The trailhead at Chautauqua park is on the south western side of Boulder, which makes it convenient for lunch hikes or afterwork trail runs.

However, because it is within Boulder, the 58 parking spaces fill up quickly, so anticipate crowds. There are bike racks at the trailhead, so you can bike in from other lots in town, or take the Park-to-Park Shuttle that operates on the weekends and on holidays from the Saturday around Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend.

You can pick up a map, fill up your water bottle, and get trail advice from locals at the Ranger Cottage, which is located at the trailhead. See the Ranger Cottage site for current hours and closure information.

The parking lot has 58 spaces, but is small for how popular this place is. There is additional street parking, but be prepared to encounter a full parking lot.