McClintock and Chautauqua Loop Trail

Get an up-close and personal view of the impressive Flatirons, a quintessential Boulder landmark, and explore the various topographies. The McClintock and Chautauqua Loop Trail exhibits the diversity of the Boulder Open Space as it guides hikers through luxuriant grasslands, pine forest, along gurgling creeks, and impressive outcroppings. Get in your daily movement and revel in the beauty of the Colorado wilderness. Note parking is limited, so we suggest arriving in the early morning, or better yet, walk in from the city.

Departing from the parking lot off Clematis Drive, the McClintock and Chautauqua Loop Trail tracks east along the road before trekking south through the park. Hike south until you meet the McClintock Lower Trail. Hike this path southwest, merging on the McClintock Upper Trail, which will deliver you beneath the treeline. At the intersection with the Mesa Trail, turn right, intersecting with a small stream before confronting another crossroad. Here, veer left, and you will be diverted onto the Bluebell Road Trail.

Follow this route past the Bluebell Shelter, converging onto the Bluebell Spur Trail at the road’s end. This path will guide you back into the meadowlands. Merge onto the Bluebell Mesa Trail, taking the rightmost Chautauqua Trail at the next junction. The Chautauqua Trail will deliver you to Kinnikinnick Road. From here, track the Clematis Road east back to the parking lot, ending your adventure.