Type: Trail, Loop
Difficulty: 8 / 10
Altitude: 5,820 ft
Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,423 ft / 1,423 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Hiking, Running
If you like steep and challenging runs, this one is for you. But don't be alarmed, this one is not all work. After summiting Flagstaff, you are rewarded for your sweat equity with a beautiful view of the Back Range while circumnavigating the rest of the Flagstaff summit on the Range View Trail.
Start at the ranger's station in Chautauqua Park. Run towards the mountains (west) on the Baseline Trail for .6 miles to the entrance of the Gregory Canyon Trailhead (the turn off for the trailhead parking at Flagstaff Road). Do not run up to the parking lot. Instead, run up the Flagstaff Trail. This is a steep trail that essentially climbs 1000 feet in little more than a mile. The trail crosses Flagstaff Road several times, so it is a good idea to have a leash for your pet.
Just below the summit, take a right and follow this trail for approximately .2 miles to the Flagstaff Amphitheater. Take a minute to catch your breath and enjoy the views of Boulder and the plains.
Next, continue running on the Boy Scout Trail (northwest side of the amphitheater) for 1 mile. After summiting Flagstaff take a right (Ute Trail I think) near the road and picnic areas and then another right after a few hundred yards on the Range View Trail. The trail traverses almost completely around the summit of Flagstaff providing you with several great Back Range views before dumping you out on the Flagstaff Road.
Cross the road, and run southwest down a dirt road passing a gate. After approximately .1 miles, turn left on Gregory Canyon Trail. Take this trail, often descending at the same grade that you climbed up Flagstaff, all the way to the Gregory Canyon Trailhead.
Once in the parking lot, turn south on the Bluebell Trail until you get to the large field in Chautauqua Park. From here take any trail back to your car.
To start from the north, from Broadway (Hwy. 93) take Baseline Road (west) to Chautauqua Park. Find a place to park which can be difficult on the weekends. Locate the ranger station at the southwest end of the parking lot. You will start your run here.
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