In 2020, Nature World News compiled a list of the top US cities where outdoorsy people love to live. Did you know that Boulder, Colorado topped the list? Boulder is perfect for people who love outdoor adventures, nature, impressive scenery, mountains, and outdoor fitness opportunities. Discover mountain biking, hiking, trail running, waterfalls, fishing, camping…all in Boulder’s backyard.
As more Americans are adopting active and healthy lifestyles, becoming “outdoorsy people”, and searching for a supportive community, Boulder, Colorado offers the perfect welcome home!
15 Things to Do in Boulder, Colorado for Outdoorsy People in the Summer
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Not only does Boulder boast some of the most amazing mountain scenery and exhilarating outdoor recreational opportunities, but it also offers restaurants, music venues, art galleries, family friendly parks, creek walks and walkable public spaces.
1. The Bolder Boulder
The Bolder Boulder has evolved over the years from a “little” run to an epic 10k race among all 10k races! Whether you like to run, walk, celebrate, dress up in your favorite costume or wave as though you’re in a parade, the Bolder Boulder has a little bit of something for everyone.
The Bolder Boulder is held each year on Memorial Day. The race begins in downtown Boulder, weaves through the streets of town and ends at Folsom Field where all participants gather with family and friends for a Memorial Day tribute.
Did you know that you can also run the Bolder Boulder virtually if you can’t be in Colorado in person? When you register, be sure to click the VIRTUAL option. All virtual racers run or walk wherever and whenever they want over the Memorial Day weekend. Bonus * You will receive a race package.
2. Walkable Pearl Street Mall
Meander along the Pearl Street Mall throughout the summer months and you will likely see “only in Boulder” street performers, kids running through the pop jet fountain near 14th Street, local artisans, delicious restaurants with patio seating, and some of the best people watching in the state.
Pearl Street, located in the historic city center of Boulder, is closed to thru traffic for four blocks.
Be sure to come for the Pearl Street Arts Fest in mid July.
Boulder Walking History Tour with Viator
3. Outdoor Summer Festivals
With temperatures heating up from June to September, Boulder residents and tourists alike flock to the outdoor summer festivals for lively bands, art, and celebrations. Check out these festivals—they are just a sampling of the variety of festivals that happen all summer long:
- Chautauqua Summer Series
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival
- Colorado Mahlerfest
- Bands on the Bricks
- Boulder Comedy Festival
- Bands in the Park at the Bandshell
- Boulder Pride Week
- Boulder Creek Festival – Happens the same weekend as the Bolder Boulder
- Boulder Taco Fest
I haven’t yet experienced the Boulder Taco Fest in August, but I think this is the year!
4. Picnics
Planning a summer picnic can be a great way to enjoy quality family time, surprise a loved one for a date night, or bask in Mother Nature’s beauty. Enjoy a creekside picnic, carry your lunch for a stop during a hike, or grab some take-out for an impromptu park picnic.
Finding a secluded picnic spot with scenic views shouldn’t be too tricky; outdoorsy people are awesome at finding a picnic spot around Boulder and in the foothills. You can’t go wrong with all of the mountain views.
Enjoy a Boulder Dash Scavenger Hunt with Viator
5. Hikes Near Boulder, Colorado
AllTrails ranks the top #10 hikes near Boulder Colorado:
- Royal Arch Trail
- Chautauqua Trail
- Mount Sanitas and Sanitas Valley Loop
- First and Second Flatirons Loop
- Green Mountain West Trail
- First and Second Flatiron
- Mount Sanitas Peak Trail
- Chautauqua, Bluebell and Baird Trail
- Mallory Cave
- Gregory Canyon, Range View and Flagstaff Trail Loop
As avid hikers, Chris and I have completed a lot of these hikes. Be sure to come prepared for your hikes even in the summer. The weather can change on a dime! Need to know what to bring? Discover the hiking essentials and what to bring for your best day hikes.
6. Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls is a short 11 mile drive up Boulder Canyon if you want to plan a day out with friends and family, a picnic, or an easy 0.1 mile hike. Parking is available across Boulder Canyon Drive so be mindful of canyon traffic.
This hike is perfect for all skill and age levels. Your kids will love playing on the rocks and you’ll reach the waterfall quickly enough that there won’t even be time for whining!
7. Boulder Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love a farmers market? Well, I guess “NON” outdoorsy people might not. “Support local growers, ranchers, and producers in a meaningful (and very tasty) way” at the Boulder Farmers Market.
