The Royal Arch hike is a unique, well-shaded, challenging, must-do hike in Boulder, Colorado. The rock formation that gives this hike a name is so cool and huge!
Both the 1st/2nd Flatiron hike and the Royal Arch hike, are two amazing hikes near Chautauqua. These hikes are challenging but can both be completed in a few hours. Though, I encourage you to take your time and enjoy the beautiful Flatirons scenery that surrounds you. The rocks and forest here in Boulder are truly wonderful to see. If you are ambitious, you can do both of these hikes in a day. Or, do the Royal Arch hike one day. And, then take 1st/2nd Flatiron trail as a route up to Green Mountain summit – one of the best hikes in Boulder, Colorado.
Why do the Royal Arch hike?
The Royal Arch hike is a classic Boulder hike. If you visit, consider it for an excellent warm-up hike of what is to come. All my regular visitors end up doing this hike with me. It is a cool experience to arrive at the Royal Arch and get close up to this unusual and massive rock formation.
Hiking to the Royal Arch is a great introduction to the challenging, steep, hiking trails that you do find in Colorado! The Royal Arch hike is a good hike to do before taking on Green Mountain hike, Bear Peak hike, or South Boulder Peak hike – or before heading up to higher altitudes in close-by Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The Royal Arch hike will show you what it feels like to grind through a long stretch of steep climbing terrain.
During the Summer months, or during hot weather, this is a good hike to do because it is mostly in the shade.
Where to start – the best trailheads for the Royal Arch hike
These are the best trailheads to start the hike to Royal Arch.
- Chautauqua – Best views of the Flatirons to start your hike
- Gregory Canyon – Keeps the hike in the shade start to finish
- Enchanted Mesa – Good parking near Chautauqua Auditorium
When to hike to Royal Arch in Boulder
You can do the Royal Arch hike almost any day of the year. The best months are March through October. My favorite months to hike in Boulder are May and June.
During the Summer peak tourist season in Boulder, it can be very hot mid-day. If you are hiking here when it is Summer or hot, it is best to start early in the morning.
When not to do the Royal Arch hike
Sometimes in Winter (December, January, February) the Royal Arch Trail can get a bit tricky in steeper sections of the trail due to ice or deep snow after a storm. Microspikes are recommended.
Avoid stormy weather – always check the forecast before you head out for a hike.
Difficulty rating
There are some lengthy stretches of steep hiking on both dirt trails and rocky trails. These steep sections are going to be challenging for many hikers. The presence of large rocks and boulders on trail can be tricky to navigate for some hikers.
Total distance and elevation
The Royal Arch hike from Chautauqua is 3.95 miles total distance with 1600 feet elevation gain.
These are my two GPS recordings – AllTrails | Strava
Hiking time
How long does it take to do the Royal Arch hike? Depending on your pace, fitness level, and route chosen, the hike will take most hikers about two hours to complete, longer if you take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Terrain
Most of the hike to Royal Arch is rocky terrain with some dirt. As you get higher, the terrain gets rockier.
Gear Advisor
Because the trails are rocky you will want to wear footwear that protects your feet and has good traction.
Lightweight hiking shoes or trail running shoes designed to be breathable yet protective for the rugged terrain that you will encounter in Colorado.
The Royal Arch hike: Routes and Directions
Most hikers start the Royal Arch hike at Chautauqua.
Below, is my recent recording below follows this classic route.
Head up Bluebell Hiking Trail and take in some fabulous views of the Boulder Flatirons. Make your way to the start of the Royal Arch Trail and head into the woods. Soon, you will be switch-backing up boulder strewn and steeper sections this trail. You will break out of the trees at a high point – continue over and down for a stretch of rocky trail that is like a staircase. Then, you continue on up another steep section of rocky trail. However, not too much further to the amazing Royal Arch! Just a few more quick switchbacks and this huge rocky formation will tower above you. Explore underneath and around the Royal Arch. Beware of steep drop-offs. Retrace your steps back to Chautauqua.
Final thoughts
The Royal Arch hike is a great hike on its own if you want a good challenging out and back hike that will take less than two hours to complete. You can also combine this hike with Flatirons Loop Trail, 1st/2nd Flatiron Trail, and beyond for a full day of hiking in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!
Photos from my Royal Arch hikes in beautiful Boulder Colorado!
