The Chautauqua Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Boulder, and for good reason. It is easily accessible, as well as great fun for beginning and seasoned hikers alike. It also offers impressive views of both the city of Boulder and the iconic Flatiron formations. While the Chautauqua Trail doesn't offer quite the feeling of adventure of other popular Colorado hikes, it really can't be beat for those looking for a casual jaunt near town. It is also an easy to way to scope out Chautauqua Park itself, as well as the multitude of other hikes in the area, many of which intersect with the Chautauqua Trail at one point or another.
There is some important information to be noted for those planning a hike on Chautauqua Trail. There are many ways to access it, including driving, busing or walking. For those who are driving, parking in the lot at Chautauqua Park can fill up quickly, so either arrive very early or plan on scoping out the numbered side streets for parking options. During the off-season, parking is free throughout the week, though expect to pay during the popular months or the weekends. A shuttle is available to take hikers from Boulder to the park, though it only runs on summer weekends. Walking to Chautauqua Park is another excellent option, as it is close to Boulder's downtown, as well as the university.
The trail itself is short, though out-of-towners should be aware that the elevation gain of 440 feet is about half a mile can be challenging if you're not accustomed the altitude. The first half of the trail is paved, with the second half being a mix of dirt and rocks, so wear proper shoes. Expect to see lots of other hikers no matter the season; it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Boulder!
The Chautauqua Trail's trailhead is very easy to find, as it is located directly next to the large Ranger Cottage and the parking lot. Visitors may access restrooms and drinking fountains here before heading off. A large sign marks the Chautauqua Trail trailhead, which also offers information about all of Chautauqua Park's trails. The trailhead is at the bottom of a sweeping hill that Chautauqua Trail heads directly up. The bottom of the trail is a popular selfie spot, as hikers can pose with the mountains and the Flatirons in the background.
After locating the trailhead, follow the wide, paved trail that heads towards the woods. The first half of the trail features a slight incline, as well as a few spots to step off the main trail and take a look back at the city of Boulder as you ascend. The walking isn't too involved at this point, and there isn't much wildlife to take note of. It is trafficked enough that most of the animals tend to stay back towards the trees, rather than the plains. Despite this, the grasses of the meadows are quite nice, and spice up the first half.
Once you've walked about 0.3 miles, the paved nature of the trail begins to peter out in favor of well-packed dirt and some rocks. The landscape visibly changes as you enter the mostly oak and ash trees. Here, astute and quiet hikers will spot a few different species of animals. Magpies are a mainstay of the area, as well as golden-mantled ground squirrels, the Colorado chipmunk and several varieties of squirrel.
Follow the trail as it winds through the woods and you will eventually be deposited at the Bluebell-Baird Trail, another route that links up with several of the other popular trails in Chautauqua Park. This is the ending of the Chautauqua Trail, though there are plenty more options for hikers who want a bit more action. From here, you can access the Flatiron Loop, the 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail, and the Royal Arches Trail, all excellent options (albeit a bit more advanced). If you're feeling tired, head down the way you came for a whole new view, this time of the city rather than the mountains.
The history of the Chautauqua Trail is mainly the history of Chautauqua Park itself, the area in which the trail lies. It began in 1898 when the land was purchased by the city of Boulder to be used as part of the niche Chautauqua educational movement of the 1800s. This movement was designed to educate adults with a summer camp-like format that emphasized the outdoors, music, lectures and the arts. The Chautauqua movement gains its name from an Iroquois word meaning "two moccasins tied together," a shape that New York's Chautauqua Lake is said to have.
The land of Chautauqua Park was outfitted with cottages and an auditorium to serve this purpose, which still stand today. It is actually one of the only remnants of the Chautauqua movement that still exists today, and summer courses are still available. Interestingly, the Ranger Cottage wasn't built until 1987.
Other historical artifacts that are relevant to those hiking on Chautauqua Trail include the geologic history of the area. The Flatirons, which are the massive stone slabs against Green Mountain near Chautauqua Park, are part of the Fountain Formation. The formation is estimated to be nearly 300 million years old, though it is said that the Flatirons likely formed about 70 million years ago when the Front Range Mountains began to rise. Further erosion occurred closer to 30 million years ago, shaping the mountains and the Flatirons into what we see today.
Went and did it yesterday for the first time in two years. It's fun, but the amount of people there even in January is pretty crazy. Some very slick, icy sections throughout, but not too bad. The 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail is one of the only reasons for locals to come, in my opinion!
