I consider myself one lucky gal because my sweet grandparents live in beautiful Boulder, CO. I have visited Boulder more times in my life than I can count, so it was hard to narrow down what all there is to do in and around Boulder. One thing I love about Boulder is something my grandparents always tried to teach my sister and I when we were there, and that is just a love and appreciation for the earth and our bodies. My grandparents eat healthy, exercise (whether thats hike, bike or, swim) everyday, and always use public transit or ride bikes when possible. Many people in Boulder live in a very similar way!

So much of Boulder is set aside as “public land” so there is hiking everywhere! Where do you start? In this article you will find 5 really fun things to do in and around Boulder. While there are hundreds more, this list can help get you started! Some of these items get very crowded and busy, others are more off the beaten path. Hopefully when you visit Boulder, you too will find a greater appreciation for the world we live in and for our bodies that can do amazing things!

#1: Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park:

Theres a reason why this is the number one thing on my list. Rocky Mountain just can’t be missed! Estes Park is only 45 minutes from Boulder, so this is a great jumping off point for rocky mountain. Now, this park is HUGE and can get very very crowded especially in the summer months, so be prepared for shuttle busses and busy parking lots in the summer. For first time visitors, I would suggest two different areas: hikes from the Alpine visitor and from the Bear Lake area.

From the Bear Lake trailhead, there are so many options! Take the trail from bear lake, nymph lake, and emerald lake (the people really thin out the further you get). Don’t miss Alberta Falls! A huge gushing waterfall only a half mile from the Bear lake parking lot.

The drive from the front gate to The Alpine Visitor center will be an hour of winding up the sides of the rocky mountains, but his is half of the fun! There are many places you will want to stop at and take roadside pictures, the views are just breath taking. Once you get above the tree line, you will begin to see large green fields, stray leftover snow fields, and if you are lucky like us maybe even a heard of alpine elk! WARNING: The top is typically thirty degrees cooler than the base, so bring your warm clothes!

Estes Park the town is also very fun to explore! Check out the little sidewalk shops of this small mountain town or take a tour of the historic Stanley Hotel (The inspiration for “The Shining”). For my coffee lovers, check out “Coffee on The Rocks” for a great latte, mountain views, and feed the friendly ducks while lounging by the pond.

#2: Pearl Street Mall:

Now for something in actual Boulder! If you are looking for unique shopping, delicious food, street vendors and performers, and festivals of all kind, Pearl Street is the place for you! I love love pearl street, its a great place to experience Boulder “culture”. Head out to the saturday farmers market for some local produce or homemade kombucha! Sit out on a patio at lunch time with a brick oven pizza. Or go to one of the many bars for a local craft beer (Maybe even catch a fire eater or a tight rope walker on the street!)

One thing that can’t be missed at Pearl Street is The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. The Teahouse was a gift to the city of Boulder from its sister city Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Ya’ll… this place is freaking beautiful! Sit at low tables on cushions and admire the handcrafted wall to ceiling art as you sip tea and eat tea-infused eggs benedict- YUM!

#3: Boulder Falls:

This hike is quick, easy and rewarding. It was closed for many years due to damage from floods, but it has since been repaired and is now open! Located 10 minutes up Boulder canyon, you will park on the side of the road near the sign that says “Boulder Falls” and begin your hike from the road. This is an unpaved narrow hike going over a few large boulders, but the hike is very short (took us about ten minutes to get to the falls). Its loud, its beautiful, and its very quick (I suggest combining this with a day trip to Nederland).

#4: Nederland, CO:

This is another great little day trip from Boulder off the beaten path! As I said above, combine this with Boulder Falls for a great day! Nederland is a cool, quirky place famous for its “frozen dead guy” festival (A Nederland resident who froze his body in a block of ice to be thawed and brought back to life once science has improved).

Nederland had an art festival going on when we were there and I bought multiple hand painted post cards! Take a hike around the town lake, drink a local beer, head to a festival, or wander through the artisan shops.

#5: Eldorado Canyon State Park:

This is one of my “Off the beaten path” picks as well. There are tons of hikes you can take for free through the boulder public lands, so because there is an entrance fee for this park it is sometimes less crowded. For any of my friends into rock climbing, this is an amazing spot to do that! There are tons of hikes through the flat irons great for all skill levels.

After a sweaty summer hike, you will want to cool off at the Eldorado Springs Pool! This is a beautiful spring fed pool, created in 1904. It will take you back in time with its retro feels! The water stays very cold all year around because it is spring fed, but after a hot hike you will love cooling off with the mountain views. The entrance fee is $12 a person and is located very close to the state park entrance.

If you have any other questions about your trip to Boulder, feel free to reach out! Again, there are so many things to do in and around Boulder, so if you need more suggestions let me know! I hope you enjoy your trip to Boulder and colorful Colorado!