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Directions:  From Boulder take Baseline Road west to Chautauqua.  Park here near the trailhead.

I intended for this hike to be a much longer loop, however, it was literally -7 degrees this chilly January Morning.  After hiking for 30 minutes or so, I couldn't take it anymore and used the Bluebell Mesa Trail as a shortcut back to the trailhead.  However, this loop turned into a wonderful short winter hike.  I would suggest this route to anyone who is hiking with kids, or just looking for a short but steep jaunt onto the Flatirons.

From Chautauqua head south on the Chautauqua Trail and stay striaght at the first trail junction.  Continue to climb up to the top of Bluebell Mesa.  Turn left on the Bluebell Mesa Trail and follow the short but steep trail back to the first trail junction.  From here follow the Chautauqua Trail back to the Trailhead.  Of course, the options are limitless in this area.  You can make a hike as short or as long as you wish.