If the mountains are calling and you need 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.
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 buddies from school, watching The Lumineers on the Boulder Theater, and exhibiting my out-of-state household round Pearl Avenue once they came over.
By way of private expertise, I’ve realized the very 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 take advantage of your time as you discover the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
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4-Day Boulder Itinerary at a Look
You can not presumably see all the things Boulder presents in 4 days, however you possibly can expertise most of the highlights of this distinctive metropolis in Colorado. This Boulder, Colorado itinerary is for outside fans who wish to spend a minimum of a part of every day outdoors exploring.
You possibly can customise this Boulder itinerary to finest fit your wants and pursuits, however if you wish to expertise slightly little bit of all the things, 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 certainly one 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, climbing trails, and a historic district with a Common 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 wish to go, the period of time you’ve, 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 (harder).
Chautauqua Path
Path Fundamentals
For a fast, 1.3-mile hike, attempt the Chautauqua Path. This reasonable path presents distinctive views of the 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 seems steeper than it truly is, however it’s possible you’ll must pause and catch your breath when you’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 well-liked 3.3-mile path begins as a mud path weaving by way of a shaded pine forest. Alongside the way in which, 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 onerous as a result of elevation acquire and half-mile value of flagstone stairs you need to ascend to achieve the arch.
Whenever you end climbing, I like to recommend stress-free within the grassy space of Chautauqua Park. In case you have a snack, guide, or frisbee, that is the proper place to put out a blanket and loosen up on a sunny day.
If time permits, you would 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 supplies 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 when you determine to return again one morning.
Take a look at Mountain Solar Pub and Brewery when you choose a extra informal choice with a unusual, Boulder-esque vibe. They’ve two completely different places 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 Not possible 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
When you’re craving a shocking view of the Rocky Mountains, head up Flagstaff Mountain. You possibly can select to drive, bike, or hike up the mountain.
When you drive, it’s 4.5 miles up a steep, paved street with hairpin turns. You don’t want a 4-wheel drive car for this scenic street, however you’ll want to go sluggish and drive rigorously.
Convey $5 money to place into an envelope for parking. Whenever you attain the highest of the street, I like to recommend parking on the Flagstaff Nature Middle and climbing 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 simple.
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 novices.
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 choose an extended hike and wish 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 skilled hikers.
The views are well worth the onerous work, although. Whenever 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 retailers, although, I like to recommend fueling up with a tasty brunch at certainly one 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 nearly all of their plates to make them vegan or vegetarian.
When you end brunch, you’ve the afternoon to discover the enjoyable retailers alongside Pearl Avenue Mall. This space is a four-block outside pedestrian mall with a whole lot of cute retailers.
I like to recommend trying out the Boulder E book Retailer, Widespread Threads consignment store, Two Fingers Paperie for lovers of crafts and paper merchandise, and outside model retailers like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Backcountry.
As you store, you’ll additionally doubtless encounter road performers alongside the way in which. When you ever wish 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 occasional store. There’s something for everybody right here, and so they usually have stay music and trivia nights.
Their meals truck choices change every day, so take a look at their schedule to see the choices earlier than you go. When you go to Boulder on a vacation, The Rayback usually 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 phenomenal 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.
When you go to throughout winter, you may also cross-country ski or snowshoe right here. Be aware that when you go to on weekends or holidays from Might 15-September 15, you need to buy an superior allow.
Two of my favourite hikes listed here are Rattlesnake Gulch Path and Eldorado Canyon Path. Each are reasonable and have comparable views of the canyon, however Rattlesnake Gulch has distinctive path options, whereas Eldorado Canyon Path is a greater choice 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 Lodge ruins and the Continental Divide Overlook.
In 1912, the Crags Lodge caught on fireplace, and now its ruins are a historic web site you possibly can go to alongside this path. There’s a signal detailing the resort’s historical past that’s fascinating 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 sit down and eat a climbing snack earlier than heading again out.
Eldorado Canyon Path
Path Fundamentals
When 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 wonderful spots to eat and loosen up.
There’s a gradual elevation acquire all through the path with a superb stability of ups and downs. When 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 unit).
Right here is details about every that will help you decide your superb expertise.
Night – Dinner at The Sink
For a neighborhood 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.
If you’re 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 another hike, a fast journey to Boulder Falls, and a go to to certainly one of 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 Middle 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 unimaginable views of the Flatirons.
A few well-liked choices are Mallory Cave and Bear Peak. Mallory Cave is a reasonable choice, whereas Bear Peak is difficult for even skilled hikers.
Mallory Cave
Path Fundamentals
Because the identify suggests, the Mallory Cave path leads you to certainly one of Boulder’s caves. Though persons are 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 be able to look by way 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 slightly 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 issue with practically 3,000 ft of elevation acquire, I like to recommend this hike just for skilled hikers who’ve beforehand accomplished hikes with comparable altitude and acquire.
On the way in which as much as Bear Peak, you’ll hike on a rocky path by way of a forest with steep uphills. The 360-degree, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains on the high of Bear Peak are well worth the effort.
The summit is usually windy, so convey a light-weight jacket and a beanie if you wish to hang around right here. In your means down, you possibly can 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 further elevation acquire) to your complete hike.
Afternoon – Go to Boulder Falls
Relying on time, I like to recommend choosing 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 way of Boulder Canyon to Boulder Falls is scenic, and there’s free parking on the trailhead. When you really feel drained out of your morning hike, don’t fear – Boulder Falls is just not 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 possibly can put your ft within the water, however be cautious because the moist rocks might be slippery.
Night – Craft brewery and stay music
To your ultimate evening in Colorado, go to certainly one of Boulder’s well-known craft breweries or a hip venue for stay music (or do each if time permits).
Boulder Craft Breweries
Listed below are some Boulder, Colorado breweries I like to recommend exploring.
Boulder Reside Music Venues
When you love stay music, I additionally advocate trying out certainly one of Boulder’s iconic venues.
In case you have extra time…
In case you have an additional day or two within the space, you may also drive 1 hour to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park. It’s well 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 suggestions in your first journey to RMNP.
Boulder Itinerary FAQs
Have a query about this Boulder itinerary? Take a look at these often requested questions together with their solutions.
What number of days do you want in Boulder?
The variety of days it’s best to spend in Boulder relies on your journey fashion, what you wish to do, and the way a lot time you’ve. I feel 4 days is loads to expertise most of the finest issues to do in Boulder.
You will note iconic Boulder locations, go on the very best Boulder hikes, attempt native eating places, and go to Colorado craft breweries.
Though there’s at all times extra to do, I like to recommend planning for 4-5 days in your first journey to Boulder. You possibly can at all times come again and do extra in your subsequent journey!
When is the very 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 superb temperatures and climate.
Summertime is wildflower season in Colorado. Within the fall, you possibly can get pleasure from driving by way 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.
When you get pleasure from snow, the layer of white snow on the Boulder Flatirons is a magical sight. You’ll need to convey traction units 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?
When you solely have someday, listed here are the highest issues to do in Boulder, Colorado:
- Hike among the many Flatirons at Chautauqua Park
- Discover the retailers at Pearl Avenue Mall
- Go to a Boulder brewery or catch stay music at a Boulder music venue
Need to discover extra of Colorado? Take a look at these articles.
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Have you ever been to Boulder? What would you add to this Boulder, Colorado itinerary? Depart us your suggestions and strategies within the feedback under!
