Flagstaff Mountain

Flagstaff Road climbs from Baseline Road to viewpoints above Boulder and the plains. Panorama Point, 1.1 miles up, overlooks the city and its lights. Near the summit, just under 7,000 feet, are ponderosa pine forest, the log Flagstaff Nature Center, the stone Sunrise Amphitheater and views west to the Indian Peaks.

The paved road has a 30-foot vehicle length limit. Small trailhead lots open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. ($5 a day for vehicles registered outside Boulder County). Flagstaff Summit Road opens to vehicles only May 1 to October 30. Facilities have no electricity or water; restrooms are pit latrines, none at Panorama Point. Open space rules prohibit fires, smoke devices, generators, tents and large props or equipment.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the amphitheater in 1933-34.

City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) manages the land. Most filming needs the City film permit and an OSMP Commercial Use Permit, each at least 14 days ahead. Groups over 16 need extra permission, permits are not exclusive, and drones are prohibited. Filming on the road itself needs Boulder County’s Events on County Roadways permit, requested seven days ahead.