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.”
At the end of the trail
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.
rocky switchbacks
beautiful views
boulder scrambling
right after we climbed the 8ft rock face
gorgeous view
my friends at the top
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.
