This Colorado City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers
When most people think of visiting Colorado, they often envision popular destinations like Denver, Colorado Springs, or Aspen. While these spots are certainly worth a visit, Colorado locals know that some of the state鈥檚 best-kept secrets are hidden away in Boulder. With just over 100,000 residents, Boulder is roughly one-seventh the size of Denver, which can lead to its being overlooked. Boulder鈥檚 passion for nature, however, is evident the moment you arrive; it was one of the first towns to tax itself to protect its land and wildlife. Whether you want to hike the rugged Flatirons, spend a day tubing on Boulder Creek鈥檚 chilly waters, or spot a great horned owl in a canopy of cottonwood trees, Boulder is the ultimate gem that nature lovers have been searching for.
Parks & Green Spaces
Boulder is home to more than 60 public parks, offering plenty of space to relax, enjoy a picnic, or play sports. One of the most popular is Chautauqua Park, an expansive green space lying at the foot of the Flatirons that has existed for over a century. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas or spread out a blanket on the lush grass while appreciating incredible mountain views. The park also sits near the Chautauqua Trailhead, a 1.2-mile out-and-back route showcasing views of the Chautauqua Meadow and nearby Flatirons.
Eben G. Fine Park, located along the western edge of town, is another beloved community park. Boulder Creek runs through the park, attracting visitors who want to picnic or swim. There is a variety of recreational amenities throughout the park, such as a playground, historic stone picnic shelter, open turf, and picnic tables along the creek. The park also connects to two of Boulder鈥檚 prominent trailheads: Red Rocks Trail and The Peoples' Crossing Trailhead, making it an ideal starting or ending point for a hiking excursion.
Looking for a more active afternoon at one of Boulder鈥檚 parks? Valmont Bike Park is the perfect choice, offering 42 acres of cycling terrain suitable for riders of all skill levels and ages. Like Chautauqua Park, Valmont Bike Park provides views of the Flatiron Mountains. The trail difficulties range from flat terrain to more dramatic jumps, bridges, ramps, and logs, meaning that every rider can find their groove at the park.
Hiking & Walking Trails
With over 100 miles of trails in the region, you could hike in Boulder all year and still have more to explore. The Chautauqua Trail System is an essential route for hikers, weaving through the iconic Flatirons and offering an up-close look at these towering sandstone slabs. With over 10 trails in the network, the classic Chautauqua Trail remains a favorite, leading travelers through fields of wildflowers, tall grasses, and unmatched views of the Flatirons. Another standout in the trail network is Wood鈥檚 Quarry Trail, where hikers have rearranged large sandstone slabs into a makeshift 鈥渓iving room,鈥� making an excellent spot for visitors to sit and enjoy a picnic. Up for a challenge? The Royal Arch Trail offers a steep climb that leads to a massive sandstone arch with panoramic views of the town below. This hike will certainly have you worn out by the end, but it is well worth it!
Beyond the Chautauqua trails, there are plenty of other trails worth checking out. Just a short distance from downtown Boulder, travelers will reach Shanahan Ridge Trailhead - Lehigh Connector. About four miles long, this short trail winds through urban and natural views with pine forests, meadows, and peak views. In addition to appreciating the geological formations, hikers can hop over to one of many connected routes, such as the South Fork Shanahan Trail and Mesa Trail. Meanwhile, the Wonderland Lake Loop Trail is an underrated path that will pleasantly surprise walkers and joggers. Winding through peaceful neighborhoods and parklands, it encircles Wonderland Lake, where the Flatirons reflect on the water. As a bonus, hikers might be able to spot paragliders launching from one of the nearby trails.
Water-Based Activities
Boulder knows how to keep travelers cool during the summer. On especially hot days, Boulder Creek is the perfect spot for tubing, with its icy snowmelt keeping the water refreshingly cold even in the heat. There are numerous outfitters where visitors can rent a tube, including Crystal Ski Shop, which also has tons of ski equipment. If you don鈥檛 feel like jumping in the icy water, consider spending the day on the Boulder Reservoir. Here, travelers can rent canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks to appreciate the calm water. The reservoir also has a beach and swim area, open and lifeguarded from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Want to spend the day fishing? Boulder Canyon is one of the most popular trout streams, home to rainbows and stocked browns. Boulder County is also well known for its bass ponds, with Pella Crossing being a good spot for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Wildlife & Bird Watching
Boulder has been preserving the area鈥檚 wildlife since 1967 when it became the first city in the United States to tax itself for land preservation. The surrounding areas are optimal for birdwatching, with the Colorado Birding Trail stating there to be 19 bird-watching sites in the town鈥檚 surrounding areas. The Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat and Sawhill Ponds are excellent starting points. These two preserves, sitting just a half mile apart, collectively are home to 24 ponds as well as wetlands, grasses, and cottonwood trees. Some wildlife that birdwatchers may spot in this area include bald eagles, bank swallows, Eastern screech owls, osprey, herons, Eastern kingbirds, and bitterns.
Teller Farm is another worthwhile site for birdwatching. This trail network sits next to an active farm with horses, cattle, and even beekeepers in the summer. Teller Farm鈥檚 north trailhead will lead birdwatchers to a scenic observation deck, prairie land, and eventually to Boulder Creek, where a number of bird species reside, including northern harriers, eagles, red-tail hawks, and more.
Final Thoughts
With warmer weather soon on its way and vacation season right around the corner, it is not too early to start making your travel plans for 2025. While Colorado is filled with tourist attractions to discover, Boulder particularly stands out for those seeking a trip immersed in nature. So whether you imagine yourself fishing in one of Boulder鈥檚 bass ponds or lounging on the lawn of Chautauqua Park, rest assured that Boulder will offer you the perfect opportunity this year to relax and connect with your natural surroundings.
