Hike Review: First and Second Flatiron Trail

TOTAL LENGTH

2.6 miles

PARKING

parking lot

ELEVATION GAIN

1,422'

DIFFICULTY

mod/hard

“There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.”

— Alex Lowe

Hike Description

Start at the Chautauqua Trailhead that leads you on a fire road through a meadow. This part of the trail slowly climbs up and you aren't protected from shade here. After passing a few confusing junctions, you will have to scramble up a rocky and loose boulders. Be careful here especially when it is crowded. The views here are spectacular.

As you keep climbing you will reach a tall (around 8ft) rock face with grooved notches. Carefully climb up and enjoy the view. Continue climbing on the narrow ledged switchbacks until you reach the spectacular views of Flatiron 3.

Things to Note

We went in early September and the sun was shining. Shortly when we arrived back in Boulder, the weather made a quick turn. Make sure to be prepared for all weather conditions. The parking lot does fill up fast so come early. See below for a map of where you can find overflow parking.

Directions to Trailhead

From Boulder this is a very easy drive!

Visit https://goo.gl/maps/rdFiFvtyrxo for map link.

right after we climbed the 8ft rock face

Special thanks to my husband Josie and my friends Kerry, Yvonne and Carleton for joining me on this beautiful hike. All photos from our hike on September 3, 2016.