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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 3 mi (4.8 km)
Surface: Doubletrack
Configuration: Other
Elevation: +354/ -16 ft
Total: 54 riders
Mountain Biking Chapman Drive
#331 of 1,392 mountain bike trails in Colorado
A somewhat steep 940 ft elevation gain climb up the backside of Flagstaff Mountain along a disused, double track, 1930's era Civilian Conservation Corps dirt road. Highlights include several vintage stone bridges and views north towards Longs Peak and Betasso Preserve... Also is a great alternative route to Walker Ranch from Boulder when combined with the west end of the Boulder Creek trail and Flagstaff road.
Trail and trail head were opened to the public January 2013. Downhill access granted late April 2013.
First added by nejmensi on Apr 29, 2013. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: unknown
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From town (Boulder) drive West up Boulder Canyon (Hwy 119) 3-ish miles. Pass Fourmile Canyon and Alps Lodge on the right. Take next left at the Red Lion restaurant entrance bridge. Parking and trail head is immediately on the right after crossing bridge.
Trail is just OK. Great trail to use if you are trying to get acclimated to the elevation or want to work on your ascending stamina - not skills as previously noted by others this is a jeep road / double track loaded with switch backs but no obstacles.
| ThankIts a jeep track, i like to ride it from home in boulder, up the canyon then up chapman and back down again, the ride up is moderate, good views from the top especially if you add the little extra ride to the amphitheater then back all the way down
| ThankYou can start this trail from Boulder Canyon Dr. as an out and back or as a shuttle from Flagstaff Summit Road which is off of Flagstaff Road. It's not a true singletrack but it's new and if you're in the Boulder area you should definitely ride it. It's near Betasso which is another recommended Boulder trail.
| ThankA welcomed addition to Boulder's ever growing trail system! While not necessarily new to local hikers or trail runners, it has only recently (January 2013) been opened to cycling and equestrians along with a new formal trail head and parking lot at its base... The trail is straightforward. No fancy singletrack here. Just an old abandoned dirt road that varies between semi-singletrack and double track along its lower points and transitions to full double track about halfway up. The climb can be steep and sustained in spots, but nothing stringent by local standards. Depending on fitness the ascent takes anywhere between 40 - 15 minutes. Descent, 5 minutes. The charm of the trail lies in its isolated quietness. One really feels alone here. The elaborate old Depression-Era stone bridges near the base only add to the mood. Wildlife is also abundant. Don't be surprised if you encounter deer, turkey, pheasants or evidence of bears and mountain lions. At the summit consider biking the extra distance to the Realization Point/Sunrise Amphitheater overlook. The views alone are worth it! As a local the biggest advantage of the trail is a new way to access Walker Ranch. Bike up Boulder Canyon, then Chapman Dirve/Flagstaff, do a Walker loop or two and head home via Flagstaff (or vice versa). Fun new climb and highly recommend...
Kudos to the City of Boulder, the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance and OSMP West TSA for agreeing to open this to the public after years of discussion and wrangling...
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