We hiked to the Royal Arch on my 60th birthday. This was a tough hike for us, but we stopped and caught our breath frequently. Really felt a sense of accomplishment when we got to the top. Slow and steady was the way to go. Our walk was about 4 ½ miles round trip with no flat sections…either going up or you are headed down. It took us a few hours.Trail was very busy on a Monday afternoon. We parked on the street.

This was a great hike afternoon. It was challenging in some places where we had to rest, catch our breath, get water. There were some steep areas as well. The views were definitely worth it! My only complaint was the trail was VERY busy. We encountered other hikers every 30 seconds or so. We did go on a Sunday afternoon during beautiful weather, so I can it. Parking was also a bit nightmarish.

This is a black diamond trail, no joke. It is rock climbing as much as it is hiking and certainly feels longer than stated when on your way up.....but worth every deep breath and little break you need along the way. It is gorgeous. You can do it! Keep going & congratulate yourself at the top.Cant wait to return & share with my husband

Best advice I can give to people who are walkers, tourists, and from out of state- buy yourself a pair of trekking poles at Dick’s in Flatiron Crossing Mall. For my husband and I (both 48 years old and in basic shape) this was strenuous, but a perfect hike for the day. It took us 3 hours round trip and we loved meeting families, dogs, and couples all along the way, outside enjoying nature. Park your car at Chitaunquin Park and take the Flat Iron trails to the Royal Arches trail. The signage is pretty good. You will feel so much more comfortable having poles to steady your steps, especially if you’ve had knee surgeries etc.

Strenuous hike, well worth the prize at the end. I stared out on the wrong trail to the Arch. I took the middle trail up and believe I went to the top of Flatiron. Kinda glad I made the mistake, on the way up I saw some Deer feeding. I talked to a few people on my way back down the mountain and they guided me in the right direction. If you only want to go to the Arch, out of the parking lot, take the far left trail and follow the signs. The hike can be strenuous as stated on the hiking trail map. You'll go from flat trails to steps to walking over Rocks. You'll go up and down and around corners. I don't have the greatest knees, it will take a toll on you. Bring plenty of water also. Im from Florida and consider myself in pretty good shape for someone in their 50's. I wish I wouldve bought some oxygen at the gas station as a friend from the area suggested. When you get towards the top, you might think your there, nope. You'll go up then down, then around a corner and then you'll pop up right under the Arch which will be an Awesome site to see. The Prize at the end of the hike!! The views from the top of Boulder and the surrounding area are great!! Enjoy your hike!! The prize is worth it!!