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This is a shady, less crowded way to access the trails of upper Chautauqua.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.7

KM

76%

Runnable

6,063' 1,848 m

High

5,798' 1,767 m

Low

265' 81 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

One very steep rocky section, otherwise good trail surface.

Description

Starting from the junction with the Enchanted Mesa Trail near the stone bridge, the McClintock Upper Trail climbs steadily above Bluebell Creek. This creek caused much damage during the 2013 floods. Pause during your ascent to enjoy the grand views of Green Mountain and the Flatirons looming ahead. Wind through a huge grove of widely spaced ponderosa pines, keeping an eye out for deer and delicate wildflowers. There are innumerable embedded rocks and roots on the trail, but these obstacles are easily avoided. The grade increases noticeably just before the trail terminates at a T-intersection with the Mesa Trail. There are a handful of unmarked, fainter side trails near the top of McClintock Upper Trail- these are mostly forestry access paths and can be ignored.

Historical note: the McClintock Trails were named after the Chautauqua Park board member (Henry McClintock) whose family donated funds for interpretive trail signage.

Flora & Fauna

Ponderosa pine, deer, wildflowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 5 votes

#27277

Overall
  3.0 from 5 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
20%
Trail Rankings

#2,254

in Colorado

#27,277

Overall
4 Views Last Month
460 Since Jun 29, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

14%
29%
43%
14%
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Photos

A snowy start of the Mesa Trail looking at the first Flatiron.
Apr 14, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado
Apr 26, 2015 near Boulder, CO
Near the intersection of Mesa and BlueBell Trail in Chautaqua Park.
Jul 20, 2020 near Boulder, CO
Stellar's Jay
Apr 26, 2015 near Boulder, CO
McClintock Upper
Dec 30, 2023 near Boulder, CO
Typical trail conditions
Jun 29, 2015 near Boulder, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 88 days ago
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