Headed to the Chautauqua area in Boulder on a summer weekend to hike among the Flatirons? Ride the free weekend shuttle, a short, 10-minute-or-so-ride, to get there stress-free and avoid parking fees. Here’s all the information on the free Park-to-Park hiker shuttle, which operates on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Tips: Stop at the Ranger Cottage at the Chautauqua Trailhead, where rangers are available to help answer questions about the trails, provide hiking recommendations and share information about local ecology and wildlife. Also, dine on Chautauqua Dining Hall’s beautiful veranda or indoors next to the roaring fireplace. Enjoy this restaurant’s delicious Colorado cuisine, often sourced from the chef’s own farm. The General Store is an adorable, restored cottage that serves espresso, ice cream, locally produced teas, candy, trinkets and sundries. In Chautauqua Park, the views are unbeatable and there’s room to run, throw a frisbee and spread out a big blanket or picnic table.
Chautauqua’s Best Hikes
- Chautauqua Trail
- Wood’s Quarry Trail
- First and Second Flatiron Trail
- Second and Third Flatiron Trail (Flatirons Loops)
- Bluebell Road
- Bluebell Mesa Trail
- Ski Jump Trail
- Royal Arch Trail
- McClintock Trail
- Enchanted Mesa Trail
- Gregory Canyon Trailhead
Park-to-Park Free Summer Shuttle Details
- Free
- Every 15 minutes
- May 27 through Sept. 4, 2023
- Saturdays and Sundays, 8am–8pm
plus holidays, 8am–8pm:- Memorial Day (May 29)
- Juneteenth observed (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4) — Note: no shuttle Monday, July 3
- Labor Day (Sept. 4)
- Short, 10-minute-or-so ride
- Leashed dogs are welcome (but please be mindful, for before or after your hike, that dogs are not allowed on the Pearl Street Mall)
- Shuttles feature bike racks
- Strollers and hiking gear welcome
Parking for the Shuttle Park for free at one of the five downtown parking garages shown on the route map; the Regent lot at the University of Colorado-Boulder; or New Vista High School. Then hop on the shuttle. See the route map below for shuttle stops and parking. When you’re downtown, look for this parking symbol to indicate garages that are free on the weekend.
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