I lived in Colorado for six years and spent many days exploring Boulder. I’ve fond reminiscences of mountaineering 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 you have to go, think about using this Boulder, Colorado itinerary that will help you plan an epic journey to the mountains. With 300 miles of mountaineering and biking trails, there are many alternatives to get exterior and admire the slanted sandstone formations known as the Flatirons that make Boulder so iconic.
By way of private expertise, I’ve discovered 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 enable you to take advantage of your time as you discover the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
4-Day Boulder Itinerary at a Look
You can not probably see every thing Boulder presents in 4 days, however you’ll be able to expertise lots of the highlights of this distinctive metropolis in Colorado. This Boulder, Colorado itinerary is for outside fans who need to spend a minimum of a part of every day exterior exploring.
You possibly can customise this Boulder itinerary to greatest fit your wants and pursuits, however if you wish to expertise a bit little bit of every thing, 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 be taught 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 decide from one in every of 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, mountaineering trails, and a historic district with a Common Retailer and Eating Corridor.
There are 40 miles of trails from the Chautauqua trailhead, and you’ll select your hike primarily based on how far you need to go, the period of time you’ve got, and the path options you’d prefer to see. There’s an on-site Ranger Cottage close to the loos with maps and brochures.
To 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 complete distance to see the views and might 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 it’s possible you’ll must 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 photographs 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 via a shaded pine forest. Alongside the way in which, you’ll get pleasure from views of the Flatirons.
The path ends at a novel arch rock formation with views of Boulder. The hike is taken into account laborious as a result of elevation acquire and half-mile price of flagstone stairs you have to ascend to succeed in the arch.
Once you end mountaineering, I like to recommend enjoyable within the grassy space of Chautauqua Park. If in case you have a snack, e book, or frisbee, that is the proper place to put out a blanket and loosen up on a sunny day.
If time permits, you might additionally discover the Chautauqua historic district earlier than dinner. The Common 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 wonderful brunch menu if you happen to determine to come back again one morning.
Try Mountain Solar Pub and Brewery if you happen to want a extra informal possibility with a unusual, Boulder-esque vibe. They’ve two totally different places in Boulder: one on Pearl Avenue and the opposite (known as Southern Solar) on South Broadway. This cash-only restaurant is understood for its well-known fries, and vegan choices embrace a vegan chili or an Unattainable 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 buying, eating, and people-watching alongside Pearl Avenue. The day ends with dinner and drinks at The Rayback.
Morning – Flagstaff Mountain and Brunch
If you happen to’re craving a surprising view of the Rocky Mountains, head up Flagstaff Mountain. You possibly can select to drive, bike, or hike up the mountain.
If you happen to 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 gradual and drive rigorously.
Deliver $5 money to place into an envelope for parking. Once you attain the highest of the street, I like to recommend parking on the Flagstaff Nature Middle and mountaineering alongside the straightforward 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 notice 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 newcomers.
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 many who want an extended hike and need to keep away from driving up the steep street, I like to recommend parking at Gregory Canyon Trailhead and mountaineering 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 laborious work, although. Once 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 every of 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 virtually all of their plates to make them vegan or vegetarian.
When you end brunch, you’ve got the afternoon to discover the enjoyable outlets alongside Pearl Avenue Mall. This space is a four-block outside pedestrian mall with lots of of cute outlets.
I like to recommend testing the Boulder E-book Retailer, Frequent Threads consignment store, Two Fingers Paperie for lovers of crafts and paper merchandise, and outside model outlets like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Backcountry.
As you store, you’ll additionally probably encounter avenue performers alongside the way in which. If you happen to ever need to take a break and relaxation, Pearl Avenue Mall is the proper place to discover a bench and people-watch.
Night – Meals Vehicles and Drinks
Finish your day with an off-the-cuff 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 usually have dwell music and trivia nights.
Their meals truck choices change each day, so take a look at their schedule to see the choices earlier than you go. If you happen to go to Boulder on a vacation, The Rayback usually has enjoyable holiday-themed festivals and occasions. I visited through the fall and stumbled upon a German night time 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 recognized for burgers and pizza.
