Royal Arch Trail. Photo Credit: Lindsey Martin Webb (iStock).

Royal Arch Trail. Photo Credit: Lindsey Martin Webb (iStock).

Royal Arch Trail is a classic Boulder-area route that leads to a natural stone arch with stunning views of Boulder and the Flatirons. The hike consists of loose rocks, tight switchbacks, and large steps. 

According to the City of Boulder, the hike's difficulty level is medium-to-hard and the trail is a little more than one-mile long one-way. The trail is one to three feet wide, and the hike has an elevation gain of 1,153 feet. The trail can be accessed through Bluebell Road from the Chautauqua Trailhead. You'll come across a flagstone staircase about a half-mile away from the Arch, according to All Trails, so you'll have to climb some stairs to reach the top. AllTrails puts the full distance of the hike at 3.3 miles.

Royal Arch, Boulder, Colorado.

Royal Arch, Boulder, Colorado. Photo Credit: raclro (iStock).

According to Day Hikes Near Denver, the hike is a serious workout, but the views of the Bluebell Canyon and the Royal Arch make it worth it. It's also worth noting that it's a very popular hike, so you'll likely encounter plenty of other people on the trail.

With its rugged paths and breathtaking vistas, the Royal Arch Trail stands as a testament to Boulder's natural beauty and offers hikers a great workout.

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(2) comments

82nd Airborne

A photo of the arch would be nicehttps://bouldercolorado.gov/trail/royal-arch

thetumbledowns

It would ruin the surprise!

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