I lived in Colorado for six years and spent many days exploring Boulder. I’ve fond recollections of mountain climbing in Chautauqua Park with my husband on our first go to to Boulder, brewery hopping at Avery Brewing Co. and Sanitas with my mates from school, watching The Lumineers on the Boulder Theater, and displaying my out-of-state household round Pearl Avenue after they came visiting.
If the mountains are calling and it’s essential to go, think about using this Boulder, Colorado itinerary that can assist you plan an epic journey to the mountains. With 300 miles of mountain climbing and biking trails, there are many alternatives to get exterior and admire the slanted sandstone formations referred to as the Flatirons that make Boulder so iconic.
By means of private expertise, I’ve discovered the most effective hikes, issues to do, and locations to go in Boulder. This 4-day Boulder, Colorado itinerary is a compilation of my suggestions and can allow 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’t presumably see all the things Boulder provides in 4 days, however you may expertise lots of the highlights of this distinctive metropolis in Colorado. This Boulder, Colorado itinerary is for outside lovers who need to spend not less than 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 little bit 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 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 decide from one among 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, mountain 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’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 wish to see. There may be an on-site Ranger Cottage close to the bogs with maps and brochures.
To your first go to to Chautauqua Park, I like to recommend both Chautauqua Path (average) or Royal Arch Path (harder).
Chautauqua Path
Path Fundamentals
For a fast, 1.3-mile hike, attempt the Chautauqua Path. This average path provides distinctive views of town of Boulder. You don’t must go the complete 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 to be steeper than it truly is, however it’s possible you’ll must pause and catch your breath in case 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 timber.
Royal Arch Path
Path Fundamentals
For a difficult hike, I like to recommend the Royal Arch Path. This standard 3.3-mile path begins as a dust path weaving by 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 it’s essential to ascend to achieve the arch.
While you end mountain climbing, I like to recommend stress-free within the grassy space of Chautauqua Park. When you have a snack, guide, or frisbee, that is the right place to put out a blanket and chill out 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 embody a southwest black bean burger or asparagus tacos. Reservations are inspired, and so they even have a wonderful brunch menu in case you resolve to return again one morning.
Take a look at Mountain Solar Pub and Brewery in case you choose a extra informal choice with a unusual, Boulder-esque vibe. They’ve two totally 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 embody a vegan chili or an Unimaginable 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
In case 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.
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 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. While you attain the highest of the street, I like to recommend parking on the Flagstaff Nature Middle and mountain 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 toes 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 newbies.
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 choose an extended hike and need to keep away from driving up the steep street, I like to recommend parking at Gregory Canyon Trailhead and mountain 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 toes, so I solely suggest it for knowledgeable hikers.
The views are definitely worth the laborious 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 retailers, although, I like to recommend fueling up with a tasty brunch at one among 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 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, Frequent Threads consignment store, Two Palms Paperie for lovers of crafts and paper merchandise, and outside model retailers like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Backcountry.
As you store, you’ll additionally possible encounter road performers alongside the way in which. 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 Vans 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 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 usually has enjoyable holiday-themed festivals and occasions. I visited in the course of 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
Situated simply 20 minutes exterior Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is an attractive spot for mountain 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, it’s also possible to cross-country ski or snowshoe right here. Be aware that in case you 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 here are Rattlesnake Gulch Path and Eldorado Canyon Path. Each are average and have related views of the canyon, however Rattlesnake Gulch has distinctive path options, whereas Eldorado Canyon Path is a greater choice 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 Lodge ruins and the Continental Divide Overlook.
In 1912, the Crags Lodge caught on hearth, and now its ruins are a historic web site you may 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 take a seat and eat a mountain climbing snack earlier than heading again out.
Eldorado Canyon Path
Path Fundamentals
In case you’re searching for a average problem, attempt the Eldorado Canyon Path, which provides 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 chill out.
There’s a gradual elevation acquire all through the path with a very good stability of ups and downs. In case you ever want a break, there are quite a few benches all through the path the place you may cease to catch your breath and drink water.
Afternoon – Select your journey
Relying in your pursuits, there are just a few methods you may 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 can assist you decide your splendid 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 provides 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 another hike, a fast journey to Boulder Falls, and a go to to one among 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 provides a free parking zone for Boulder Open House trails. There are a number of hikes from right here with unimaginable views of the Flatirons.
A few standard choices are Mallory Cave and Bear Peak. Mallory Cave is a average choice, 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 among Boulder’s caves. Though individuals are 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 by 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 may 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 issue with practically 3,000 toes 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 by 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 usually windy, so carry a light-weight jacket and a beanie if you wish to hang around right here. In your means down, you may 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 whole 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 calming afternoon.
The drive by 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 isn’t 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 toes within the water, however be cautious because the moist rocks may be slippery.
Night – Craft brewery and stay music
To your last night time in Colorado, go to one among 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 suggest trying out one among Boulder’s iconic venues.
When you have extra time…
When you have an additional day or two within the space, it’s also possible to 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 in your first journey to RMNP.
Boulder Itinerary FAQs
Have a query about this Boulder itinerary? Take a look at these steadily requested questions together with their solutions.
What number of days do you want in Boulder?
The variety of days you need to spend in Boulder relies on your journey model, what you need to do, and the way a lot time you’ve got. I believe 4 days is a lot to expertise lots of the greatest issues to do in Boulder.
You will note iconic Boulder locations, go on the most effective 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 in your first journey to Boulder. You possibly can at all times come again and do extra in your subsequent journey!
When is the most effective 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 splendid temperatures and climate.
Summertime is wildflower season in Colorado. Within the fall, you may get pleasure from driving by the Colorado foliage and mountain climbing among the many golden aspen timber. 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 units and heat layers for hikes, although, and a few roads and trailheads could also be inaccessible.
What if I solely have in the future to discover Boulder?
In case you solely have in the future, 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 ideas and ideas within the feedback under!