Boulder, Colorado is a city that offers stunning natural scenery, a lively cultural scene, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best places and things to do in Boulder:
This scenic trail follows the banks of Boulder Creek and offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll, bike ride, or even a picnic.
This historic park is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The park is surrounded by stunning sandstone formations and offers breathtaking views of the Flatirons, a series of dramatic rock formations that rise above the city.
This park is a paradise for rock climbers, hikers, and nature lovers. The park features stunning sandstone cliffs, hiking trails, and a scenic drive through the canyon.
Drive or hike up Flagstaff Mountain for breathtaking views of Boulder and the surrounding mountains. The mountain is also home to the historic Flagstaff House restaurant, which offers fine dining and stunning views.
This museum showcases cutting-edge contemporary art from local and international artists. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
This popular spot offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
This nature preserve features over 1,000 acres of protected land and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds of prey.
Located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, the Fiske Planetarium offers educational programs and events focused on astronomy and space science. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art dome theater and a variety of interactive exhibits.
The Flatirons are a series of five large, slanted rock formations located in Boulder, Colorado. These stunning formations are a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Flatirons are made of sandstone and are named for their distinctive shape, which resembles an old-fashioned clothes iron.
Boulder Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just a few miles outside of Boulder, Colorado. The falls are part of Boulder Creek, which flows through the heart of the city and into the surrounding mountains. The waterfall is easily accessible from a short trail that winds through a scenic canyon. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, making it a popular destination for families and hikers of all skill levels. The waterfall itself is about 70 feet tall and cascades down a series of rocky steps, creating a stunning display of natural beauty.
Mount Sanitas Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Boulder, Colorado. The trail is named after Mount Sanitas, a prominent peak in the Boulder foothills, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city below. The trail is moderately difficult, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is also popular with trail runners, who enjoy the challenge of the steep inclines and rugged terrain.
The hike to Royal Arch is approximately 3.5 miles round trip and is considered a moderate to difficult hike, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers alike. At the end of the hike, visitors will reach the Royal Arch, a towering sandstone rock formation that forms a natural archway. The arch offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
The Mesa Trail is a scenic hiking trail that runs along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. The trail is approximately 6.7 miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, canyons, and valleys. The trail is considered a moderate hike, with some steep inclines and rocky terrain, but is generally accessible to hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, hikers will pass through a variety of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and rocky canyons, providing a diverse and engaging hiking experience.
The Switzerland Trail is a historic railroad bed turned into a scenic driving and hiking trail located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. The trail was originally part of the Denver, Boulder, and Western Railroad, which was in operation in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the Switzerland Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is approximately 16 miles long and winds through scenic canyons, forests, and open meadows.
The Museum of Boulder is a cultural and historical institution located in downtown Boulder, Colorado. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Boulder and the surrounding region. The museum features a variety of exhibits that explore the history of Boulder and the people and events that have shaped the region. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the mining industry, Native American history, and the history of the University of Colorado Boulder.
The Gateway Park Fun Center is an outdoor entertainment complex located in Boulder, Colorado. The center offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions, including miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper cars, a climbing wall, and an arcade.
The Deer Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Rocky Mountain National Park near Boulder, Colorado. The trail is approximately 6 miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail starts at the Deer Mountain Trailhead, which is located near the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in the park. The trail initially climbs gradually through a forest of pine and aspen trees, offering views of Longs Peak and other nearby peaks.
Wonderland Lake Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in North Boulder, Colorado. The park offers a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. One of the main attractions of Wonderland Lake Park is the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park and the surrounding foothills. The trails offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sawhill Ponds Trailhead is a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts located in Boulder, Colorado. The trailhead provides access to a network of trails that wind through a series of small ponds and wetlands, offering visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
Scott Carpenter Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in Boulder, Colorado. The park is named after Scott Carpenter, an American astronaut who was one of the original seven astronauts selected for the NASA Mercury program. The park offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy, including sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a large outdoor swimming pool. The park also features a unique rocket-shaped playground structure that pays homage to Carpenter’s career as an astronaut.
Central Park is a large public park located in the heart of downtown Boulder, Colorado. The park spans 12 acres and offers a variety of recreational amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the main features of Central Park is its large grassy areas, which are perfect for picnicking, playing frisbee or soccer, or simply relaxing in the sun. The park also features a large playground for children, complete with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
The East Boulder Community Center is a modern, state-of-the-art recreation facility located in Boulder, Colorado. The center features a variety of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. One of the main attractions of the East Boulder Community Center is its large indoor swimming pool, which features lap lanes, a diving board, and a shallow play area for children. The pool area also includes a sauna, steam room, and hot tub for relaxation after a workout.
Eben G. Fine Park is a popular outdoor recreational area located in Boulder, Colorado. The park spans 20 acres and offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the main features of Eben G. Fine Park is its location along Boulder Creek, which offers a variety of water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and tubing. The park also features a large grassy area, which is perfect for picnicking, playing frisbee or soccer, or simply relaxing in the sun.
Harlow Platts Community Park is a large outdoor recreational area located in south Boulder, Colorado. The park spans 80 acres and offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. One of the main features of Harlow Platts Community Park is its large open grassy areas, which are perfect for picnicking, playing sports, or simply relaxing in the sun. The park also has several shaded areas with picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family BBQ or picnic.
The Arnett-Fullen House is a historic house located in Boulder, Colorado. It was built in 1877 and is a prime example of Victorian-era architecture. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few remaining examples of early Boulder architecture.
Bobolink Trailhead is a popular hiking and biking trail located in Boulder, Colorado. The trailhead is situated at the southern end of the South Boulder Creek Trail, a 14-mile trail that runs from Boulder to Eldorado Springs. The Bobolink Trailhead is a great starting point for hikers and bikers looking to explore the South Boulder Creek Trail and the surrounding area. The trailhead offers ample parking and access to a variety of trails, including the Bobolink Trail, which is a 1.2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Heil Valley Ranch is a beautiful outdoor recreation area located in Boulder, Colorado. The area is managed by the Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department and features over 6,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife.
Legion Park is a small but beautiful park located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado. The park features a playground, picnic areas, and a walking path, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The playground at Legion Park is a popular destination for children, featuring a variety of equipment for climbing, swinging, and sliding. The park also has several picnic areas with tables and grills, making it a great spot for a family barbecue or picnic lunch.
Emma Gomez Martinez Park, also known as Salberg Park, is a small neighborhood park located in North Boulder, Colorado. The park is named after Emma Gomez Martinez, a long-time resident of Boulder and a civil rights activist. One unique feature of Emma Gomez Martinez Park is the community garden, which provides a space for local residents to grow their own vegetables and flowers. The garden is managed by the North Boulder Community Association and offers a great opportunity for people to get involved in sustainable agriculture and connect with their neighbors.
Boulder, Colorado is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, cultural activities, or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting, Boulder is a must-visit destination.