From April to November, discover the Boulder Market on 13th Street (between Canyon and Arapahoe). You’ll find fresh produce, local meat, poultry, eggs and an abundance of bread and baked goods.
8. Scenic Drives
Outdoorsy people LOVE scenic drives, and more often than not, those drives turn into epic outdoor adventures.
Drive up the canyon, take a day trip from Boulder to Estes Park, check out the nearby town of Lyons, or drive into Rocky Mountain National Park with a GuideAlong audio tour. Audio tours make the best close-to-home road trips!
Don’t forget to bring your camera!
9. Biking
Boulder is a bike-friendly city with many bike lanes and trails.
If you are into mountain biking—heart stopping moments interspersed with the thrill of racing headlong down a mountain at crazy speeds—then you’ll love the popular bike trails close to Boulder. These trails include Betasso Preserve, Walker Ranch, Hall Ranch and Heil Valley Ranch.
Check out availability for the Best of Boulder e-Bike Tour with Viator
10. Yoga in the Park
After finishing your favorite hikes near Boulder Colorado, you may wish to stretch and unwind with a little yoga in the park. Participate in a peaceful yet energizing way for visitors and locals alike to connect with Boulder’s beauty.
A variety of classes are offered in and around Boulder. Just Google “Yoga in the Park Boulder”.
If you’re up for a bit of a day trip, how about “Yoga on the Rocks” at the amazing Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado? Sessions are available on Saturday and Sunday in the summer months.
11. Whitewater Rafting
There are a number of companies that offer whitewater rafting excursions in the summer months for all of you outdoorsy people. Rivers beyond Boulder—Clear Creek and the Cache La Poudre are two popular choices closer to Fort Collins—offer thrilling whitewater outdoor adventures.
It will be a bit of a day trip from Boulder, but you’ll love the thrill of the careening down narrow canyons. Be sure to book a trip equal to your group’s skill level and stay alert for wildlife along the way.
12. Tubing on Boulder Creek
Boulder Creek is considered to be one of the best “lazy” rivers for tubing. In fact, in 2019, Men’s Journal listed the Boulder Creek in the top ten of the laziest rivers in the US.
You may find the icy Colorado snow melt a little chilly even in the summer months, but it is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
“Put in at Eben G. Fine Park and let the creek carry you as far as 55th Street. Just don’t expect a super-gentle float—this ride includes chutes and rapids! For an easier trip, hop on at 6th Street or a few blocks east near Boulder Public Library.” Boulder Colorado USA (check here for water levels and recommendations.)
Be sure to bring a life jacket (a helmet is recommended), water shoes, sunscreen, and a swimsuit.
13. Fishing
A valid fishing license is required, but you’ll love the variety of fishing spots in and around Boulder when you plan your outdoor adventures.
Here’s a few of these prime spots with stellar views to boot!
- Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
- Boulder Creek
- Boulder Reservoir
- Standley Lake
14. Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Hey all you outdoorsy people! How about a 20-slalom kayak gate course along Boulder Creek to fine tune your paddling skills? You’ll find the course close to the Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder. There are sections for beginners and intermediates.
Into paddleboarding? The Boulder Reservoir or “The Res” is a perfect place to get your feet wet. Hah! They have rentals, courses, and scenic views.
Prefer to just chill on the beach? That’s an option too. Who said a trip to Boulder had to be go go go the whole time? Chill my friend! That’s one of the awesome things to do in Boulder Colorado too!
15. Trail Running
The simplest definition of trail running is running in the heart of nature along mountain trails. Chris and I have been passed by trail runners as we have hiked. Pretty sure we have looked at each other and said, “That’s crazy!”
However… this endurance sport is a great workout for upper and lower body and super for cardiovascular conditioning. You really need to pay attention though and concentrate on the conditions of the trails to avoid injury over uneven terrain with this challenging outdoor activity.
Be sure to be prepared with the proper shoes, breathable clothing, a cell phone, a small first aid kit, food, water, smart watch, and backpack. Check out my Amazon Storefront for more great ideas of what to bring.
Winter Outdoor Adventures
Not to overlook the many things to do in Boulder Colorado in the equally popular winter months, you may wish to plan a trip between November and March to get your fill of winter outdoor adventures.
