Outdoors Activities in Boulder, Colorado


Boulder is one of the most popular places in Colorado for outdoor activities for both professionals and amateurs because it offers almost every outdoor sport except surfing.Boulder was even voted the nation´s best place to indulge in outdoor sports by Outdoors Magazine. In Boulder, there are over 33,000 acres designated solely for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country running. Boulder has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation, it is considered to be one of the best places to move for those who love the outdoors. If you are obsessed with sports or just looking to live in a city with a beautiful tranquil mountain atmosphere, Boulder Colorado is the place for you.

Rock Climbing

Boulder is considered one of the best places for rock climbing among enthusiasts because it offers some of the best climbing routes in the country, including Eldorado, the Flatirons, Rocky Mountain National Park, Indian Peaks, Skyland, Golden Cliffs and Garden of the Gods. Eldorado Canyon and the Flatirons offer multi-pitch, upper-grade trad lines whereas the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks offer pristine alpine climbing. Skyland offers granite bouldering, and the Golden Cliffs as well as the Garden of Gods provide shorter routes for those just looking for a quick work-out. In Boulder Colorado there are so many options available for rock climbing, that enthusiasts always have various options to test out their skills.

When you would rather practice your rock climbing skills indoors, there are a ton of indoor rock-climbing sites spread throughout the city. Some of the best indoor rock-climbing sites to hone your rock-climbing skills include the Boulder Rock Club, Colorado Mountain School, East Boulder Community Center, Longmont Recreation Center Climbing Wall, Outdoor Divas and the Spot Bouldering Gym.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Boulder because of its 500 beautiful hiking routes. The hiking trails have varying levels of difficulty, so those who are looking for an extreme challenge or for just a stroll will be accommodated. Some of the most popular places to hike in Boulder include Bear Peak, Betasso Preserve and the Boulder Creek Path. Bear Peak is said to have the most prominent peak along the Boulder City foothills. The hike zigzags across a creek, between sandstone slabs and through lush meadows. When you reach the peak you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Boulder region. Betasso Preserve winds through verdant meadows and into pine forests. As the trail continues you will hike along a hillside and cross a creek. There are various trails throughout your hike in the Betasso Preserve, allowing more enjoyment for those with varying degrees of skill. The Boulder Creek Path parallels Boulder creek and runs deep into the heart of Boulder. The trail is made up of dirt and gravel for several miles, but is also paved in other areas, making it perfect for joggers, walkers, and bicyclists. This trail offers a serene atmosphere, great exercise and a place for a nice picnic.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in Boulder is very popular due to the vast amount of trails spread throughout the city. Although mountain biking is wildly popular here, biking is not considered just a recreational activity, but a major mode of transportation. Boulder offers over 350 miles of bike routes and lanes throughout the city. Boulder offers so many options for transportation that it holds an annual Walk and Bike Week to celebrate and promote all the alternative ways to get around town without the use of a car. During the Walk and Bike Week, over 4,000 participants explore their transportation options by biking to work or just exploring the various biking routes throughout the city of Boulder.

Cross-Country Running

With over 500 trails, cross-country running is very popular in Boulder. Due to the fact that Boulder is so conducive to cross-country running, it is not surprising that it hosts the 2nd largest road race in the USA and the 6th largest in the world. This race is called the "Bolder Boulder". It is a 10-km marathon that attracts up to 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers throughout the world. The race winds through Boulder neighborhoods and has entertainment throughout the race. Over 150,000 spectators gather around Boulder to watch the festivities.