First Flatiron - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flagstaff Mountain is a foothill on the eastern flank of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. From the peak of Flagstaff Mountain one can see Boulder, Metropolitan Denver, and the surrounding mountains. There are hiking and bike trails, picnic areas, the Summit Nature Center, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

The Mesa Trail has to be one of the best and most famous short trails in the country. It runs 6.7 miles from Chautauqua Park in Boulder to Eldorado Springs Drive, following a rolling and very scenic route along the foothills, with spectacular views of Boulder's famous Flatirons.