Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain hike
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Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain hike
Difficulty Rating:
The hike from Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain takes you to two of Boulder’s finest overlooks: Realization Point and Artist Point. This is a relatively easy hike, however it provides stunning views of the surrounding ranges and the continental divide!
Getting there
Take Baseline Rd. towards Flagstaff Mountain. Turning left onto Gregory Canyon Road which dead ends into the parking lot.
About
| When to do | Year round |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Toilets | Yes, primitive pit toilet |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Circuit |
Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Gregory Canyon to Flagstaff Mountain
Begin the hike from the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. Hike along Gregory Canyon Trail, soon coming to an intersection. Go left and stay on Gregory Canyon trail (the right path is Crown Rock Trail, you will return on this trail). The hike up Gregory Canyon will have you slowly gaining elevation as you climb your way up the canyon.
Towards the top of Gregory Canyon, you will run into a trail junction. Go right on a gravel road which crosses over Flagstaff Road. Cross over Flagstaff Road to reach Realization Point. Realization Point is an overlook with impressive views of the snow-capped Indian Peaks.
From Realization Point hike towards Artist Point on either the Ute Trail or Range View Trail. Artist Point is another amazing overlook with great views. Our map shows the route on Ute trail, which is a bit more direct, however both trails offer a wonderful hike.
Follow the Ute trail until you reach a toilet and small car park with space for a couple of cars, which is the start of the Sensory Nature Trail. From the washroom there is a small trail to the left of the road which goes the short distance to Artist Point. The Artist Point viewpoint has wonderful views to the north-west of Indian Peaks Wilderness. Be warned, it can get busy here!
From Artist Point go back to the toilet building and then follow Flagstaff Summit Road for a short while. Follow Flagstaff Summit Road as it passes a cool rock and log building (known as Stone Shelter) before coming to a stop sign. Go right at the stop sign and walk until you are able to pick up Flagstaff Trail which goes off on your left, just before the road curves left.
Follow the Flagstaff Trail downhill as it crosses over the twisty Flagstaff Road multiple times.
Eventually the trail will cross Flagstaff Road at a small parking lot, which is the Crown Rock Trailhead. Here the trail will turn into Crown Rock trail and you continue hiking down Crown Rock Trail. This trail passes through Boulder Mountain Park, which is a collection of red rock formations and will descend all the way down, back into Gregory Canyon.
When you come back to the junction with Gregory Canyon Trail go left and continue downhill back to the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.
Find more amazing hikes around Boulder:
Insider Hints
Pay to Park at the trailhead unless your vehicle is registered in Boulder County.
Flagstaff Mountain is always ‘busy’ with hikers on the trails, climbers’ bouldering on the rocks, vehicles driving up and down Flagstaff Rd. and road bikers pedaling up the steep incline. Not to mention there is a restaurant The Flagstaff House that gets busy. Needless to say, avoid this area during peak times if you want to feel outdoorsy!
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rosevalley 4 years ago
The best time to start the hike here is early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowd.
Lux L. 4 years ago
Glad there wasn't much crowd in the Flagstaff Mountain when I did the hike, Would have been troublesome!
Tiffany Swift 4 years ago
Moderately challenging hike. Great hike elevation. Beautiful views towards the peak.
Mary Lou 5 years ago
It was great despite being busy. There are plenty of kids and dogs running around the area. It's very lively.
mendel 5 years ago
It was a plesant experience. The paths are well maintained and it was easy to get around.
Jeff Axe 5 years ago
It was really crowded. I think they should limit the number of people who can enter so it won't get spoiled.
Susanne P. 5 years ago
Artist Point was an incredible stop. Lots of stunning views!
Jericho D. 5 years ago
Cool surroundings. Nice views of the snow-capped Indian Peaks. They look mesmerizing. Sadly my phone camera was shitty, and all photos turned out overexposed.
Irish L. 5 years ago
One of the finest hikes in Boulder. If you get the chance you should definitely do it. Trails were relatively easy, so people of all build and ages can try it.
Em L. 5 years ago
Good hike that surpassed my expectations. It was actually gorgeous and there were lots of good photo opportunities along the way.