Royal Arch

BAaahhhhHH… two words: elevation. elevation.
This hike was rated as moderate/​strenuous on TripAdvisor and I have to agree with that rating. It started off smooth as you enter Chautauqua Park but once you are about .5-.75 miles in, the elevation incline begins. It’s basically steep stairs for about 1.5 miles on the way up to the arch. There are some parts where you’re on all fours trying to hop/​climb to make your way up. I do not think this hike is ideal for children but I also don’t think this hike is terribly strenuous for the average athletic person. It’s just no walk in the park.
I would definitely to this hike again. Making it to the arch gives a very accomplishing feeling and the view of Boulder is very beautiful from that height. I would take some ski poles/​hiking sticks to help you keep your balance while going up/​down the mountain. I would estimate 2 – 2.5 hours for the average person to complete this hike.
Parking — Parking is free!!! But try to get there by 7/​8am before the rushes come through. I arrived at 8am and had no trouble finding parking. When I was done, around 10:00am, it seemed like many people had trouble parking.
Overall, this is a great workout and short/​sweet hike. Take some water and a few snacks and enjoy! :)

Started my Colorado hiking résumé with a bang. Disclaimer I hadn’t been hiking in forever and was just getting back into the swing of working out, and also I was so not adjusted to the altitude (born and raised at sea level). Was a trek and I was sweating through my face at a few points but wow the view was amazzzzing! The arch itself was very majestic and impressive. And the view was spectacular. A bit crowded at the top but there was plenty of viewing spots from flat farther back views to ledges of rocks I stayed clear of. Wish there was a higher frequency of signs at forks, but when all else failed I had amazing cell service so i could make quick peaks at the map to make sure we were going in the right direction.