Top Outdoor Activities in Boulder, CO

The University of Colorado Boulder is an institution that is surrounded by stunning landscapes and jaw-dropping natural scenery. With the University located in the middle of nature it allows for plenty of outdoor activities, but with so many to choose from it can sometimes be hard to narrow down your options. With this Boulder, CO outdoor activity guide you’ll be able to navigate your way through your trip in no time!

Season to Season

Depending on the season you visit, it will alter the activities you have to choose from. Luckily for you, Boulder offers activities all year long, no matter the month, so your trip isn’t limited to any time of the year. Now, to narrow down the different activities depending on the month…

Heating Things Up

In the warmer months, there are countless outdoor activities to do. There’s hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fly fishing, and the farmers market. All of these provide you with a way to get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather, and stay active. With the excitement of wanting to try out all of these activities, you want to be sure you pick the perfect adventure for your morning or afternoon.

EXHILARATING HIKES

•          Flatirons- If you’re looking for a more moderate level hike, the first and second Flatiron trails will allow you to break a good sweat but witness an incredible view practically the whole hike.

•          Eldorado Canyon State Park- This hike is also easy or on the moderate side. As you can guess by its name canyon, you are surrounded by the beauty of the trees and boulders, along with South Boulder Creek rushing through the canyon making your hike that much more serene.

•          Mount Sanita’s Hike- This hike is a bit more difficult. It’s perfect when you want to be able to take in the scenery along, throughout the hike and at the top, there is a panoramic view of Boulder that is hard to pass up.

•          Royal Arch- This hike is also up there in difficulty, although it can be challenging it is rewarding with a stunning rock arch at the top.

ELEVATED HOLD FOR A UNIQUE CLIMBING EXPERIENCE

•          Der Zerkle- If you’re looking for an easy to moderate climb but still wanting a good workout, this is the place for you.  The hike in ranges from moderate to difficult, with a scenic view. Once you arrive at the climbing spot you are welcomed with a shaded area, perfect for an afternoon of climbing.

•          Boulder Canyon- With a short hike in, you cross a creek that gives you not only spectacular views but a tranquil atmosphere. You can hear the creek from practically anywhere in any of the climbing spots. The climbing here ranges from moderate to more difficult

BIKING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS

•          Dirty Bismark- This mountain bike trail is easy to moderate. This trail is a favorite because of the incredible views of the Flatirons, appeal to all levels of riders, and is open almost all year round.

•          Marshall Mesa North Trails- This trail is also among the easier to moderate options. This option offers a trail that begins not too far from town and works its way into the woods as you get farther along, offering views of the Flatirons.

•          Canyon Loop at Betasso Preserve- This trail is if you’re looking for a more intermediate to an advanced option, with different terrains ranging from forests and creeks, it’s worth the difficulty.

•          Walker Ranch Loop- A trail that's on the more difficult side, you should do it if you’re interested in getting in a great workout as well as if you’re a more skilled mountain biker. This trail has beautiful views and a creek but where you get your workout in is the steep climbs along with the rocky sections you will work through.

A DAY IN THE WATER

•          Boulder Ponds- The Boulder Ponds are a great place for you if you are a beginner looking to learn how to fly fish and want to still possibly catch something while also still enjoying the wildlife around you.

•          Boulder Creek- This fishing spot is known to have lots of fish, making your chances very high of catching something. This spot is also set in a canyon, making your experience that much more relaxing and memorable.

STROLLING THROUGH THE MARKET

If you’re looking for a more laid-back day that is still outside without having to be so active, then the Boulder Farmers Market might be the place for you. The Farmers Market offers a wide array of organic foods and vegetables, along with fresh fruits, and gorgeous flowers available for purchase. This allows you to be outside and enjoy the Boulder weather and being right next to campus while taking a day off from all of the activities.

Chillier Times

As the weather changes, so do the outdoor activities. If you’re looking to plan a trip for the colder and snowier months in Boulder but you still want to enjoy the beauty of the city, there’s still plenty to do. In the winter months, Boulder offers, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and sledding. With these activities, you’re sure to have a good time while still enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Boulder.

SNOWSHOEING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING WITH A VIEW

•          Betasso Preserve- This preserve is perfect for snowshoeing for a more relaxed morning or afternoon. This place has unique wildlife while also supporting a vast range of terrain. With multiple trails, you can pick your difficulty, depending on what you’re looking for.

•          Heil Valley Ranch- This snowshoe and cross-country skiing spot is a bit more popular but for good reason. This spot also offers multiple trails ranging in difficulty. Heil Valley also has snowshoeing conditions practically all winter.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE HILLS

•          Tantra Park- This sledding spot is popular for the large amounts of space it offers making it busy when the snow comes in. If you’re looking for a fun day on the hills and one that can speed up while you’re going down, Tantra park is where you need to be.

•          Chautauqua Park- If you’re looking for more of a thrill, this is the park for you. With a steeper hill, along with a bit of rough terrain, you’re sure to have a memorable time.

TAKING IT EASY

For a more relaxing and laid-back day, you can walk around and explore the outdoor Pearl Street Mall. What makes Pearl Street unique is the wide variety of shops and restaurants that fill up the historic downtown Boulder. This place isn’t completely disconnected from nature, because when you’re there you are still surrounded by trees and mountains. The majority of the buildings and even the sidewalks consist of a rustic red brick that is continued throughout. The statues around consist of wildlife, including Ralph the CU mascot. Pearl Street is a great place to visit for an afternoon off to check out the historic downtown along with some favorite restaurants and shops in the area.

Narrowing Your Options

CU Boulder is positioned in the heart of a nature escape. The town has a variety of activities that are changing from season to season allowing you to plan your trip at your favorite time of the year. If your time in Boulder is during the summer and fall months when the sun is shining, leaves are colorful and all the outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, climbing, and mountain biking are in full swing you will experience the beauty of Colorado along with its balmy temperatures. If you are more of a snowbird, then Boulder in the winter months is perfect for you, from snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, to sledding, the snow allows for you to bundle up and get out and enjoy the views of the snow-capped mountain paired with the Flatirons blanketed in snow. No matter the season you are in Boulder, you are sure to be amazed by the eye-catching sights. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just dipping your toes into these. ventures, Boulder can offer you a wide variety of activities along with a vast range of difficulty levels from beginner to extreme. Looking to visit here is exciting but if you’re looking to stay right on campus and experience what it really is like to be in Boulder, a hotel isn’t your best option. College weekends offers air bnb’s on college campus’ for short term rentals, this service allows you to fully immerse yourself into the Boulder for your stay without the hassle of staying in a hotel. To plan your perfect trip to Boulder go to https://collegeweekends.com/#/ and start to check out what they have to offer.