![]() While there were no “ooh or aah” moments on this trail and not much adventure, it was a nice walk in a beautiful area. The mountains reflected in the pond so it was a nice little bonus in the middle of all the grass! It Looked Inviting!!! Conclusion It didn’t look like much until I was up close. Shortly before the end of the trail, there was a small unnamed pond. Since it was really hot, I was happy to see the parking lot getting closer! The Prairie Hot Hike Here No Reprieve From the Sun Following forward, there was mostly grass in front of me and I could also see the highway. Consequently, the best views were behind me. The shade felt good but unfortunately the reprieve did not last long and once again I was back in the hot sun on the prairie. I did snap a couple of pictures of the area past the Doudy Draw Trail and it looks pretty amazing! View Beyond the Doudy Draw Trail Flatiron Vista Southīefore turning south, yet following the trail, you will hike through a forest area with views of the mountains peaking out at you. I decided to continue with my plan but I am guessing that most people followed the Doudy Draw Trail since I did not see another hiker on the trail once I turned left. If you decide to hike down towards the valley you will follow the Doudy Draw Trail. Taking a left will let you follow the Flatiron Vista Loop. I continued on the longer path.Ībout a mile from the trailhead, you will notice you can hike straight, into the valley below or take a left. If you follow this you will cut across the prairie to the Flatiron Vista Trail South and shorten your hike to 1.9 miles. Less than a quarter of a mile after you start you will see a path veer to the left, this is the Prairie View Trail. I was actually surprised there were more hikers than I thought on the trail. Totally exposed to the sun here so I was glad I had a hat and lots of water. In addition, the wildflower were also nice to see. All in all, I enjoyed walking through the prairie and seeing the Flatirons become closer. This part of the trail is the only elevation I noticed and it was very mild. Flatiron Vista Northĭue to Covid and social distancing, there were signs advising everyone should follow the trail to the right, so that is what I did. The only bad part is there is very little shade. This is a great trail to just enjoy a walk on. There is very little elevation gain and the path is basically a narrow dirt road. The Flatiron Vista Trail is a 3.3 mile loop trail that is rated as easy. Either no one checked or they were ok with that as I did not receive a fine. There were no envelopes when I was there so I inserted my money and then put a note in my window saying I paid but no envelope. There is a $5 charge and the envelope system is used. The parking lot is fairly good size and there were plenty of spaces when I was there late in the morning. 93 on Eldorado Springs Drive.The Flatiron Vista Trail is located south of Boulder along Highway 93. Making a sharp switchback, continue the final 1½ miles or so into the valley, crossing Community Ditch and ending at the Doudy Draw Trailhead, two miles west of Colo. Climb along the ridge - which isn’t very dangerous - until you begin your climb downward into the valley below. ![]() Walking the grassy plateau will lead you into a forest along a ridge overlooking the draw. ![]() ![]() The initial half of this well-marked footpath follows electrical poles, and visitors pass through a number of gates prohibiting the intermittent grazing livestock from escaping.Ĭlimb a brief ascent leading to the top of the mesa along an exposed meadow with scattered ponderosa pine trees. To begin the hike park at the Flatirons Vista Trailhead. It rewards hikers, equestrians, Nordic skiers and others with remarkable views of the Front Range. But it does so in invigorating ways, taking you into the open space that makes Boulder so special. The nearby, round-trip trek pushes the parameters of an easy hike. DESCRIPTION - The Doudy Draw Trail, and the connecting Flatirons Vista Trailhead, draws visitors to the heart of Boulder’s open space lands. ![]()
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