Local hike week.
Great thing about living in the Flatirons is that ‘local hike week’ doesn’t have to be ‘lame hike week’.
Woke early on Sunday, drove to Chautauqua – focused to hike Royal Arch within 2 hours. With Saturday booked with my baptism and a picnic, I was concerned this could be a ‘non-hike’ weekend. No worries.
Royal Arch is a fairly short hike but a steep vertical climb for almost a mile before relieved by a series of switchbacks. Summit view provides a panorama of Boulder, Boulder Rez and a glimpse of Denver (on a clear day). And at just under 7,000 ft (elevation), found it mighty easy on the lungs & admired tall pines from start to finish (complete hike under treeline).
Trail run return with 30 minutes to spare – Ro enjoyed that excess time at Community Park with his dog brothers 🙂
Hit the showers, followed by Sunday church. My hike challenge is still alive at 32 weeks!
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- 300 days of sunshine a year – LOVE LOVE this place!
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- just under 7000 ft elevation
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- Royal Arch keyhole
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- under the Arch
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- Live, Live SIMPLY & Live NOW!
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- hike reward: 30 minutes w/ Ro’s posse at Community Park
In honor of Colorado Day, entrance is free at all 42 state parks on Aug. 6. President Ulysses Grant gave Colorado statehood on Aug. 1, 1876. The Colorado State Legislature created the free day at state parks on the first Monday in August to mark the occasion.
Happy Colorado Day!
