Chautauqua Ranger Cottage
OSMP’s Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua Park is a great place to start your visit to Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks. It is nestled next to the Colorado Chautauqua at the foothills of the Rockies just below Boulder’s famous Flatirons. The cottage and trailhead are the hub of and gateway to OSMP activity and information. Hiking, climbing, and bird watching are some of the popular activities in the area.
The cottage is home to a small informative nature center and friendly, knowledgeable OSMP staff. You can get free maps, brochures, hiking suggestions, and the latest information about weather, trail conditions and wildlife closures. It is staffed according to the following schedule:
May - September:
9 am - 4 pm Weekdays
8 am - 6 pm Weekends
October - April:
9 am - 4 pm Everyday
Facilities
Local facilities include bathrooms, an electric car charger, a drinking fountain where you can fill water bottles, and disabled-accessible parking. The Chautauqua Park has a grassy park and playground, and the Colorado Chautauqua dining hall, and auditorium are nearby for more food and fun.
A rock garden and picnic tables provide a great place to enjoy the amazing view of the Flatirons and the many rays of sunshine. Don’t miss the Ann Armstrong Memorial Native Garden surrounding the ranger cottage, filled with beautiful native wildflowers and shrubs.
Parking
There is no fee to park at the Ranger Cottage, but the popular area can become very crowded with hikers when the weather is nice, and parking can be a challenge.
Park to Park Free Shuttle to Chautauqua
Visit the Park to Park webpage to find out more about the summer parking changes and the FREE shuttle to the Chautauqua Park.
Regulations
Dogs must be on leash in the Ranger Cottage parking lot, but can be under Voice and Sight Control on most of the trails in the Chautauqua area with the appropriate City of Boulder dog tag.
Biking is not allowed on the trails around Chautauqua.