Royal Arch Trail Hike | Boulder, CO | Chautaqua Park

Royal Arch is a stunning rock formation located 1.2 miles from downtown Boulder. Along the hike, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful Flatirons and large pine forests. This is an extremely popular hike due to the proximity to both Boulder and Denver, the intermediate ascent, and the gorgeous arch that parallels those in Arches National Park. Here is everything you need to know for a successful hike to the Royal Arch!

Distance –3.2 miles round trip (5.15 km)
Height – 6,915 feet (2,107.69 m)
Elevation gain – 1,417 feet (431.90 m)
Duration – 2 – 3 hours (book time)
Difficulty – Intermediate
Dogs?: Allowed
Seasons – Year-round (caution and experience needed in winter – see below)
Trailhead Location – Chautauqua Park Trailhead – (directions below)

Trail Description

To hike to the Royal Arch, hikers should park at Chautauqua Park, where there are several different trails one can take. We recommend taking the Bluebell Hiking Trail, as it is the most direct to Royal Arch. However, one could start on the Chautauqua Trail, Meadow Trail, or Baseline Trail (shown in trail map #2), which would increase the hike mileage. You also have the option of adding on the 1^st and 2^nd Flatirons to this hike, creating a loop that would be approximately 5 miles.

Recommended Trail: Bluebell Hiking-Trail (Most Direct): 3.2 Miles Round-Trip | 1,205 ft net elevation gain (1,417 ft total elevation gain)

After arriving to Chautauqua Park, walk to the start of the Bluebell Trail (0.1-0.3 miles) along the gradually inclining Bluebell Trail for 0.6 miles, where you will find the Bluebell shelter. From there, continue on the Royal Arch Trail for 0.7 miles where you will pass Sentinel Pass and continue down the trail.

Trail Maps

Royal Arch, Boulder Colorado Trail Map

Hiking in winter

This hike is commonly listed as a great Boulder winter hike. However, like any winter hikes, hikers have to be precautious and prepared for the different terrain and weather you may find on your trek. In the winter months, conditions to reach the Royal Arch can vary from not snowy whatsoever to icy and slushy, so checking trip reports and the local weather before attempting this hike is crucial. We recommend carrying a pair of microspikes for additional traction, especially if there are reports of snow and ice on the trails.

Current Weather Conditions

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the next 4 days:

Eldorado Springs, CO

Overnight
Mostly clear. Low around 63, with temperatures rising to around 66 overnight. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 85. West wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. Low around 50, with temperatures rising to around 52 overnight. North northwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 76. East northeast wind 0 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 2 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.

Juneteenth
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Directions & Parking

Metered parking is required for specific spots at and around Chautauqua Park on certain days (weekends, some holiday weekends). Boulder also offers a free shuttle from May 23^rd to September 7^th, where hikers can park at satellite parking locations and take the shuttle to Chautauqua Park.

If the parking lot is full, there is parking along Baseline road. Just be sure to follow the parking regulations and pay meters.

Additional Pictures

Royal Arch – Boulder, Colorado

Views From Early On To Royal Arch