I've been wanting to explore Arapahoe AND Baseline. So what better way than take Arapahoe to Flagstaff, hit the Strava segment on Flagstaff, and ride Baseline back. The road conditions and vehicular traffic taking Arapahoe into Boulder (center) were intense. I'd highly suggest Baseline in either direction. Baseline has a wider shoulder, smoother tarmac, and is full of "sport and commuter" cyclists of all types.
Flagstaff was fun. Snow-capped mountains, ominous and cloudy Flatirons. Met a friendly deer and helped her cross the road. Young kids in sporty cars, flooring it on the straight-away, could've hit her for sure. The deer aren't shy here. Brought one metal bottle, refilled it once. First water had electrolyte / hydration powder. Had a few dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Even though I don't enjoy chocolate on rides, put myself in a situation where I had no option. I'd rather meditate on chocolate.
Coming back on Baseline was fun. Got the high / leg chills. Drafted behind a bus and later behind a confident commuter with a large messenger bag. Strong rider, nice pace. Epic road conditions and beautiful rolling hills. The scenery is amazing here. Everywhere I look is like a landscape painting, stunning and surreal. Always grateful, it will never get old.
If you're into picnics 6,915 feet above sea level (roundtrip elevation gain of 1,417) You will love the Royal Arch Trail. The terrain is technical at first, not too steep, but eventually kicks up into stairs. Every time we hike this I have flashbacks of vintage horror films and cartoons. The style of villain that hides out in a tower, away from civilization (like Gargamel from The Smurfs) This trail is like living in a prog groups album art. A majestic landscape, containing jagged clusters of rock. Walking this section is like hiking through a bowl of granola, but the granola is rock. Most falls I've seen (nothing serious) are on this trail. I imagine people trip up large stair formations, or slip down sandy, flat rock. Trek to the arch and back (not shown in photos because I want you to hike it) is a 3.5-mile loop (or out and back) Both photos shown are perspective sitting at the outermost edge, with the arch behind us. Hiking without a crowd offers perks of a serene and nonchalant natural world. To be a "fly on the rock-wall" Chipmunks leaping fearlessly, in search of food. Birds at eye level. All of Boulder, beneath your feet. Strawberries in the sky with diamonds. I have much to learn about Boulder, but this will probably always be a favorite hike and rest area (especially when it's not crowded) The view is worth the climb for sure...and depending on who you are, the hike alone is joyous and unique. If you are just visiting Boulder, I'd rate this hike before Mt. Sanitas, in terms of shade, varying terrain, versatile hike, favorable view.
