What to do and see in Boulder, Colorado (CO): The Best Nature & Parks

December 10, 2021 Joeann Galban

Fondly described as “the city nestled between the mountains and reality,” Boulder delivers an urban twist on the outdoor fun you’d expect from a town surrounded by wilderness. In a single day, you can hike miles and miles of trails or bike alongside Boulder Creek – then head back into town for some well-deserved shopping on Pearl Street. And with many of Colorado’s top restaurants right within reach, be sure to treat yourself to at least one great meal.
Restaurants in Boulder

1. Boulder Ale Trail

Boulder Ale Trail, Boulder, CO http://boulderaletrail.org/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Boulder Ale Trail

2. Humane Society of Boulder Valley

2323 55th St, Boulder, CO 80301-2806 +1 303-442-4030 http://boulderhumane.org
Excellent
87%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Humane Society of Boulder Valley

3. Flatirons

Boulder Mountain Park, Boulder, CO 80302
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,107 reviews

Flatirons

Reviewed By kelshutch - Baltimore, United States

Beautiful area, great for walking. It's a big far/steep for toddler legs, so be prepared to carry little ones. But even if you don't get very far before turning around, the trip to see the park is worthwhile. Great couple of hours of sunshine, fresh air, and hiking for our family.

4. Valmont Bike Park

Intersection of Valmont and Airport Roads, Boulder, CO http://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/valmont-bike-park
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 59 reviews

Valmont Bike Park

5. Deer Mountain Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park Parking on Highway 36, Boulder, CO http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/winter_hike.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Deer Mountain Trail

6. Colorado Chautauqua: Park

900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302-7547 +1 303-442-3282 [email protected] http://www.chautauqua.com/
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,315 reviews

Colorado Chautauqua: Park

Originally established in 1898 to bring culture to rural areas, this beautiful park hosts cultural events, features rock climbing sites, lovely gardens and picnic areas and is the starting point for many hiking trails.Year-round lodging, dining and events available.

Reviewed By 100janicem - Palm Harbor, United States

We stayed at one of the cottages and thoroughly enjoyed the accomodations and the proximity to great hiking for many levels and time constraints. The food at the dining hall is terrific also. The cottages are quaint and remind you of a slower pace. We enjoyed quiet evenings on the porch as well as all of the ammenities needed for a first class stay.

7. Switzerland Trail

Boulder, CO
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Switzerland Trail

A popular and easy mountain bike trail following the route of an old narrow-gauge railway line.

Reviewed By hopb2020 - Boulder, United States

Once a narrow gauge railroad, this liner park offers fantastic views of the Continental Divide from the back side of the Foothills to the west of Boulder. Take in the rustic history of the transportation system during the precious metals heyday of the past turn of the century and explore the mining history of Boulder's past.

8. Flagstaff Mountain

Boulder, CO +1 303-441-3440 http://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/flagstaff-trailhead
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 290 reviews

Flagstaff Mountain

Located close to downtown Boulder, this mountain offers climbing and hiking trails with sweeping views of the city.

Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States

My hubs insisted we drive up this mountain. All along stops and views forever. Watch out for bicycles. People were also walking crossing the road.

9. Boulder Creek Path

parallels Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302 +1 303-441-3200 [email protected] http://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/boulder-creek-path
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 553 reviews

Boulder Creek Path

This paved 7.5-mile path for walkers, bikers and skaters leads from Boulder proper into the mountains, winding its way along Boulder Creek, a large park and a playground.

Reviewed By MsCanuck24

Driving near by won't do any justice to the experience you'll be missing. A beautiful stroll takes less than 40 minutes. Start at the east end, near the CU campus, wind through downtown, and end up at the park on the west end (which is perfect for dipping your toes in the water, sun bathing or having a picnic. Continue further, where the picturesque bridges and wild flora give way to increasingly steep rock croppings and Boulder Falls.

10. Eldorado Canyon

9 Kneale Rd, Boulder, CO +1 303-494-3943 http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/eldorado-springs
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Eldorado Canyon

Reviewed By JSTrip_77 - Hanoi, Vietnam

Colorado has endless options for hiking but this one is quite remarkable. We went on a Saturday in the summer so we got there by 9:45am in order to get parking. There were still spots when we arrived but by the time we left, the lots were full. So, consider that when planning your trip. We parked at the first lot we came to but couldn't find the Fowler Trailhead which we'd intended to take. So, we walked up the road and joined Fowler at the top and then connected with Rattlesnake Gulch trail. Rattlesnake Gulch trail was absolutely spectacular. Near the top of the 650 foot elevation gain, you'll get to the (minimal) ruins of a hotel that was on the site from 1908-1912. Beyond that, there's an amazing overlook of the canyon and the continental divide (the big mountains!). We aren't climbers but there are ample options for that too. If I had one complaint about the park its that the main road through the park is the only access to the trails (by car) and so it gets busy.

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