Morning – Hike at Eldorado Canyon State Park
Positioned simply 20 minutes exterior Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a good looking spot for mountaineering and mountain climbing. Regardless of which path you discover, you’ll admire views of sandstone cliffs, Boulder Creek, and the golden rock partitions.
If you happen to go to throughout winter, you can too cross-country ski or snowshoe right here. Be aware that if you happen to go to on weekends or holidays from Might 15-September 15, you have to buy an advanced permit.
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 searching 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 website you’ll be able to go to alongside this path. There’s a signal detailing the resort’s historical past that’s attention-grabbing to learn as you discover the deserted ruins.
On the finish of the path, you will note the Continental Divide. This turnaround level is a handy and scenic place to take a seat and eat a mountaineering snack earlier than heading again out.
Eldorado Canyon Path
Path Fundamentals
If you happen to’re searching 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 a superb steadiness of ups and downs. If you happen to ever want a break, there are quite a few benches all through the path the place you’ll be able to cease to catch your breath and drink water.
Afternoon – Select your journey
Relying in your pursuits, there are just a few methods you’ll be able to spend your afternoon in Boulder. I like to recommend making an attempt an e-bike tour, visiting the Museum of Boulder, or taking a tour of Celestial Seasonings (a tea manufacturing unit).
Right here is details about every that will help you decide your ultimate 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 making an attempt 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 another hike, a fast journey to Boulder Falls, and a go to to one in every of Colorado’s well-known craft breweries. I additionally supply concepts on a few of Boulder’s greatest music venues.
Morning – Hike the NCAR trails
The Nationwide Middle for Atmospheric Analysis (NCAR) in Boulder presents a free parking zone for Boulder Open House 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 title suggests, the Mallory Cave path leads you to one in every of Boulder’s caves. Though individuals are now not allowed to go contained in the cave to cut back human contamination dangerous to bats, there’s a gate in entrance of the cave which you’ll look via 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 can be a 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. On account of its issue with almost 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 way in which as much as Bear Peak, you’ll hike on a rocky path via a forest with steep uphills. The 360-degree, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on the high of Bear Peak are definitely worth the effort.
The summit is commonly windy, so deliver a light-weight jacket and a beanie if you wish to hang around right here. In your method down, you’ll be able to both return the way in which 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 extra elevation acquire) to your complete 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 calming afternoon.
The drive via Boulder Canyon to Boulder Falls is scenic, and there may be free parking on the trailhead. If you happen to 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 photographs, learn a e book, and hang around for the afternoon. You possibly can put your ft within the water, however be cautious because the moist rocks will be slippery.
Night – Craft brewery and dwell music
To your ultimate night time in Colorado, go to one in every of Boulder’s well-known craft breweries or a hip venue for dwell music (or do each if time permits).
Boulder Craft Breweries
Listed here are some Boulder, Colorado breweries I like to recommend exploring.
Boulder Reside Music Venues
If you happen to love dwell music, I additionally advocate testing one in every of Boulder’s iconic venues.
If in case you have extra time…
If in case you have an additional day or two within the space, you can too 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 the following tips in your first journey to RMNP.
Boulder Itinerary FAQs
Have a query about this Boulder itinerary? Try these often 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 relies on your journey type, what you need to do, and the way a lot time you’ve got. I feel 4 days is lots to expertise lots of the greatest issues to do in Boulder.
You will notice 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 all the time extra to do, I like to recommend planning for 4-5 days in your first journey to Boulder. You possibly can all the time 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 season or early fall for ultimate temperatures and climate.
Summertime is wildflower season in Colorado. Within the fall, you’ll be able to get pleasure from driving via the Colorado foliage and mountaineering among the many golden aspen bushes. Trails are sometimes muddy within the spring, however there are fewer crowds this time of yr.
If you happen to get pleasure from snow, the layer of white snow on the Boulder Flatirons is a magical sight. You will want to deliver 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?
If you happen to 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 dwell music at a Boulder music venue
Need to discover extra of Colorado? Try these articles.
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Have you ever been to Boulder? What would you add to this Boulder, Colorado itinerary? Go away us your suggestions and solutions within the feedback beneath!
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