Royal Arch Trail – Royal Arch loop from Boulder

Hiking trails & Routes

Royal Arch Trail – Royal Arch loop from Boulder

Moderate

5.0

(6375)

17,464

hikers

Royal Arch Trail – Royal Arch loop from Boulder

03:38

10.6km

550m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.82 km

Bluebell Shelter

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Refuge with picnic tables and toilets nearby - good for a break

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.85 km

Royal Arch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

The hike towards the Royal Arch in Chautauqua necessarily passes through Sentinel pass, which with its shape and its location, could be renamed "Sentinel Ridge".

Tip by

5.35 km

Royal Arch

Highlight • Natural Monument

This natural stone arch will rewards you with great views of Boulder and the Flatirons.

Tip by

7.40 km

View from the Bluebell Spur Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

Right before the end of Chautauqua Trail you get a beautiful view through the trees.

Tip by

7.93 km

View North from Ski Jump Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

8.22 km

This spot on the trail offers a great viewpoint of the Flatirons. The Flatiron climbing trails can be easily accessed by Chautauqua Park, but these scrambling routes take more planning to tackle than a standard hike.

Tip by

8.53 km

Chautauqua Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Great parking lot right next to the trailhead. Paid parking starts at 8AM ($2.50 an hour.

Tip by

8.74 km

Chautauqua Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Providing backdoor access to the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks trails, Chautauqua Park offers and area to access and view nature just at the foot of the city of Boulder. There is also a children's park and turf field.

Tip by

10.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.72 km

2.33 km

516 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.07 km