We went to Boulder for breakfast at the Chautauqua Dining Hall and a hike up by the “Flatirons” with our grandsons. This has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember and something we all enjoy! Boulder’s “Chautauqua” opened in 1898 by the Texas Board of Regents as a summer school for teachers in a cool climate. The restaurant in the old dining hall is run by a local farm and restaurant corporation, “Three Leaf Concepts.” The outdoor terrace is a our favorite!

Working off breakfast.

We started our hike south of the picnic pavilion and headed up the “McClintock Upper Trail.” Most people don’t know about this trail and there aren’t too many people.

Logan and Paxton have been hiking this trail since they were little kids!

Logan and Paxton on the same trail in 2013.

In 2009 my nephew Stephen and wife Karen, from Edinburgh, joined the family for a Chautauqua hike.

You can glimpse the Flatirons through the trees.

Logan took a shortcut.

The trail led us to this fabulous view!

Looking north you see downtown Boulder. Chautauqua Park is a true Boulder treasure!

The Boys take the lead.

New and old .

We were very lucky to have a clear day! Much of July and August have been hazy from all the wildfires in the Western states and in British Columbia.

Break time!

This tree was once struck by lightening and now stands as a totem.

We connected to the “Mesa’ Trail” and walked north. 

Marla wanted to hike her favorite way back to the main parking area so we went up to the “Bluebell Spur Trail.”

You can see how close we are to downtown Boulder and the University of Colorado campus with their red roofs.

The road heading up “Flagstaff Mountain” is on the left. One of my very favorite restaurants in the state is “Flagstaff House.” Their wine list and cuisine is truly amazing and the views from the top of the mountain are fabulous! Click on the link for a video of their wonderful restaurant.

This is the part Marla loves to run!

Marla and the Boys head down the “Chautauqua Trail.” 

What a great day at Chautauqua making new memories and remembering so many family excursions in the past.!