About Boulder Colorado
It’s not just a location, it’s a way of life!
Welcome to Boulder Colorado!
Boulder Colorado is centrally located in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, just 35 minutes northwest of Denver. Sitting 5,430 feet above sea level, Boulder is home to approximately 102,500 residents, including about 25,000 students who are enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Boulderites embrace a Green Lifestyle, and Boulder has a history in promoting a Healthy Community Lifestyle. Companies Celestial Seasonings, White Wave (soy food manufacturer), Wild Oats (now owned by Whole Foods) and Horizon’s Organic Yogurt all started in Boulder.
There are endless ways to get out and enjoy the 300-plus days of sunshine a year such as hiking or biking through the 300 miles of trails and 45,000 acres of open space, grabbing a bite to eat at any one of the many award-winning, innovative restaurants after a long day’s hike, or taking a break for a cold at one of the country’s finest microbrews.
Outdoor Amenities
Trails
Boulder has a hiking trail for every level nature seeker, with over 300 miles of hiking and biking trails and 45,000 acres of open space. Whether you’re a novice or expert adventurer, you’ll be guaranteed a good time and great views!
- Search City and State Parks
- Download Trails Guide Brochure
- City of Boulder Trails overview
- Get Additional Resources on Trailheads
Enjoying Trails with your Dogs
Most of the hiking trails throughout Boulder are dog friendly- some allow dogs to be off leash and others require that dogs remain secure at all times. No matter what, your furry friends will enjoy spending time with you in the great outdoors exploring beautiful Boulder. Learn more about how to hike safely with your pets:
Parks
The City of Boulder maintains over 60 public parks including sports fields, playgrounds, skate parks and plazas. You can enjoy all of Boulder’s public spaces and take in the great outdoors.
Rock Climbing
Boulder offers access to a variety of terrain for all levels of rock climbing. From exploring the Flatirons or enjoying an indoor climbing wall, there are places for all levels of expertise.
Fishing/Water Activities
Fishing
Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish are just some of the fish that are biting in Boulder! Anglers will be thoroughly satisfied with the water in the area, as there are plenty of places to cast a line and enjoy the day.
Learn more:
- Boulder Creek Watershed Map & Angling Guide
- Colorado Fishing Network
- Fishing on Open Space and Mountain Parks
- Search Fishing in Boulder
Tubing, Kayaking and Rafting
Cool down with some water fun by tubing or kayaking in Boulder or partaking in a whitewater adventure in the nearby Cache la Poudre or Clear Creek Rivers.
Camping
While there are no camping areas within the City of Boulder, there is easy access to camp grounds in the surrounding Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests as well as neighboring Golden (south) and Longmont (East).
Find your camping adventure:
- Search Camping Areas and Guides
- Camping in the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests
- Search for Campgrounds, Parks, Tours and More
- Boulder County Fairgrounds Campground
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park Campground (about 45 minutes South of Boulder)
- Saint Vrain State Park Campground (about 30 minutes Northeast of Boulder)
Shopping & Dining
Farmer's Markets
The Boulder County Farmers’ Markets is a Colorado nonprofit corporation established to provide an outlet for local agricultural producers to sell their products directly to the public.
Boulder Farmers Market
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Saturday Boulder Market 13th Street, between Canyon & Arapahoe April 1, 2017 – November 18, 2017 The Boulder Farmers Market Saturday season runs every Saturday beginning the first Saturday in April through the Saturday before Thanksgiving in November, 8 am to 2 pm.
Wednesday Boulder Market 13th Street, between Canyon & Arapahoe May 3, 2017 – October 4, 2017 The Wednesday night Boulder Farmers Market season runs every Wednesday beginning the first Wednesday in May, through the first Wednesday in October, 4 pm to 8 pm. The beautiful location on 13th Street between Arapahoe and Canyon, is next to Central Park in downtown Boulder. You can walk, ride your bike, take the bus or drive your car to visit.
For additional information visit www.BoulderFarmers.org or How to Enjoy the Farmer’s Market
Shopping
Boulder is home to several shopping centers that offer a unique blend of mall and outdoor appreciation. Pearl Street Mall is an eclectic pedestrian mall lined with historic buildings filled with boutiques and shops (and where’s there’s not a shop, there’s a delicious restaurant). Here, you’ll find specialty shops to suit every mood. Take the day exploring Pearl Street’s trendy, independent shops, bookstores, cafes; watching street performers; browsing galleries; and taking in some of the best people watching around. 29th Street Mall blends big box, national chain shopping with the outdoor appreciation you come to expect in Boulder. Shop at retailers like Macy’s, H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Apple and much more. The Hill runs adjacent to the University of Colorado and this laid-back neighborhood holds thrift finds, boutiques, nationally recognized entertainment venues and much more. Don’t forget that Boulder is compact and bike friendly. Check out the Bike to Shop map! Don’t want to miss a thing?
Dining
5 Things Boulder’s Restaurants Are (Deliciously) Famous For According to the Boulder Convention and Tourism Bureau
1. Passion: There’s a reason Bon Appetit called Boulder “America’s Foodiest City” and Food & Wine called Pearl Street one of the “10 best foodie streets in America.” Local diners and chefs are insistent about quality, innovation and flavor. Meet some of our most passionate culinary stars and hear what they love about Boulder. 2. Indulgence: We’re a town of outdoorsy types, and we love to reward ourselves after a day on the trails. That makes for an abundance of divinely delicious meals. 3. Local farm to local table: Boulder’s geography is a big win for our culinary scene. While nestled up against the foothills, we’re at the edge of a sprawling and verdant valley, perfect for growing delicious produce and creating artisan ingredients. Our chefs love taking advantage of the delicious bounty, and we love tasting it! 4. Great beer: As one of the microbrewing capitals of the country, sharing a fresh, flavorful brew with friends is a key part of many memorable meals. Boulder is home to 20-plus breweries, and many offer tours and tastings. 5. Healthy but yummy: Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten-free? Or just health conscious? Boulder has you covered. As early adopters to the health food movement, Boulder restaurants have perfected the art of truly delicious yet conscious cuisine.
