Chautauqua / Bluebell Mesa

Chautauqua / Bluebell Mesa

On the western outskirts of Boulder, historic Chautauqua Auditorium and resort complex rests nostalgically by a vast meadow. Boulder Mountain Parks oversees this open space where a network of trails include the short loop featured here. Beginning at the Ranger’s Cottage, the trail slopes up toward the Flatirons’ sandstone slabs and returns down a pine-covered mesa. In spring, some five dozen wildflower species accompany the Chautauqua/Bluebell-Baird/Bluebell Mesa trails that make up the loop. In July, a riot of wild sweet peas scramble among the lengthening grasses near the loop’s start. Before starting out on the loop, check out the Ranger Cottage garden planted with native wildflowers. Then peruse the descriptions of the various trails on the locator map on the building’s veranda. The parking lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. Wildflower alert: A riot of pink and white wild sweet peas in July.

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