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Directions:  From Boulder, follow Baseline Rd west until it enters the Boulder Mountain Parks and becomes Flagstaff Rd.  The Road will climb up steeply and in about 2.5 miles you will reach the summit of Flagstaff Mountain.  Turn right into the parking area (fee required). 

This area is very popular and great for kids as the trail are relatively short and there is little elevation gain.  In the summer, you can drive to the end of Flagstaff Mountain Drive, but when the road is closed park at the gate.  The Ute trail starts climbing steeply until it levels off and winds through beautiful pine forest. Stay on the Ute trail past several junctions and turn left onto the Boy Scout Trail.  The trail will descend with great views until it connects with a spur trail.  Take the spur trail and soon you will scrambling up a boulder pile.  Keep going up and over the pile and the trail will take you to a wonderful viewpoint.  The views of the Indian Peaks are spectacular.  Head back over the rock pile and keep on with the Boy Scout trail.  The trail from here rolls along the north face of Flagstaff Mountain and will eventually lead you to the road and parking area by the Flagstaff Nature Center.

From here you have several options, you can find your way back to the Ute trail, continue exploring the area, or walk back along the road.  We took the road as we had our little guy in tow (his first hike/being carried while I hiked) and he was getting pretty crabby.  It's a quick walk back to the parking lot but has a tremendous view of the back of Green Mountain and the 1st Flatiron.