Nestled in Boulder’s crown jewel for hiking, Chautauqua Park, the Royal Arch is a geological wonder in the flat irons! With its proximity to Denver and especially Boulder, this hike is a fantastic destination without having to travel too far.

Start off on the Bluebell road trail which winds through a pristine meadow with stunning views of the flatirons. Follow the signs for Royal Arch Trail. The actual arch trail is a steep climb up numerous large boulder steps. It will seem like a long trek, but keep going, as the payoff is worth it.

The actual arch is breathtaking. Much like the arches of Arches national park, the Royal Arch is a sight to behold, and a local treasure. The views of Boulder from high above at the arch are also breathtaking. 

Make sure to get to this trail early, as it is extremely popular. You will need to pay to park on weekends and holidays, and expect there to be even more people. Don’t expect to have the arch to yourself unless you go very early on a weekday.

Dogs are welcome in Chautauqua, and this is a great trail for them, just be sure to follow leash laws and clean up after them obviously. You will want to hold on to them right at the top due to the vast amount of chipmunks! This is also a great trail for wildflowers in the summer.

If looking for a gorgeous adventure accessible via public transit, this is a great option. The Flatiron Flyer is a bus that runs from Union Station in Denver to Downtown Boulder. It stops at Broadway and Baseline in Boulder, which is about a 1 mile walk to Chautauqua Park and this trail. See the schedule and get more info HERE!

You can access the Royal Arch via the main trail system in Chautauqua Park. This would be a great adventure for those without a car. The Flatiron Flyer bus runs from Union station in downtown Denver and stops 1 Mile from Chautauqua at Baseline and Broadway in Boulder. Check the schedule and book your ride HERE.