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 1st and 2nd 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, with a low around 30. West southwest wind around 9 mph.
Thursday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 54. West southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Thursday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a slight chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms between 8pm and 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. West wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 7pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 3 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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 23rd to September 7th, where hikers can park at satellite parking locations and take the shuttle to Chautauqua Park.
Note: Because of COVID-19, these shuttles will continue to run but will only allow 10 passengers in at a time with face coverings required for all passengers at all times. Hiker’s dogs, strollers, and hiking gear will still be allowed on the shuttle. More information about the safety measures for COVID-19 related to the shuttle can be found here.
Additional Pictures
Royal Arch – Boulder, Colorado
Views From Early On To Royal Arch
Victoria Bandera has a Master’s degree in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University and is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist. Currently, Vicky is at the University of Utah working on her PhD in Population Health Sciences and working in the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is passionate about the use of physical activity and nutrition as a source of longevity and overall health. Find her on some adventures with small health-related posts at @viqeeinthewoods on Instagram!