Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, CO - Trails

Boulder, Co offers hikers and bikers many opportunities to be able to follow trails that run for many miles. While some of these are rather short, others simply go on and on. The trails at Flagstaff Mountain also provide many great photo opportunities, along with a challenge to get to the top.

Flagstaff Mountain rises to an altitude of 6,978 feet and has several trails on it, and each one has a different level of difficulty. The Flagstaff trail is the most strenuous, and it rises 1,120 feet, starting from where Baseline Road becomes Flagstaff Road. It covers a distance of about one-and-a-half miles. The trail goes up to Panorama Point and then on up to the Flagstaff Summit.

Once at the top, the views of the surrounding area are incredible. Visitors can look down on the whole Boulder valley area, Denver, and the surrounding mountains - day or night.

At the summit, visitors will come to the Flagstaff Summit Nature Center. It enables visitors to learn about the history, wildlife and plants that can be found in the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). The Center provides many interactive activities and games to help children and other visitors learn. Various displays and stuffed animals are also in the Center, and it does not cost to visit, but there is a parking fee. The Center is open from 10:30 AM until 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is wildlife in this area and visitors may have a chance to see some of it. It is possible that they may catch a glimpse of a black bear or mountain lion, mule deer, red foxes, coyotes and many kinds of birds. Due to the seasonal nature of wildlife, some areas of the mountain may be off-limits to visitors. Check the Website to find out about these areas.

Bikers also love to ride up to the top, although it certainly will be more than a little strenuous to get up there. Park rules require that they stay off the trails, but they can ride on the road. The trails are also good for horse riding, too.

The Summit offers a good place to have a picnic, and enjoy the great view. There are restrooms at the top, and plenty of picnic facilities - tables, grills, and trash cans. The picnic and restrooms areas are accessible.

Also on the mountain, visitors will see the Sunrise Amphitheater, which is an old stone open theater. Built in the 1930's, it is still a popular place to have special events or weddings. This spot, and a couple of others on the mountain, can be rented for your special occasion.

When you get hungry and want something special, the folks in Boulder know where to go - the Flagstaff House Restaurant. This restaurant is family owned and is a favorite in the area. When you want a romantic or family dinner, this is the place. It is located at the 6,000-foot level, and some wildlife can be seen while eating. It has a fireplace, rare crystal, outside terraces, and a mahogany bar.

Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, CO continues to be a favorite of people all over, as well as the Boulderites. Other great places are also nearby for you to take the whole family. Among the sites that are near Boulder, are the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, the Chautauqua Park, the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, and the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art.