Chautauqua Park

Elite '08

37

102

Victoria S.

Washington, DC

Best hike ever! Amazing views of Denver and the continental divide. Bring plenty of water and energy...also make sure you layer it gets chilly at the top.

We headed to the 1st Flatiron and it took us about 2.5 hours round trip. It can get a little scary if you aren't used to this type of hiking. The paths are very rocky and sometimes unstable.

It's a definite if you are in Denver/Boulder area. It's one of those must do before you die. Truly breath-taking!

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Elite '08

52

278

Jim W.

Phoenix, AZ

Chautauqua is a must if you are in the area.  Great playground, nice restaurant, awesome scenery, great hiking.

Right at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, just follow Baseline Rd. west.

Check weather if you plan on hiking to the top of the Flatirons.  I think it's about a 2000 ft elevation gain.  Afternoon thunder storms can make the hike overly interesting if you are caught up high and exposed.  This is an awesome hike but you should be in decent shape and allow about 2.5-3 hrs for the round trip.

The first time I hiked to the top, I came over a rise to a point where I could see the continental divide and it was absolutely stunning.  Particularly cool were the dark, roiling clouds with flashes of lightning that were washing over the high country and heading my way.  It was sort of like one of those scenes in an action movie like The Fugitive where the train crashes and it is barreling down on Harrison Ford in this inexorable advance.  

I couldn't help but stand transfixed for five minutes or so while I did the math concerning the return hike.  Yes, I was going to get pretty wet...

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