Near Chapman Drive
Boulder from above, on Chapman Drive
Near Chapman Drive
Trees in the snow on the Gregory Canyon Trail.
Near Chapman Drive
Scenic overlook
Near Chapman Drive
Chatauqua Park, on the Rangeview Trail!
Near Chapman Drive
Summer wildflowers bloom on Chapman Drive next to trail damage from the Boulder Floods.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Chapman Drive

4.2 (5 Ratings)
A nice 1,000 foot climb close to town with some good views.
2.6
mi
Distance
948
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.57mi
Distance
948ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
6,755ft
High Point
5,806ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Starting from Red Lion in Boulder Canyon, cross the fancy new bridge installed in 2012. Follow the sign to the trail, going straight past the misleading sign that says "Private Road". You are perfectly welcome on this part of the road. Chapman Drive continues up through a gate and then gently ascends Flagstaff Mountain. Enjoy the views and some very nice stonework on the turns. Soon you'll arrive at Realization Point on Flagstaff. Factoid: the Bridge to the Red Lion was heavily fought over after a flood washed the old one away in June 2010 after a record snow year. The Red Lion is the host of many weddings and the major beneficiary of the bridge (Chapman Drive was used as a fire road in principle) but wanted the city to bear the entire cost. After much wrangling, they compromised, and taxpayers got better access, trailhead parking, and a greatly improved Chapman Drive trail that opened in December 2012.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Tom Robson