Realization Point

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LOCATION

3.4 miles up Flagstaff Road at the junction with Flagstaff Summit Road.

Please check for temporary or seasonal advisories or closures.

PARKING

Parking lot on both sides of the road with parking fee. Bicycle rack available for bicycle parking.

TRAILS

Ute-Range View (easy/moderate). The Ute trail begins near Realization Point and contours northeast along Flagstaff Mountain (summit at 7,283 feet) through meadow frequently used by mule deer. The trail curves gradually north; look for Range View Trail off to the west. Range View provides excellent views of the Indian Peaks as it follows the west side of Flagstaff Mountain. Keep a sharp lookout for raptors as the trail returns back to Realization Point.

Tenderfoot/Chapman Loop (moderate). From Realization Point, follow Chapman fire road downhill through ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir forest. Common wildflowers include wallflower, larkspur and penstemon. Approximately 0.25 miles past the cattleguard, follow draw east up to Tenderfoot Trail. Here the trail overlooks Front Range, Sugarloaf Mtn., and the backside of Boulder Mountain Parks. Follow Tenderfoot Trail south east back to Realization Point. Time - 2 hrs. Distance - 2.5 miles.

E.M. Greenman (1.4mi; 1,194 ft.) branches left off the Ranger Trail 0.3 mi. southeast of the Green Mountain Lodge. Contours around a ridge, then follows a drainage past the junction of the Saddle Rock Trail. After passing a spring, it climbs a rocky ridge to a saddle, then switchbacks to end at the summit of Green Mountain, elevation 8,144 ft.

RESTROOMS

No facilities available at Realization Point.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Two picnic tables are available.

BIKE REGULATIONS

No bicycles are allowed in this area. Bicycles may be ridden only on those trails that are posted with the international bicycle symbol.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On most OSMP trails in this area, dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Allowed on all trails. Off-trail riding is discouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

Mountain lions inhabit this area. Coyotes, foxes, mule deer and raptors are commonly sighted.

HISTORY

The historic picnic structures and Sunrise Amphitheater were constructed by the CCC in the 1930s. Flagstaff Summit was the site of the KKK cross burning in 1922. A large wildfire burned across the summit of Flagstaff Mountain in October 1924, followed in the late 1920s by a large community effort led by Eben Fein to replant trees. Exactly 70 years later, almost to the day, Open Space & Mountain Parks conducted a 20 acre prescribed burn on the same site -- underscoring how our preception of forest fires has changed through the years.

Before You Go

Please know OSMP rules and regulations.

Please study our six Leave No Trace" Principles to protect the land.

Dog owners: see our special dog page.

Hikers and climbers: Please be aware of all area closures.

Mountain bikers: Follow this link for trails where you can bike.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 October 2012 09:17