Chautauqua Trail

Located within the Chautauqua Park, the Chautauqua Trail is an incredibly busy, but stunning nature walk. Traveling to the base of the foothills, this trail delivers dumbfounding views of the sandstone rocks that protrude from the countryside. If you were seeking a secluded adventure, then we highly suggest considering another hike. If you venture to Chautauqua Park in the summer, we recommend an early morning weekday walk for more solitude. Furthermore, parking in Chautauqua Park is a nightmare in the summer months, so we urge you to take the free Park-to-Park bus to avoid the annoyance. The meadow-laden path reveals epic sights, but also warrants unbearably hot conditions on summer afternoons, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen to avoid overexposure. Note there are also rattlesnakes in the area, so keep an eye and ear out for them as you travel.

The crowds that the Chautauqua Trail draws are a testament to the beauty of the area. Though the park is highly frequented, we strongly encourage you to venture the trail. It seems like it is a rite of passage to hike through Chautauqua Park when visiting boulder! Immerse yourself in the wilderness and revisit history as you trek along the magical grassland path. As you hike further into nature and closer to the Flatirons, you will likely be able to spot intrepid adventurers climbing up the flank of the sandstone blades. This scenic nature walk presents the ideal excuse to get the whole family out into nature on your next adventure to Boulder.

Embark on your adventure along the Chautauqua Trail from the trailhead off Kinnikinnick Road within Chautauqua Park. From here, you will immediately be granted expansive vistas of the Flatirons and Flagstaff Mountain. Begin your excursion by hiking southwest along the Chautauqua Trail. As you walk further into the wilderness, you will encounter many merging and connecting paths, ignore these, and maintain along the Chautauqua Trail. Trek along the meadow-cloaked path, keeping an eye out for rattlesnakes.

As you wander through the grasslands, make sure to take the time to read the interpretive signs which explain the area’s flora, fauna, and geological history. The closer you get to the Flatirons, the more shaded you will find the path. Enjoy the coverage of the ponderosa pines that line the route as you near the trail’s end. You will meet the end of your adventure at the intersection with the Bluebell Baird Trail. From here, you will be granted views of the Boulder cityscape through the tree breaks and epic sights of the Flatirons towering above.

Revel in the views, and if you are craving a longer adventure, why not ascend the Flatirons by way of the 1st/2ndFlatirons Trail? If you have had enough, simply retrace your footing along the route all the way back to the trailhead. Once you finish your nature walk, consider having a picnic on the Chautauqua Greens, overlooking the stunning iconic Boulder landmarks.

Trail Highlights

Colorado’s Chautauqua

Colorado’s Chautauqua Park is one of the last remaining locations from the Chautauqua Movement. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Chautauqua movement took over, promoting family retreats focusing on culture, education, music, and nature. Popping up all over the country, Boulder’s Chautauqua came to fruition in 1898 when a group of Texans chose the area to escape the heat. The Colorado Chautauqua quickly became a popular family retreat destination which in turn safeguarded the surrounding environment. Located within the park, the Chautauqua Auditorium was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and remains in function to this day. Much of the area’s trails, restoration, and protection efforts are intertwined with the culture and history of the Colorado Chautauqua. On your next visit to the area, consider catching a show at the Chautauqua Auditorium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay to park at Chautauqua?

You only have to pay for parking at Chautauqua on weekends during the summer holidays, which costs $2.50USD per hour. We recommend taking the free Park-to-Park bus to avoid the annoyances of trying to find a spot in the summer. In the off-season parking is free.

Are dogs permitted on the Chautauqua Trail?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Chautauqua Trail if they remain on leash.

Can you hike Chautauqua at night?

The Chautauqua Park closes at 11 pm, so adventurers can do a late-evening stroll or picnic in the park.

How long is the Chautauqua Trail?

The Chautauqua Trail is 1.2mi long, but you can extend your hike by hooking on to one of the several connecting routes.