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Hiking
- Sledding
- Ice skating
- Ice fishing
- Taking a polar bear plunge
Day Trips for Outdoorsy People
Colorado is full of outdoor adventures all over the state. You can plan day trips from Boulder or overnight trips to extend your vacation.
Check the Availability of a Rocky Mountain National Park Tour with Viator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started the Bolder Boulder?
The Bolder Boulder was founded by Steve Bosley.
Can you walk the Bolder Boulder?
The theme of the Bolder Boulder is OH YES YOU CAN! The race is all inclusive and is for everyone regardless of ability. There are different waves for those who want to walk, run or jog so that everyone can enjoy this 10k race at their own pace.
Is Boulder one of the fittest cities in America?
Yes! Boulder ranks in the top 5 fittest cities in America.
What are additional distinctions for Boulder?
* It was named the “Happiest City in the US” by National Geographic in 2017.
* Bon Appetit dubbed it the “America’s Foodiest Town”.
* The Nessie ranks it as #6 on the “Healthiest Cities in the United States” list.
* It is the “#1 City for Outdoorsy People to Move To” according to Nature World News.
How far is Red Rocks Amphitheater from Boulder?
It is about a 45 minute drive. You WILL want to see the Red Rocks Amphitheater. It is one of the most amazing concert venues in Colorado AND the entire United States.
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Final Thoughts on Reasons Why Outdoorsy People Love Boulder, CO in the Summer
Have you been on the fence on whether or not to plan a trip to Boulder Colorado. Jump off and pack your bags. There are so many amazing things to do in Boulder Colorado for outdoorsy people in the summer (and all year long)! Start with a trip to Boulder over the Memorial Day Weekend to participate in the wildly popular Bolder Boulder.
Check out the amazing hikes near Boulder Colorado and the outdoor adventures that will be just minutes from the doorstep of the equally awesome airbnbs in Boulder Colorado.
Oh, and in case no one else has said it, “Welcome to Colorado!”
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- 25 Festive Things To Do In Denver For Christmas
I haven’t had a chance to visit Boulder yet. But you have given me so many terrific reasons to plan a trip to Boulder. Thanks!
Colorado looks like a great place to visit. I think that I’ll have to get my fitness up to visit though as I’d be active there in nature.
I need to go to Boulder! This looks amazing!
I’m a relatively new outdoorsy person and now can’t get enough of it. Boulder, Colorado is now calling my name! So many cool things to do.
Boulder is going straight up my wish list! You got me at hiking and cycling. This place looks amazing!
I’d like to see Garden of the Gods and Boulder Falls in Boulder CO. I would’ve tried the whitewater rafting!
I fell in love with Boulder the first January weekend of 1991. My short business trip became 30+ years. Sadly, it’s gotten too popular and busy.
What a fabulous place to live Jolayne. Boulder seemed to be the perfect location with something for everyone and in all seasons. Loved the info and the pics.
I would love to do tubing in that lazy river. So refreshing it must be. It is so good to know that Americans are taking efforts to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
We have friends in Boulder and in Denver and we keep talking about going…why haven’t we? Love all the ideas here…hopeful we can make it to Colorado
Soon!’
So many great places to see! I love a good scenic drive and good hikes!
Boulder is definitely on my bucket list! I love Colorado but have not had a chance to make it to Boulder. I will definitely save this post for future reference!
Looks pretty amazing to me! I really like your post. It is very informative. Thank you for a good read!
Boulder sounds like a good destination for outdoors lovers!
What a fabulous place to live Jolayne. Boulder seemed to be the perfect location with something for everyone and in all seasons. Loved the info and the pics.
Boulder is such a great city! I spent two weeks there and loved the Pearl Street Mall and visiting Estes Park (I think I did some white water rafting!)
The hikes in Boulder, Colorado look absolutely breathtaking! I would love to visit Colorado one day.
Visiting Colorado has been a long time dream and seeing those mountains… I’d love to go hiking there! Although the summer festivals look nice too!
I guess I count as outdoorsy, so Boulder looks amaaaazing! I love the look of the hikes (especially the waterfalls,) the scenic drives (to more hikes), as well as the cycling and white water rafting. I can totally see why you LOVE it.
Boulder looks amazing! Especially tubing on Boulder Creek.
I’ve only been to Colorado in the winter (skiing). Would love to get there at a different time of year to check out places like this.
Not only is Boulder one of the most beautiful places in Colorado it’s also jam-packed with things to do at all times of the year! It deserves all the recognition it gets.