Boulder.

What to do in Boulder Colorado United States

Boulder operates on early light and sore calves. The day begins on the red rock trails beneath the Flatirons before moving down to the brick pedestrian pavers of Pearl Street for espresso and local produce. It suits travellers who prefer running shoes to dress shoes, appreciate disciplined seasonal cooking, and do not mind a town that winds down shortly after nine in the evening.

24 hours in Boulder Colorado United States

Start at Chautauqua Park by 7:30 to beat the morning heat on the First-Second Flatiron trail. Walk down to Pearl Street by midday for a wood-fired lunch at Pizzeria Alberico. Spend the afternoon browsing the West End bookshops before an early dinner of dry-aged Colorado beef at Blackbelly on Arapahoe Avenue. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Boulder Colorado United States

Day two takes you out to South Boulder. Walk the mesa trail behind the NCAR building, then drive fifteen minutes south to hike the red cliffs of Eldorado Canyon. In the evening, explore University Hill's student haunts before sitting down to house-made pasta and bitter amaro at Frasca Food and Wine. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Boulder Colorado United States

With a third day, head up Boulder Canyon along Highway 119 to the high-elevation mining town of Nederland for sourdough toast and mountain air. Return via the Peak to Peak scenic byway in time for an afternoon oolong tasting at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse beside Boulder Creek.

Boulder Colorado United States itineraries by interest

• Mountain Hiking in Boulder Colorado United States

  Hike the steep red-dirt Royal Arch trail from Chautauqua Ranger Cottage or scramble the sandstone slab trails up Mount Sanitas for valley views.

• Craft Beer in Boulder Colorado United States

  Drink hand-pumped cask ales at Mountain Sun on Pearl Street or fresh hazy IPAs at Avery Brewing Company in Gunbarrel alongside smoked pork ribs.

• Farmers Markets in Boulder Colorado United States

  Browse Palisade peaches, sourdough loaves, and roasted chili peppers at the Saturday Boulder County Farmers Market along 13th Street near Central Park.

• Tea Traditions in Boulder Colorado United States

  Sip silver needle white tea inside the Tajik-crafted Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse beneath hand-carved cedar ceilings gifted by sister city Dushanbe.

• Cycling in Boulder Colorado United States

  Ride the paved Boulder Creek Path from downtown east to plains farmlands, or climb the steady paved switchbacks up Boulder Canyon toward Nederland.

• Farm Dining in Boulder Colorado United States

  Book well ahead for heirloom corn polenta and local lamb braises at Bramble & Hare, where ingredients come daily from their sixty-acre organic farm.

• Historic Architecture in Boulder Colorado United States

  Walk past preserved 1890s sandstone cottages in Mapleton Hill and inspect the wooden 1898 Chautauqua Dining Hall and adjacent summer cottages.

• Contemporary Art in Boulder Colorado United States

  Inspect rotating regional installations at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art before browsing independent printmakers along 14th Street.

• Rock Climbing in Boulder Colorado United States

  Belay on classic multi-pitch granite cracks inside Eldorado Canyon State Park, ten minutes south of town, or boulder along Flagstaff Mountain.

• Day Trips in Boulder Colorado United States

  Drive the Peak to Peak Highway north through Ward to Estes Park, stopping at mountain bakeries before entering Rocky Mountain National Park.

• Live Music in Boulder Colorado United States

  Catch acoustic bluegrass and touring indie acts inside the wooden 1906 Chautauqua Auditorium or the historic Fox Theatre on University Hill.

• Science & Space in Boulder Colorado United States

  Tour the I.M. Pei-designed National Center for Atmospheric Research on Table Mesa to see climate research exhibits overlooking the plains.