Mesa Trail - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Royal Arch is a stunning rock formation located 1.2 miles from downtown Boulder. It is a heavily trafficked, classic Boulder trail that leads to a natural stone arch with great views of Boulder and the Flatirons.The trail starts near the Bluebell Shelter and goes up, passing the base of the Third Flatiron. Bears and mountain lions live in the area, so know what to do if you encounter one.

One of the most spectacular city views in the country. The dramatic rock outcroppings as well as the hiking trails will afford life-long memories. The Flatirons consist of conglomeratic sandstone of the Fountain Formation. Geologists estimate the age of these rocks as 290 to 296 million years; they were lifted and tilted into their present orientation. They are popular destinations for hikers and rock climbers, with rock grades ranging from easy to world-class.

Green Mountain is a mountain summit on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The mountain is renowned for the Flatirons rock formations on its eastern flank. The standard trailhead for a hike up Green is located in town at the base of Gregory Canyon on the perimeter of Chautauqua Park.

The First is a huge Flatiron with many good face routes starting from the bottom to the top of the East side It dominates the northern end of the Flatirons and is home to some of the longest routes in the area. The massive east face hosts many fine slab climbs while the other faces sweep up to offer many greater challenges. Hike from urban to wilderness by starting at Bluebell-Baird Trail to transition west onto First-Second Flatiron Trail.

Colorado Chautauqua is one of three remaining Chautauquas in the United States, and the only site west of the Mississippi River, in continuous operation, with its original structures intact. It is also home to the Colorado Music Festival and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006. According to its governing body, the Colorado Chautauqua Association, it is also unique in that it is the only year-round Chautauqua.

Bear Peak is generally considered to be at the southern end of Boulder's Flatirons range, rock formations on the westernmost part of the city. The 8,459-foot peak is located in Boulder Mountain Park, 5.2 miles south-southwest of downtown Boulder in Boulder County,In addition to hiking, Bear Peak has at least three rock climbing formations directly adjacent — The Slab, The Goose, and Seal Rock.