Royal Arch Trail
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Recreation Trails Royal Arch Trail
Royal Arch Trail is a nice but somewhat aerobically challenging trail leading to a natural sandstone arch at the top that also features a great view of the Boulder valley. The trail isn't very challenging technically but does involve a good ascent in a short distance - 1270 or so feet in 1.4 miles.
The trail up to Royal Arch begins a little ways up into the Chautauqua trail system and can be a reached a couple of ways. A trail map of the area can be obtained at the base of the Chautauqua Park system, either outside or at the ranger cottage.
The trailhead for Royal Arch breaks off of Mesa Trail at the Bluebell Shelter. To reach it from the Chautauqua area you can take the main Chautauqua trail to Mesa Trail and follow it south or you can follow Bluebell road to the Bluebell shelter.
- Trail Stats
- Connections
- Photos
- Directions
Distance |
1.4 miles up to Royal Arch from Chautauqua.
0.6 miles along Bluebell road. |
Miles |
Physical Difficulty Technical Difficulty Elevation Gain Starting Elevation Max. Elevation Min. Elevation Facilities Fees Wheelchair Use Mountain Bikes Dogs Horses Fishing Snowshoe X-Country Ski Agency Trail Map |
Moderate - Strenuous Easy - Moderate 1270 5680 6950 5680 None None Not Accessible No Yes, challenging for older dogs. Yes None NA / Unknown NA / Unknown |
Feet Feet Feet Feet
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Highlights |
Large sandstone arch, excellent view. |
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Comments |
Heavy weekend use in the summer months. |
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Relatively steep ascent that can be aerobically challenging.The Royal Arch trail begins roughly at the Bluebell Shelter, which serves as the southern end of Bluebell - Baird Trail. |
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Royal Arch pulls west off the north-south running Mesa Trail near Bluebell Shelter. |
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Third Flatiron Trail |
The Third Flatiron trail pulls off to the right about 0.1 mile up the Royal Arch trail. The Third Flatiron trail is 0.3 miles and ascends 480 feet. |
Directions to Chautauqua Park (Royal Arch starting point)
Chautauqua Park is off Baseline road at Grant, at the base of the mountains. There is a small parking area and more parking on Baseline road. Chautauqua Park is the better spot to start your trek to Royal Arch. Note that no cars are allowed on Bluebell Road.
