Chautauqua Park
900 Baseline Rd & 9th St., Boulder, Colorado
Chautauqua Park is where Boulder goes for time in nature. Home to the Chautauqua Trailhead—which leads to 40 miles (65 kilometers) of hiking trails—this park showcases just one of the many reasons Boulder is so beloved: fantastic views of the Flatirons. Strikingly slanted, any view in Chautauqua Park is a great one, from the trails to the pickleball court and beyond.
The park is part of the Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark, which also includes a dining hall, auditorium, and lodging. Chautauqua Park is 80 acres (32 hectares) in size and sits at the edge of the city where urban meets rural. It’s adjacent to the massive Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, so outdoor adventures abound here. It’s a popular stop on electric or fat bike tours of the area and is also the starting point of rock climbing experiences.
The park has restrooms, ADA-accessible paths, and benches.
Bring the kids—the park offers basketball, tennis, pickleball, and a playground.
Parking at Chautauqua Park requires a fee on weekends and summer holidays.
Chautauqua Park sits off Baseline Rd, not too far from the University of Colorado–Boulder. You could walk, bike, taxi, bus, or drive there, though note that parking spots are limited (street parking is an option). In summer, a free shuttle runs to Chautauqua Park from various points around town.
Chautauqua Park is a busy place. Some say the only guaranteed parking is around sunrise on weekdays—that’s how busy we’re talking. Summers are especially packed, though the park is a four-season destination. If you visit, be prepared for a crowded parking lot, but the visitors do disseminate pretty quickly from there.
If you’re visiting Boulder on a summer weekend, take advantage of the free shuttle to Chautauqua. Simply park in one of the City of Boulder parking garages (free on weekends), and when you’re done exploring the shops and restaurants, hop on the shuttle to Chautauqua Park. Explore the facilities and trails from there, and ride the shuttle back when you’re ready.
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