🏞️ Hiking in Boulder, CO

#HikingTrails #MountainClimbing Boulder Hiking Routes: 1️⃣ The Royal Arch via Chautauqua Park The most popular local trail! Out & back: 3.5 miles, 1,400 ft elevation gain. Wide, well-maintained path in the first half Second half features irregular stone steps and plenty of shade Took the Bluebell-Baird loop on the way back for breathtaking mountain views 🏔️ Connections to 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail available 2️⃣ Mount Sanitas Loop (Counterclockwise) 3.2 miles, took us 3 hours. First mile: smooth trail with sweeping green views 🌿 East Ridge Trail: requires scrambling—some sections unmarked (locals helped us find the way!) Descent was steep, rocky, and challenging—required careful balance and occasional “controlled slides” 😅 Glad we didn’t go clockwise—it’s strenuous and very steep! Not crowded (maybe due to limited free parking), but the views are absolutely worth it! Highly recommended (8,000+ reviews on AllTrails) 3️⃣ The Lost Gulch Outlook Originally planned Green Mountain via West Trail but no parking + mild altitude sickness 😮‍💨 Discovered this gem on the way back! Napped for 30 mins right on the cliff edge—unbeatable views! 😴🪨 $5 parking (covers all forest parking areas for the day) 4️⃣ Boulder Downtown Pearl Street Perfect place to unwind after hiking! Full of cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and gift shops 🛍️📚 Great vibe for a weekend getaway! #Boulder #Hiking #Colorado #WeekendHikes #DayHike #NatureEscape #MountainViews #TrailLife