I lived in Colorado for six years and spent many days exploring Boulder. I’ve fond recollections of climbing in Chautauqua Park with my husband on our first go to to Boulder, brewery hopping at Avery Brewing Co. and Sanitas with my associates from faculty, watching The Lumineers on the Boulder Theater, and exhibiting my out-of-state household round Pearl Avenue once they came over.
If the mountains are calling and it’s essential to go, think about using this Boulder, Colorado itinerary that will help you plan an epic journey to the mountains. With 300 miles of climbing and biking trails, there are many alternatives to get outdoors and admire the slanted sandstone formations referred to as the Flatirons that make Boulder so iconic.
By private expertise, I’ve realized one of the best hikes, issues to do, and locations to go in Boulder. This 4-day Boulder, Colorado itinerary is a compilation of my suggestions and can aid you benefit from your time as you discover the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
4-Day Boulder Itinerary at a Look
You can’t presumably see all the pieces Boulder presents in 4 days, however you possibly can expertise lots of the highlights of this distinctive metropolis in Colorado. This Boulder, Colorado itinerary is for out of doors lovers who need to spend at the very least a part of every day outdoors exploring.
You may customise this Boulder itinerary to finest fit your wants and pursuits, however if you wish to expertise a little bit little bit of all the pieces, I like to recommend following the itinerary as-is for a well-rounded Boulder journey.
The place you’ll go to
DAY 1: Chautauqua Park
DAY 2: Flagstaff Mountain and Pearl Avenue
DAY 3: Eldorado Canyon State Park
DAY 4: NCAR trails and Boulder Falls
Day 1: Chautauqua Park
In your first day in Boulder, you’ll study what makes Boulder such a must-visit vacation spot in Colorado. You’ll spend the morning arriving and getting settled, then discover Chautauqua Park to see the Flatirons up shut. To finish the day, you’ll choose from one in all Boulder’s native scrumptious eating places.
Morning/Afternoon – Hike at Chautauqua Park
Kick off your Boulder itinerary by exploring Chautauqua Park. This space has a park, climbing trails, and a historic district with a Basic Retailer and Eating Corridor.
There are 40 miles of trails from the Chautauqua trailhead, and you may select your hike primarily based on how far you need to go, the period of time you’ve, and the path options you’d wish to see. There may be an on-site Ranger Cottage close to the loos with maps and brochures.
In your first go to to Chautauqua Park, I like to recommend both Chautauqua Path (reasonable) or Royal Arch Path (tougher).
Chautauqua Path
Path Fundamentals
For a fast, 1.3-mile hike, attempt the Chautauqua Path. This reasonable path presents distinctive views of town of Boulder. You don’t must go the total distance to see the views and may flip round everytime you really feel prefer it.
As quickly as you park within the lot, you’ll see a large, paved path main as much as a forested space. It appears to be like steeper than it truly is, however you might have to pause and catch your breath if you happen to’re coming from an space of decrease altitude.
As you stroll up the trail, you’ll see the red-orange roof tiles of the College of Colorado Boulder’s campus within the distance. There are many locations to cease for scenic images of the Flatirons with prairie grass and pine bushes.
Royal Arch Path
Path Fundamentals
For a difficult hike, I like to recommend the Royal Arch Path. This fashionable 3.3-mile path begins as a mud path weaving by means of a shaded pine forest. Alongside the best way, you’ll get pleasure from views of the Flatirons.
The path ends at a singular arch rock formation with views of Boulder. The hike is taken into account arduous because of the elevation acquire and half-mile price of flagstone stairs it’s essential to ascend to achieve the arch.
While you end climbing, I like to recommend enjoyable within the grassy space of Chautauqua Park. When you’ve got a snack, guide, or frisbee, that is the right place to put out a blanket and loosen up on a sunny day.
If time permits, you possibly can additionally discover the Chautauqua historic district earlier than dinner. The Basic Retailer has espresso, ice cream, candies, and small souvenirs.
