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Boulder is a city of about 105,000 people at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, about 25 miles northwest of Denver. Gold seekers founded it in 1858, and the University of Colorado opened here in 1877. The city's most famous landmark is the Flatirons, a row of huge tilted sandstone slabs rising above the town, which have become a symbol of Colorado.
Boulder is known for its outdoor lifestyle, progressive spirit and natural beauty. In 1967 it became one of the first cities in the country to tax itself to buy open space, and today a green belt of more than 45,000 acres surrounds the city, crossed by over 150 miles of trails. Chautauqua Park, with its historic 1898 auditorium and dining hall, is the most popular gateway to the Flatirons.
The heart of town is the Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian street of shops, restaurants and street performers set against mountain views. The University of Colorado campus, with its distinctive red-tiled sandstone buildings, the Boulder Creek Path, the Boulder Farmers Market and the Celestial Seasonings tea factory add to the appeal, and Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour away.
Boulder's pedestrian street in the historic downtown, four brick-paved blocks with shops, restaurants, cafes, flower beds and street performers such as jugglers and musicians. The Flatirons rise in the background. Visit on a summer evening, and use the downtown garages for parking.
CU Boulder's campus is known for its red sandstone buildings with tile roofs in a Tuscan vernacular style, set against the foothills. Visitors can see Norlin Library, Macky Auditorium, the art museum and Folsom Field. Weekends and summer are quieter times to walk around.
A historic park at the foot of the Flatirons with a big meadow, the 1898 Chautauqua Auditorium hosting summer concerts, a dining hall and cottages, and trailheads into the Flatirons. Parking fills early on weekends, so use the free summer park-to-park shuttle when it runs.
A paved path of about 5.5 miles following Boulder Creek from Boulder Canyon through downtown and CU to the east side, used by cyclists, runners and walkers. In summer people tube the creek. It passes parks, sculptures and a fish observatory. It is easy to join near Central Park.
A popular steep hike on Boulder's west edge, climbing about 1,300 feet on a rocky ridge to a summit with views over the city and plains, then returning down Sanitas Valley. The loop is about 3 miles. Go early in summer to avoid heat, and bring water and good shoes.
A mountain just west of town with a winding scenic road to overlooks such as Realization Point and Sunrise Amphitheater, plus picnic areas and hiking trails. It offers wide views of Boulder and the plains. Non-Boulder County vehicles need a park pass; sunsets are beautiful.
A dramatic canyon just south of Boulder with tall sandstone walls famous for rock climbing, plus hiking trails, picnic spots and South Boulder Creek. The Rattlesnake Gulch and Fowler trails are good for walkers. Timed entry reservations are often needed on summer weekends.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research's Mesa Lab, designed by I.M. Pei and set on a mesa below the Flatirons, has a free visitor center with exhibits on weather, climate and the sun. Trails start right from the parking lot, and the views are excellent. Check opening hours first.
A local history museum in a renovated downtown building near Pearl Street, with exhibits on Boulder's past from Indigenous peoples and mining to the university and outdoor culture, plus a kids area. It hosts traveling exhibitions. Allow about an hour and check for free days.
A richly decorated Persian-style teahouse, a gift from Boulder's sister city Dushanbe in Tajikistan, with hand-carved painted ceilings, columns and a fountain. It serves teas from around the world and global dishes. Reserve for afternoon tea, and walk the Boulder Creek Path afterward.
The herbal tea company's headquarters in north Boulder, with a tea shop, sampling bar and guided factory tours showing how its teas are blended and packed, including the famous peppermint room. Tours are popular, so check times and book ahead. The gift shop has many tea flavors.
A popular farmers market on 13th Street next to Central Park, held Saturdays and Wednesday evenings from spring through fall, with Colorado produce, peaches, meats, cheese, flowers and many prepared food stands. Go early on Saturday for the best selection and parking.
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