4-day Boulder, Colorado Itinerary for Outside Fans – Bearfoot Principle

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 associates from faculty, watching The Lumineers on the Boulder Theater, and exhibiting my out-of-state household round Pearl Road after they came around.

If the mountains are calling and you have 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 exterior and admire the slanted sandstone formations known as the Flatirons that make Boulder so iconic.

Via private expertise, I’ve discovered 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 to 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 every little thing Boulder presents in 4 days, however you may expertise lots of the highlights of this distinctive metropolis in Colorado. This Boulder, Colorado itinerary is for out of doors lovers who wish to spend no less than a part of every day exterior exploring.

You’ll be able to customise this Boulder itinerary to finest fit your wants and pursuits, however if you wish to expertise a bit of little bit of every little thing, I like to recommend following the itinerary as-is for a well-rounded Boulder journey.

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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 choose from one in all 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 Normal Retailer and Eating Corridor.

There are 40 miles of trails from the Chautauqua trailhead, and you may select your hike based mostly on how far you wish to go, the period of time you’ve, and the path options you’d wish to see. There may be an on-site Ranger Cottage close to the loos with maps and brochures.

On your first go to to Chautauqua Park, I like to recommend both Chautauqua Path (reasonable) or Royal Arch Path (harder).

Chautauqua Path

For a fast, 1.3-mile hike, strive the Chautauqua Path. This reasonable path presents distinctive views of the town of Boulder. You don’t should 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 appears steeper than it truly is, however it’s possible you’ll must pause and catch your breath should 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

For a difficult hike, I like to recommend the Royal Arch Path. This in style 3.3-mile path begins as a dust path weaving by a shaded pine forest. Alongside the best way, you’ll take pleasure in views of the Flatirons.

The path ends at a singular arch rock formation with views of Boulder. The hike is taken into account arduous as a result of elevation acquire and half-mile value of flagstone stairs you have to ascend to succeed in the arch.

Whenever you end climbing, I like to recommend enjoyable within the grassy space of Chautauqua Park. When you’ve got a snack, guide, or frisbee, that is the right place to put out a blanket and loosen up on a sunny day.

If time permits, you possibly can additionally discover the Chautauqua historic district earlier than dinner. The Normal 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, strive 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 wonderful brunch menu should you resolve to come back again one morning.

Take a look at Mountain Solar Pub and Brewery should you choose a extra informal choice with a unusual, Boulder-esque vibe. They’ve two completely different places in Boulder: one on Pearl Road and the opposite (known as Southern Solar) on South Broadway. This cash-only restaurant is understood for its well-known fries, and vegan choices embrace a vegan chili or an Inconceivable burger.

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Day 2: Flagstaff Mountain and Pearl Road

In your second day in Boulder, you’re going to 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 Road. The day ends with dinner and drinks at The Rayback.

Morning – Flagstaff Mountain and Brunch

When you’re craving a surprising view of the Rocky Mountains, head up Flagstaff Mountain. You’ll be able to 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 automobile for this scenic street, however it would be best to go sluggish and drive fastidiously.

Carry $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 Heart and climbing alongside the simple 1.2-mile Boy Scout to Flagstaff path loop. 

Boy Scout Path, Mary’s Level, and Flagstaff Path Loop

The Boy Scout Path to Flagstaff Path is a simple loop to stretch your legs after driving up Flagstaff Mountain. With solely 193 toes of elevation acquire, the path is fairly flat and straightforward.

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 rookies.

Alongside the path, you’ll take pleasure in panoramic views of Boulder’s Pearl Road and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains within the distance.

Gregory Canyon, Vary View, and Flagstaff Loop

For many 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 toes, so I solely suggest it for skilled hikers.

The views are well worth the arduous work, although. Whenever you attain Realization Level, you’ll take pleasure in views of snow-covered peaks of mountains in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.

Afternoon – Pearl Road Mall

When you’ve had your fill of the mountain views from Flagstaff Mountain, it’s time to go to Pearl Road Mall. Earlier than you hit the outlets, although, I like to recommend fueling up with a tasty brunch at one in all Pearl Road’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 outlets alongside Pearl Road Mall. This space is a four-block out of doors pedestrian mall with lots of of cute outlets.