Night – Dinner at a Native Boulder Restaurant
If you wish to keep within the Chautauqua historic district for dinner, attempt the Victorian-style Eating Corridor, which gives a extra upscale eating expertise. Vegetarian and vegan choices embrace a southwest black bean burger or asparagus tacos. Reservations are inspired, and so they even have a superb brunch menu if you happen to determine to come back again one morning.
Try Mountain Solar Pub and Brewery if you happen to favor a extra informal possibility with a unusual, Boulder-esque vibe. They’ve two completely different areas in Boulder: one on Pearl Avenue and the opposite (referred to as Southern Solar) on South Broadway. This cash-only restaurant is thought for its well-known fries, and vegan choices embrace a vegan chili or an Inconceivable burger.
Day 2: Flagstaff Mountain and Pearl Avenue
In your second day in Boulder, you’ll get to see Flagstaff Mountain and select if you wish to drive or hike to the summit. You’ll even have time for procuring, eating, and people-watching alongside Pearl Avenue. The day ends with dinner and drinks at The Rayback.
Morning – Flagstaff Mountain and Brunch
In case you’re craving a surprising view of the Rocky Mountains, head up Flagstaff Mountain. You may select to drive, bike, or hike up the mountain.
In case you drive, it’s 4.5 miles up a steep, paved street with hairpin turns. You don’t want a 4-wheel drive automobile for this scenic street, however you’ll want to go sluggish and drive rigorously.
Deliver $5 money to place into an envelope for parking. While you attain the highest of the street, I like to recommend parking on the Flagstaff Nature Heart and climbing alongside the simple 1.2-mile Boy Scout to Flagstaff path loop.
Boy Scout Path, Mary’s Level, and Flagstaff Path Loop
Path Fundamentals
The Boy Scout Path to Flagstaff Path is a straightforward loop to stretch your legs after driving up Flagstaff Mountain. With solely 193 ft of elevation acquire, the path is fairly flat and straightforward.
You will note a turn-off alongside the loop for Mary’s Level. There’s a little bit of a scramble right here over some boulders, although it’s doable for inexperienced persons.
Alongside the path, you’ll get pleasure from panoramic views of Boulder’s Pearl Avenue and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains within the distance.
Gregory Canyon, Vary View, and Flagstaff Loop
Path Fundamentals
For individuals who favor an extended hike and need to keep away from driving up the steep street, I like to recommend parking at Gregory Canyon Trailhead and climbing up Flagstaff Mountain.
This hike is a 3.8-mile loop that mixes the Gregory Canyon Path, Vary View Path, and Flagstaff Path. It’s a difficult path with an elevation acquire of 1,200 ft, so I solely advocate it for knowledgeable hikers.
The views are definitely worth the arduous work, although. While you attain Realization Level, you’ll get pleasure from views of snow-covered peaks of mountains in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
Afternoon – Pearl Avenue Mall
When you’ve had your fill of the mountain views from Flagstaff Mountain, it’s time to move to Pearl Avenue Mall. Earlier than you hit the outlets, although, I like to recommend fueling up with a tasty brunch at one in all Pearl Avenue’s breakfast joints.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is a small breakfast chain that originated in Colorado. They’ve a scrumptious breakfast and brunch menu, together with vegan banana bliss pancakes or a breakfast tofu scramble, and so they can customise nearly all of their plates to make them vegan or vegetarian.
When you end brunch, you’ve the afternoon to discover the enjoyable outlets alongside Pearl Avenue Mall. This space is a four-block out of doors pedestrian mall with a whole lot of cute outlets.
I like to recommend testing the Boulder Guide Retailer, Frequent Threads consignment store, Two Palms Paperie for lovers of crafts and paper merchandise, and out of doors model outlets like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Backcountry.
As you store, you’ll additionally seemingly encounter road performers alongside the best way. In case you ever need to take a break and relaxation, Pearl Avenue Mall is the right place to discover a bench and people-watch.
Night – Meals Vehicles and Drinks
Finish your day with an informal dinner and drinks at The Rayback, a meals truck park with a full bar, faucet home, and low store. There’s something for everybody right here, and so they typically have stay music and trivia nights.
