Hike one of the top trails in beautiful and colorful Boulder, Colorado by hiking the Royal Arch Trail. Located in Chautauqua Park, the Royal Arch Trail is a serious workout with challenging ascents and sections where you’ll need to watch your ankles while traversing rocks. The challenge is well worth it as your reward is a natural stone arch with killer views of Boulder and the signature Flatirons. Keep reading for how to get there, tips on hiking this path, and some advice for taking an alternate route back.
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging at times
- Elevation Gain: 1470 ft
- Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Distance: 3.4 miles (out-and-back trail)
- Cost: Free
How to Get to Royal Arch Trail
The Royal Arch Trail is one of many challenging treks in Chautauqua Park of Boulder, CO, just a few miles from downtown. To get there, take Baseline Road west to the park’s entrance where you’ll turn left into the parking lot. Parking is free at this park.
Facilities and Ranger Cottage
Nearby the parking area, you’ll see picnic tables and the ranger cottage. There are bathrooms and a water bottle filling station there, along with educational materials and park maps of the trails that you can grab.
Hike to Royal Arch Trail
To hike this trail, start at the Chautauqua Park Trailhead near the ranger cottage. You’ll take the Bluebell Road Trail heading south. Alternatively, you could get there by following the Chautauqua Trail to the Bluebell Shelter via the Bluebell Baird Trail.
The beginning of this hike has you walking through a grassy meadow and then you’ll enter a pine forest. You will pass by the trails leading to Flatirons #1 and #2. Keep on the Flatirons Loop Trail and look for signs for Royal Arch Trail.
The trail will descend into Bluebell Canyon – home to raptor birds that nest and hatch in this area. Shortly thereafter, you’ll begin a challenging staircase ascend that’ll have you sweating. This part of the trail is typically where you’ll get to see just how popular the trail is. Many people will be huffing and puffing, stopping to catch their breath with this elevation gain, which causes some congestion.
You’ll know you’re close when you reach Sentinel Pass, a rocky notch at the top of Bluebell Canyon. Royal Arch is only about a half-mile from this point.
At the end of the trail, you’ll be able to stand beneath the natural sandstone arch that spans 20 feet and sits at an elevation of 6,915 ft. Royal Arch sits along a fold within the Boulder Flatirons and was sculpted by years of water, wind, and mechanical erosion. Take in the amazing views of Boulder and Denver in the distance, plus look around the Flatirons because you may be able to spot rock climbers.
Alternate Routes
This is an out-and-back trail, however, you can make it a loop by heading back and then towards the Bluebell Road Shelter. Turn onto the Bluebell Spur trail from there. This path is super peaceful and almost dreamy because you’ll be walking through the meadow and likely have far less company. I took this route back to the parking lot and was alone during this section which was seriously enjoyable.
How Hard is Royal Arch Trail
This trail can be difficult and challenging in the elevation gain and rocky terrain you’ll need to cross. Be prepared to climb stairs, switchbacks, and work up a sweat. While the distance isn’t too far, the elevation gain (especially for those not used to it) can be difficult. If you’re not physically fit or are looking for a trail for your young children to join you on, you may be suited to another trail.
Still, I would do this trail again if I were in the area and would highly recommend it to others. I wasn’t an experienced hiker when I did it, and I met another girl on the trail who was also just getting into hiking. We both made it to the end together and were super proud of ourselves.
While it’s a bit of a workout, the reward at the end is well worth it, and it beats a gym workout any day!
Tips for Hiking Royal Arch Trail
- Avoid the most crowds by not hiking on the weekends! Either go early before 8am or on a weekday to avoid the crowds – whether locals or tourists.
- Watch for trail runners as the path can be narrow and you’ll need to move to the side.
- Dogs are allowed on leashes here, but you’ll likely see plenty running around off leash. Leave your dog at home if you’re not 100% confident they won’t hurt their paws on rocks or drop down a cliff or into a rock crevice (a scary, but real possibility).
- Bring some snacks so you can sit, relax, and have a bite to eat at the summit to fully soak in the amazing views.
- Stay on the marked trail at all times to protect and preserve this treasure.
- Check the weather before beginning your trek as storms can roll in quickly around the Flatirons, especially thunderstorms in the summer early afternoons.
*Pro Tip: Do yourself a favor and stop by the ranger clubhouse before beginning your hike. The park ranger is your best resource at any park. Simply ask them if this trail is open and if they have any recommendations. They will know the trail’s condition, any potential closures, and could recommend alternative routes that might give you something more special than what you’re able to find just researching online.
When I was hiking in Boulder and arrived at this park, I had originally wanted to do one of the Flatirons trails. I stopped into the clubhouse to use the bathroom and fill up on water, but the park ranger gave me a friendly “hello” and we chatted for a bit.
He told me that the trail was actually closed (bummer) and recommended the Royal Arch Trail with a different route back through the meadow. I am eternally grateful to him for steering me in this trail’s direction because it was well worth the trek!
