Chautauqua. Not only is it hard to spell, it’s hard to remember how to say it! But this park is just on the edge of the city of Boulder and encompasses the well-known “Flat Irons” – three stunning rock formations.
We took a trip up to the park on a beautiful sunny day. We weren’t familiar with the park, so we stopped at the ranger station to ask about hikes. I asked the ranger about hiking to Royal Arch and she asked us, “Do you have Yak Trax?”. Boy did we feel sheepish when we answered, “Yes, they are in our closet at home.” Andy had just bought us Yak Trax (a sort of mini-crampon, if you will) for Christmas. Because it was so sunny with moderate temps, we didn’t think about them!
Knowing us, you won’t be surprised to hear we attempted the trail anyway.
It was snowy and icy with steep slopes and we made it part way up before we aborted for our safety. It’s always more difficult coming down icy trails – and Andy has the bruises to confirm that.
So instead we just wandered around the other trails making different loops. We found this neat area where people built theatre-style seating where a rockslide had delivered the rocks to the edge offering great views of the city below.
Andy particularly liked the “King’s Throne” as I called it…
Here’s a picture of me overlooking the foothills.
I can’t wait to go back some day with our Yak Trax to attempt that trail again. I’d also like to take the trails that take you to the Flat Irons. Just another beautiful day in Colorado.
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