To describe Boulder’s Chautauqua Park as simply a park is to slight it somehow. That’s because it offers more than a place to feed and exercise your body.
It will take care of your mind and spirit as well, with everything from folk concerts to films to “conversations with extraordinary people” throughout the year.
Look at the events listing on Chautauqua’s website, and you might stumble across a description of folk singer and dharma teacher Ellis, who performs in late October.
“Simply put,” the description says, “she leaves audiences better than she finds them, with softened edges and opened hearts.”
The same could be said of Chautauqua itself, nestled below the Flatirons. Whether you’re there to catch a concert by David Wilcox, or taking the family on a bird-watching hike in the foothills, you’re sure to feel a Zen-like peace by the time you head back home.
“It’s really a place to slow down and relax,” says Ann Obenchain, marketing and development director for the Colorado Chautauqua Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the park’s historic spirit. “We really need places like this.”
From its founding in 1898, Chautauqua was a think-tank of sorts for educators and civic leaders. Following the example of the first Chautauqua in 1874 in New York, the Boulder landmark focused on inspirational talks, storytelling and cultural experiences.
At the height of the Chautauqua movement, dozens of Chautauquas sprouted up across the nation. Today, Boulder’s is the only one west of the Mississippi River.
The Auditorium, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is still a favored stage for musicians, storytellers, teachers and philosophers. If the weather gets too chilly to gather in that unheated space, crowds gather in the Community House. This stunning example of Arts and Crafts architecture, built in 1918, is winterized.
Visitors to Colorado’s Chautauqua first slept in tents, but it wasn’t long before small cottages were built. Today, some of those 99 cottages are owned by descendants of the first “settlers” of Chautauqua, many with roots in Texas. Sixty are owned by the Colorado Chautauqua Association.
But there’s no need to rent a cabin or even pay for a concert or dinner to enjoy the site’s greatest charm: its setting. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks owns the land, which is etched with a multitude of trails. These draw hikers and climbers toward and around the Flatirons. Pick up a map, or study those permanently posted, at the ranger’s station at the park entrance.
Dean Paschall, manager for public process and community for Open Space, says there’s a trail for people of nearly every fitness and adventure level, from families with small children to experienced climbers.
“I really like the Mesa Trail, which runs from Chautauqua about 6 miles to Eldorado (Springs) right along the foothills,” he said, adding that it might be a good idea to have someone pick you up in Eldorado at the end, unless you’re up for the long hike back.
“You see all kinds of wildlife, including golden eagles and other birds of prey.” Now is a good time to see deer with their spotted fawns, he adds.
The Royal Arch trail, an out-and-back trail that runs 1.5 miles each way, is another winner, he says.
The First Flatiron trail weaves between the first and second Flatirons. From the end of the trail, you’ll be able to watch expert climbers rappel off the famous flat rocks.
Hike for a mile 900 feet up the Gregory Canyon trail, and from there, cross over to the Saddle Rock trail if you’re ambitious. The 3-mile loop is in the shade, so it’s an ideal hiking area for a hot, late-summer day.
“They key is to stop once in a while, look around and listen,” Paschall says. “Don’t just pound up there, looking down, or you’ll miss everything. You’re not really experiencing Chautauqua if you don’t take the time to stop and enjoy it.”
Chautauqua Park
Where: 900 Baseline Road, Boulder
What’s there: Miles of trails, lodging, dining, lectures and performances
Good to know: Parking is difficult to find at Chautauqua, especially on event nights, so if you can, walk, bike or take the free HOP 2 Chautauqua shuttle.
Go now: Here’s just a sampling of who’s going to be there in the coming month: Jonny Lang, 8 p.m. today; David Wilcox, Aug. 26; The Weepies, Aug. 27; John Lithgow, Aug. 28; and Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Sept. 6. More at .
