The Royal Arch is one of the Flatirons' main hiking destinations. It also provides a couple of fun routes that lead you to the very thin and exposed summit.
This climb is sure to draw ooohs and ahhhs from the hikers beneath you, but may also leave you exposed to questions such as: "How did the ropes get up there in the first place?". Make sure your answers are well rehearsed...
Getting There
The Royal Arch can be reached a number of ways. The simplest one is to follow the Royal Arch trail which starts at the Bluebell Shelter
The East face route of the Royal Arch is a great way to finish a scramble up the Regency (see Regency description) since the route starts some 100+ feet below the arch proper, below the West face of the Regency.
This is a really fun route on great rock and up a major hiking attraction. After all it is not everyday you get to bag an Arch....Start at the bottom of the East face of the Arch this can be reached after climbing the Regency or simply downclimb/ hike down from the arch after reaching it via the trail.Climb up a small flatironette at the base for an added 30 feet of climbing or start at the notch between the Flatironette and the East face.Work yo...[more]