was great! Loved the views and the fall colors. Loved how there are so many trails to choose from and it is "choose your own adventure". Very popular/crowded area so parking lot fills up fast. The Royal Arch trail is still closed.

Chautauqua is the best of Boulder. I posted photos from different times of year because it's just that beautiful. You can't go wrong on a visit to Boulder to come to check out Chautauqua. The hikes are great, the grass park at the base of Chautauqua is perfect for picnics, and the dining hall is great for a snack. You can't do any better than Chautauqua for peak Boulder. The only frustrating thing is crowds, which you can't really be too mad about because it's such a beautiful place. There is often a shortage of parking, and the trails can get very crowded in the summer. The parking wraps around the grass park and has a little extra parking near the trail. Any nice time of year (which is often here in Boulder), the parking can get terrible. So do be aware of that but if you drive around enough, you'll get a spot. So 5 stars here for the trails and view, but 3 for the parking and crowds .... so four seems fair! This is worth checking out at all times of year because it looks so different but still so beautiful. The unobstructed views of the mountains are unparalleled. You can hike from here to NCAR for a nice hike.

The Boulder Flatirons are always an amazing experience be it for hiking or for just sightseeing with friends from out of town for photos. Nowadays I believe the 1st and 2nd Flatirons are closed off for maintenance so be sure to do some research before trying to successfully climb to the top. Other than that, aim for the morning on weekdays to not hike while they are completely slammed with people. Definitely one of my favorite hikes in the state of Colorado!

Quaint intimate setting-excellent, friendly service and the food (tried both dinner and brunch) was delicious and great presentation! We'll be back!

Great place to hike in Boulder. I would rate this hike a medium difficulty level as it starts off pretty steep and gradually becomes more difficult as you come across rocks. The trail is very well marked with directions and also they have plenty of maps in the beginning so that you can always refer to your map. The weather was perfect on the day of our hike but this terrain can get very difficult on a rainy day. So I definitely recommend you to check the weather before planning your hike. Pets are allowed on leash. I have a big dog so I wouldn't bring my big dog to this trail as it gets harder and the trail gets narrower in the end. It might be hard to go to top of the trail if you have a big dog with you. They have limited paid parking spaces on weekends. We were extremely lucky to find a spot right at the entrance.

Beautiful views but even the easy hike is quite strenuous going at a steep incline in the way up. Loved seeing the mountain wild flowers

I love sitting by the fireplace when it's cold out beautiful patio when it's warm. The menu can be seasonal which is good and bad the only bad being sometimes I really like some thing and it goes away for the season.

Great beautiful hike! Loved it, plan to go back for wild flowers in the spring.

It's clear that this place is no hidden gem. We spent a good fifteen minutes trying to find parking on 40 degree day. Located just at the edge of Boulder, it's easy to access and offers sweeping views of the city below as well as the famous flat irons. Once you find a parking spot, there are plenty of spots to kick off your hike and choose your own adventure. I thought the trails were really well marked and loved how there were plenty of options to make it an easy or challenging hike. This is a dog friendly trail (people, please keep your damn dogs on a leash) and you'll find benches along the route to catch your breath and soak it all in. From the angle we entered, there were a lot of roots on the trail; however, some of the routes kicking off directly from the parking lot were easier and smoother. This was a free and fun way to soak in the Colorado scenery after an hour of popping around downtown boulder.

enjoyable visit. Stopped by with parents during fall and enjoyed a nice walk with family. Beautiful views, a must stop by adventure

When you are in Boulder, you need to go to Chautauqua park. You can go on the hiking trail or just grab a blanket & hang at the park. There's also a restaurant right on the park. You can also grab some food or drinks in Pearl Street then come have a picnic at the park with the beautiful mountains in the background.

Love!! It's a beautiful park with a nice, easy trail or at least I was only at the easy part. Great for viewing the flatiron, sun setting and taking photos. There were a good number of folks taking engagement and family photo shoots, given the beautiful scenery. Definitely worth visiting when in Boulder.

Moderate hike, beautiful view and perfect for a summer or spring afternoon. I took both the main trail and the one that leads off on the right. Different views for both. Thought they were both great. Dog friendly.

I kind of found Chautauqua Park by accident. A happy accident where I took a road up the hill and landed here. I'm really glad that I did because the view is absolutely amazing. There's a fabulous hiking trail, which I climbed. And by "climbed" I mean that I walked up a few stairs and about 20 feet up the trail to a flat spot and took a selfie with the mountains behind me. That's as much "hiking" as I was prepared to do today. If you like hiking and climbing, you will love Chautauqua Park. If you're just looking for a neat picnic spot with some space to let the kids burn off their energy, you'll love Chautauqua Park.

My family was in town visiting last week and we couldn't believe the view at this park. It was really easy to get to with ample parking on the day we went (weekday). We didn't hike but instead walked to the enterance (by the ranger's office) and that was plenty to take in the scenery. The female ranger who we met was very friendly and pleasant for being stuck out there in 10 degree weather. If I didn't live on the other side of the country this would be somewhere I frequent very often and I am sure the view would NEVER get old!

One of the Boulderiest places there is. It's most well known as a great place to start out on a day hike: ridiculously scenic, though it makes for a tough start straight up the hill. And it's nearly a required location for senior, engagement, and wedding portraits. But it's more than just a trailhead for OSMP land. The history of the Chatauqua movement lives on here as it does in few other places in the US, with great structures and world class events.

I love walking and hiking at Chautauqua. Its a great place to take people visiting from out of town, and it is a great place to hike on your own. there is parking in the neighborhood so allow time to find parking. if you get lucky and get a space in the park, be sure to remember to pay the small fee for parking on the weekends in the summer. The restaurant is very good too, and there are clean bathrooms below the restaurant. I look forward to the summer events at Chautauqua.