The Flatirons are rock formations near Boulder, Colorado. There are five large, numbered Flatirons ranging from north to south (First through Fifth, respectively) along the east slope of Green Mountain, and the term "The Flatirons" sometimes refers to these five alone... The Flatirons were named by pioneer women after the flat, metal irons used to press their clothes. Wikipedia
We have hiked above Chautauqua Park in a different direction on a number of other occasions. In fact, this is a picture I took of the Flatirons from our hike last September.
These hikes were suitable for children with some effort; I would not take my children up to the Flatirons until they were older. We so recklessly (read stupidly) ignored the fact that our car was pelted with hail and huge raindrops as we drove toward Boulder. By the time we arrived the rain had stopped; we decided to forge ahead even though thunder rumbled around us. (We had a babysitter. You can't waste such an opportunity!) We began our hike as the thunder continued, the sky darkened and rain drops began to fall about five minutes later. We only had small hail pelting us--but we were okay because we stood under a big, tall tree!!!!!! Chris lent me his rain jacket to stay a little dryer.
Chris pulled out his trusty Blackberry--that'll save us! Not really, but he was able to check Doppler radar for Boulder to see how long the storm would last. So comforting to be right in the middle of the storm. Yet, we forged on after the rain dissipated and encountered this Flatironette--yep, that's what it was called--a small, trickling waterfall.
Here's Chris at the second Flatiron. The rocks and views were amazing.