I like to recommend trying out the Boulder E-book Retailer, Widespread Threads consignment store, Two Arms Paperie for lovers of crafts and paper merchandise, and out of doors model outlets like Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Backcountry.

As you store, you’ll additionally seemingly encounter road performers alongside the best way. When you ever wish to take a break and relaxation, Pearl Road 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 occasional store. There’s something for everybody right here, and so they usually have reside music and trivia nights.

Their meals truck choices change each day, so try 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 through the fall and stumbled upon a German evening with particular music, beers, costumes, and meals.

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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 exterior Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a phenomenal spot for climbing and mountaineering. 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 can too cross-country ski or snowshoe right here. Observe that should you go to on weekends or holidays from Could 15-September 15, you have 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

There are two distinctive websites to see alongside the Rattlesnake Gulch Path: the Crags Resort ruins and the Continental Divide Overlook.

In 1912, the Crags Resort caught on fireplace, and now its ruins are a historic website you may 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 notice the Continental Divide. This turnaround level is a handy and scenic place to take a seat and eat a climbing snack earlier than heading again out.

Eldorado Canyon Path

When you’re on the lookout for a reasonable problem, strive 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 glorious spots to eat and loosen up.

There’s a gradual elevation acquire all through the path with a great steadiness of ups and downs. When 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 a couple of methods you may spend your afternoon in Boulder. I like to recommend making an attempt 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 choose your perfect 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 individuals 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 making an attempt the cauliflower buffalo bites, veggie burger, or plant-based pizza with vegan cheese and veggies.

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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 in all Colorado’s well-known craft breweries. I additionally provide concepts on a few of Boulder’s finest music venues.

Morning – Hike the NCAR trails

The Nationwide Heart for Atmospheric Analysis (NCAR) in Boulder presents a free parking zone for Boulder Open House trails. There are a number of hikes from right here with unbelievable views of the Flatirons.

A few in style choices are Mallory Cave and Bear Peak. Mallory Cave is a reasonable choice, whereas Bear Peak is difficult for even skilled hikers.

Mallory Cave

Because the identify suggests, the Mallory Cave path leads you to one in all 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 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 can be a bit of complicated to navigate as you trek throughout a rock scramble.

Bear Peak Path

Bear Peak is a well-liked but difficult hike in Boulder. Because of 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 comparable altitude and acquire.

On the best way 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 high of Bear Peak are well worth the effort. 

The summit is commonly windy, so carry a light-weight jacket and a beanie if you wish to hang around right here. In your manner down, you may both return the best way 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 whole hike.

Afternoon – Go to Boulder Falls

Relying on time, I like to recommend selecting 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 Boulder Canyon to Boulder Falls is scenic, and there may be free parking on the trailhead. When you really feel drained out of your morning hike, don’t fear – Boulder Falls just 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’ll be able to put your toes within the water, however be cautious because the moist rocks might be slippery. 

Night – Craft brewery and reside music

On your last evening in Colorado, go to one in all Boulder’s well-known craft breweries or a hip venue for reside music (or do each if time permits).

Boulder Craft Breweries

Listed here are some Boulder, Colorado breweries I like to recommend exploring.

Boulder Stay Music Venues

When you love reside music, I additionally suggest trying out one in all Boulder’s iconic venues.

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Boulder Itinerary FAQs

Have a query about this Boulder itinerary? Take a look at these ceaselessly requested questions together with their solutions.

What number of days do you want in Boulder?

The variety of days it is 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 lots of the finest issues to do in Boulder.

You will note iconic Boulder locations, go on the very best Boulder hikes, strive native eating places, and go to Colorado craft breweries.

Though there may be all the time extra to do, I like to recommend planning for 4-5 days on your first journey to Boulder. You’ll be able to all the time 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 perfect temperatures and climate.

Summertime is wildflower season in Colorado. Within the fall, you may take pleasure in driving by the Colorado foliage and climbing among the many golden aspen timber. Trails are sometimes muddy within the spring, however there are fewer crowds this time of yr.

When you take pleasure in snow, the layer of white snow on the Boulder Flatirons is a magical sight. You have to 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?

When 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 outlets at Pearl Road Mall
• Go to a Boulder brewery or catch reside music at a Boulder music venue

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Have you ever been to Boulder? What would you add to this Boulder, Colorado itinerary? Go away us your suggestions and strategies within the feedback beneath!