Their meals truck choices change day by day, so take a look at their schedule to see the choices earlier than you go. In case you go to Boulder on a vacation, The Rayback typically has enjoyable holiday-themed festivals and occasions. I visited throughout the fall and stumbled upon a German evening with particular music, beers, costumes, and meals.
Day 3: Eldorado Canyon State Park
For day 3, put together for a day hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park and a day journey (e-bike tour of Boulder, Museum of Boulder, or a tour of Celestial Seasonings). For dinner, you’ll head to The Sink, a family-owned restaurant identified for burgers and pizza.
Morning – Hike at Eldorado Canyon State Park
Positioned simply 20 minutes outdoors Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a good looking spot for climbing and mountain climbing. Regardless of which path you discover, you’ll admire views of sandstone cliffs, Boulder Creek, and the golden rock partitions.
In case you go to throughout winter, you too can cross-country ski or snowshoe right here. Observe that if you happen to go to on weekends or holidays from Could 15-September 15, it’s essential to buy an superior allow.
Two of my favourite hikes listed below are Rattlesnake Gulch Path and Eldorado Canyon Path. Each are reasonable and have related views of the canyon, however Rattlesnake Gulch has distinctive path options, whereas Eldorado Canyon Path is a greater possibility for these on the lookout for an extended day hike.
Rattlesnake Gulch Path
Path Fundamentals
There are two distinctive websites to see alongside the Rattlesnake Gulch Path: the Crags Resort ruins and the Continental Divide Overlook.
In 1912, the Crags Resort caught on hearth, and now its ruins are a historic web site you possibly can go to alongside this path. There’s a signal detailing the lodge’s historical past that’s attention-grabbing to learn as you discover the deserted ruins.
On the finish of the path, you will notice the Continental Divide. This turnaround level is a handy and scenic place to sit down and eat a climbing snack earlier than heading again out.
Eldorado Canyon Path
Path Fundamentals
In case you’re on the lookout for a reasonable problem, attempt the Eldorado Canyon Path, which presents views of the Rocky Mountains, Eldorado Canyon, a small waterfall, and the Denver skyline alongside the path.
I like to recommend packing a picnic lunch for this hike. On the finish of the path, you’ll arrive at Boulder Creek, the place there are glorious spots to eat and loosen up.
There’s a gradual elevation acquire all through the path with an excellent steadiness of ups and downs. In case you ever want a break, there are quite a few benches all through the path the place you possibly can cease to catch your breath and drink water.
Afternoon – Select your journey
Relying in your pursuits, there are a number of methods you possibly can spend your afternoon in Boulder. I like to recommend attempting an e-bike tour, visiting the Museum of Boulder, or taking a tour of Celestial Seasonings (a tea manufacturing facility).
Right here is details about every that will help you choose your superb expertise.
Night – Dinner at The Sink
For an area Boulder restaurant, I like to recommend heading to The Sink. This family-owned spot is enjoyable and quirky and presents distinctive menu choices like a Sinkburger and Ugly Crust pizza.
Since 1923, the restaurant has operated in Boulder close to campus on The Hill. Many well-known folks have visited right here and signed the partitions, together with Barack Obama and Man Fieri.
In case you are vegetarian or vegan, there are many tasty choices. I like to recommend attempting the cauliflower buffalo bites, veggie burger, or plant-based pizza with vegan cheese and veggies.
Day 4: NCAR trails, Boulder Falls, and a craft brewery
Your final day in Boulder consists of yet one more hike, a fast journey to Boulder Falls, and a go to to one in all Colorado’s well-known craft breweries. I additionally supply concepts on a few of Boulder’s finest music venues.
Morning – Hike the NCAR trails
The Nationwide Heart for Atmospheric Analysis (NCAR) in Boulder presents a free parking zone for Boulder Open Area trails. There are a number of hikes from right here with unbelievable views of the Flatirons.
A few fashionable choices are Mallory Cave and Bear Peak. Mallory Cave is a reasonable possibility, whereas Bear Peak is difficult for even skilled hikers.
