Sometimes your hike doesn’t go as planned and you have to pivot midway! This was me on the hike to Green Mountain in Boulder! I attempted to dodge the morning precipitation on an early March Saturday and wasn’t successful. This entire hike [6.0 miles and ~2,700 ft of climbing] was a bit ambitious after a full day of skiing. Therefore, when you combine crappy weather, a desired trail, and tired legs – it was time to pivot and cut it short.
This trail has two trailhead access points; Gregory Canyon and Chautauqua. I tried to park at Gregory but it was closed for the season. After starting on the main trail, you quickly turn on Ski Jump Trail and head north on a muddy trail. At the next intersection you’ll take a left on Baseline and then a quick left on Amphitheater where the vertical climb kicks into gear! At the 1.3 mile mark, I decided to turn around and headed down, turning left to connect up with Gregory Canyon Trail and then took the Baseline along the outside of the park until I reached the trailhead for a total of 2.7 miles roundtrip.
Good to Know
Distance: 2.7 mile loop
Trails: Chautauqua > Ski Jump > Baseline > Amphitheater > Gregory Canyon > Baseline
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft
Terrain: Varied! Gravel, muddy, rocky – a little bit of everything!
Parking: Available at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage
Facilities: Available at Chautauqua Ranger Cottage
Fun Fact: This is the most popular hiking area in Boulder! Come early if you visit on the weekends in the summer as the parking area fills up quickly. Also, payment for parking is required from Memorial Day to Labor Day!
Fun Fact No. 2: Hiking to the Royal Arch at Chautauqua is a must if you are up for a difficult hike!
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