Boulder Colorado Guide | Hiking, Restaurants & Things to Do

Your Guide to Boulder

Colorado's most active and health-conscious city

Backed by the iconic Flatirons and home to the University of Colorado, Boulder ranks among America's most fit and educated cities. The outdoor culture here is real—people actually do hike before work and bike to the office.

Pearl Street Mall anchors downtown with pedestrian-only shopping, street performers, and restaurants. The dining scene punches above its weight, with everything from farm-to-table fine dining to legendary breakfast spots.

Boulder sits 30 miles northwest of Denver, making it an easy day trip or a base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park (45 minutes away). The Peak-to-Peak Highway offers one of Colorado's most scenic drives.

Explore Boulder

The best of Boulder at a glance

ICONIC

The Flatirons

Boulder's defining landmark—five massive tilted sandstone slabs that glow red at sunrise and sunset. Visible from anywhere in town, they're best experienced up close at Chautauqua Park.

DOWNTOWN

Pearl Street Mall

Four blocks of pedestrian-only shopping, dining, and people-watching. Street performers, local boutiques, and some of Boulder's best restaurants. The heart of downtown.

HIKING

Chautauqua Park

The trailhead for Flatirons hikes. Historic cottages, a dining hall, and easy access to trails for all skill levels. Royal Arch and the First Flatiron summit are bucket-list hikes.

CAMPUS

CU Boulder Campus

Beautiful Tuscan-style architecture with red tile roofs and the Flatirons as backdrop. Fiske Planetarium, the natural history museum, and a lively college-town atmosphere.

SCENIC

Boulder Creek Path

16-mile paved path through the heart of town. Connects downtown to the foothills. Popular for running, biking, and tubing in summer. Access points throughout Boulder.

BEER

Craft Breweries

Avery, Upslope, and Mountain Sun are local favorites. Boulder was craft beer before craft beer was cool. Many taprooms have mountain views and dog-friendly patios.

Things to Do in Boulder

Adventures for every interest

TRAILS

Hiking Trails

300+ miles of trails in Boulder's Open Space. Royal Arch (2.5 hrs), Mount Sanitas (1.5 hrs), and the easy Enchanted Mesa loop. Most trailheads are 10 minutes from downtown.

CLIMBING

Rock Climbing

The Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon, and Boulder Canyon offer world-class climbing. Gyms like Movement Boulder provide indoor options. Guided experiences available for beginners.

FOOD

Farm-to-Table Dining

Frasca for fine Italian, The Kitchen for local ingredients, Blackbelly for meat-focused seasonal dishes. The farmers' market runs Saturdays from April through November.

SCIENCE

NCAR & Science

National Center for Atmospheric Research offers free tours with mountain views. CU's Fiske Planetarium has star shows. Boulder attracts scientists and startups alike.

CYCLING

Road & Mountain Biking

Professional cyclists train here for a reason. Flagstaff Mountain, Lefthand Canyon, and the roads to Jamestown challenge roadies. Marshall Mesa for mountain biking.

WELLNESS

Yoga & Wellness

Boulder takes wellness seriously. Numerous yoga studios, meditation centers, and natural health practitioners. Float tanks, sound baths, and acupuncture are mainstream here.

Day Trips from Boulder

Boulder is perfectly positioned for mountain adventures

PARK

Rocky Mountain National Park

45 minutes via Highway 36 through Lyons. Easier access than from Denver. Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, and Longs Peak are highlights. Peak season requires reservations.

SCENIC

Peak-to-Peak Highway

Colorado's oldest scenic byway. Drive from Nederland to Estes Park through mountain towns, past old mining sites, with continuous mountain views.

CANYON

Eldorado Canyon State Park

World-famous climbing destination just 10 miles from Boulder. Even non-climbers enjoy the dramatic canyon scenery, hiking trails, and swimming hole.

QUIRKY

Nederland

Mountain town 17 miles up Boulder Canyon. Famous for Frozen Dead Guy Days festival. Great for coffee, live music, and a taste of old-school mountain culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Boulder visit

How do I get from Denver to Boulder?

About 45 minutes via US-36 (the Turnpike). RTD's Flatiron Flyer bus runs from Denver/DIA to Boulder—comfortable and avoids parking hassles. Once in Boulder, the HOP bus is free and covers downtown.

What's the best hike for beginners?

Chautauqua Trail to the base of the Flatirons—easy 1.5 miles with iconic views. Enchanted Mesa loop is another gentle option. Both start from Chautauqua Park. Arrive early for parking.

Is Boulder expensive?

Yes, it's one of Colorado's pricier cities. Expect to pay more for dining and accommodations than Denver. However, the hiking, scenery, and outdoor activities are free. Happy hours help with food costs.

Where should I eat in Boulder?

The Kitchen for local/seasonal, Frasca for fine Italian, Blackbelly for meat lovers. Snooze for brunch. The Sink is a CU institution for pizza. Rincon Argentino for empanadas.

Can I tube Boulder Creek?

Yes, from late May through August depending on water levels. Rent tubes at Whitewater Tubing Boulder. The main run goes through central Boulder. Cold water—bring water shoes and sunscreen.

What's the weather like in Boulder?

300+ days of sunshine, but mountain weather can change fast. Summer highs in the 80s-90s with afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings snow but often sunny days between storms. Always layer.

Boulder, Colorado