Mallory Cave
Path Fundamentals
Because the identify suggests, the Mallory Cave path leads you to one in all Boulder’s caves. Though individuals are now not allowed to go contained in the cave to scale back human contamination dangerous to bats, there’s a gate in entrance of the cave which you’ll look by means of to see inside.
I like to recommend downloading this path map forward of time since a number of different trails department off of the Mallory Cave path. The ultimate ascent to the cave will also be a little bit complicated to navigate as you trek throughout a rock scramble.
Bear Peak Path
Path Fundamentals
Bear Peak is a well-liked but difficult hike in Boulder. Resulting from its problem with practically 3,000 ft of elevation acquire, I like to recommend this hike just for skilled hikers who’ve beforehand accomplished hikes with related altitude and acquire.
On the best way as much as Bear Peak, you’ll hike on a rocky path by means of a forest with steep uphills. The 360-degree, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on the prime of Bear Peak are definitely worth the effort.
The summit is commonly windy, so carry a light-weight jacket and a beanie if you wish to hang around right here. In your method down, you possibly can both return the best way you got here (as mirrored in these path stats) or take the Bear Peak Canyon Loop Path, which provides one other 2.2 miles (however no further elevation acquire) to your whole hike.
Afternoon – Go to Boulder Falls
Relying on time, I like to recommend selecting up lunch to-go or packing a picnic and driving 25 minutes from the NCAR trails to Boulder Falls for a soothing afternoon.
The drive by means of Boulder Canyon to Boulder Falls is scenic, and there may be free parking on the trailhead. In case you really feel drained out of your morning hike, don’t fear – Boulder Falls shouldn’t be a hike. It’s a 100-yard stroll from the parking zone to a 70-foot waterfall.
The waterfall is small however mighty, and it is a great spot to take images, learn a guide, and hang around for the afternoon. You may put your ft within the water, however be cautious because the moist rocks may be slippery.
Night – Craft brewery and stay music
In your ultimate evening in Colorado, go to one in all Boulder’s well-known craft breweries or a hip venue for stay music (or do each if time permits).
Boulder Craft Breweries
Listed here are some Boulder, Colorado breweries I like to recommend exploring.
Boulder Dwell Music Venues
In case you love stay music, I additionally advocate testing one in all Boulder’s iconic venues.
When you’ve got extra time…
When you’ve got an additional day or two within the space, you too can drive 1 hour to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’s definitely worth the drive to see the park, watch the wildlife, go for a day hike within the park, and take a look at the city of Estes Park. If it’s your first time visiting, take a look at these ideas on your first journey to RMNP.
Boulder Itinerary FAQs
Have a query about this Boulder itinerary? Try these regularly requested questions together with their solutions.
What number of days do you want in Boulder?
The variety of days it is best to spend in Boulder is determined by your journey model, what you need to do, and the way a lot time you’ve. I feel 4 days is lots to expertise lots of the finest issues to do in Boulder.
You will note iconic Boulder locations, go on one of the best Boulder hikes, attempt native eating places, and go to Colorado craft breweries.
Though there may be at all times extra to do, I like to recommend planning for 4-5 days on your first journey to Boulder. You may at all times come again and do extra in your subsequent journey!
When is one of the best time to go to Boulder?
With 300 days of sunshine, Colorado is nice year-round. I like to recommend visiting in summer time or early fall for superb temperatures and climate.
Summertime is wildflower season in Colorado. Within the fall, you possibly can get pleasure from driving by means of the Colorado foliage and climbing among the many golden aspen bushes. Trails are sometimes muddy within the spring, however there are fewer crowds this time of 12 months.
In case you get pleasure from snow, the layer of white snow on the Boulder Flatirons is a magical sight. You will want to carry traction gadgets and heat layers for hikes, although, and a few roads and trailheads could also be inaccessible.
What if I solely have someday to discover Boulder?
In case you solely have someday, listed below are the highest issues to do in Boulder, Colorado:
- Hike among the many Flatirons at Chautauqua Park
- Discover the outlets at Pearl Avenue Mall
- Go to a Boulder brewery or catch stay music at a Boulder music venue
Wish to discover extra of Colorado? Try these articles.
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