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<p>If the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and the <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/insider-guides/flatirons/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Flatirons</a> didn’t give it away, we’re telling you now: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a> is a paradise for outdoor lovers and fresh-air fiends. Located at the gateway of hiking trails, rivers, canyons and farmland, take your pick from a lineup of <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">outdoor adventures</a>, whether you’re looking for easy or extreme.</p>


10 Outdoor Adventures to Try in Boulder

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Snowshoeing through Boulder pines

Hot-Air Balloons Before Liftoff

Mountain Biking in Betasso Preserve

Paddleboarding on the Boulder Reservoir

Hiking at with a view of the Flatirons

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<h2>1. Hiking</h2>
<p>For a choose-your-own-level excursion requiring no special equipment, you can’t go wrong by exploring one of Boulder’s miles and miles of developed <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/hiking-in-boulder/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">hiking trails</a>. For a mellow hike with interpretive signs and excellent birding opportunities, follow the <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/south-boulder-creek-bobolink-trail/1173/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Bobolink Trail</a>. Active visitors will love the 6.6-mile <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/trail/mesa?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsored-article">Mesa Trail</a>, which meanders through high desert and old-growth forest. Or for extreme types seeking a lung buster, trek the strenuous <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/mount-sanitas/1393/?utm_medium=brand-channel&amp;utm_source=CTO">Mount Sanitas</a> trail, which boasts panoramic views at the summit.</p>
<p>If you’d like a bit of guidance, join <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/services/nature-hikes-and-programs?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Boulder’s Open Space &amp; Mountain Parks</a>’ naturalist-led hikes, including the occasional stargazing outing. And don’t be shy about hiking in winter — it’s one of the most beautiful times to get out on the trails. The weather is mild and hiking boots are typically adequate (no need for snowshoes, though traction slip-ons like Yak Tracks are recommended if it’s snowy out).</p>
<h2>2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding</h2>
<p>The cool breeze in your hair, the warm sun on your shoulders — there’s no better way to enjoy a summer day than cruising along the glittering waters of <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/boulder-reservoir/686/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Boulder Reservoir</a> on a stand-up <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/outdoors/water-recreation/paddleboarding/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">paddleboard</a>. Rent a board from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard, conveniently located on the shoreline and see why this fun (and core-building) water sport has so rapidly gained popularity.</p>
<h2>3. Hot-Air Ballooning</h2>
<p>Get a thrill (and an unbeatable view) of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder Valley and the <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/insider-guides/flatirons/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">Flatirons</a> when you take a sunrise <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/hot-air-ballooning/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">hot-air balloon ride</a>, departing from nearby Lafayette. Knowledgeable pilots make the ride informative and entertaining and you’ll be amazed at how serene it is to float above it all. </p>
<h2>4. Mountain Biking</h2>
<p>Kick up some dirt and catch some air when you rally your mountain bike on the jumps, turns and trails at <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/valmont-bike-park/2157/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Valmont Bike Park</a>, a 42-acre cycling terrain park that’s always free and open daily from dawn to dusk — often in winter, too. For singletrack trails with sweeping views of rolling hillsides and wide-open skies, ride the Eagle and Sage trails from Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead. </p>
<h2>5. Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing</h2>
<p>During winter months, explore peaceful, snowy forests with only the sounds of crunching snow beneath your snowshoes or the muffled shush of your skis. Explore miles of trails at nearby <a href="https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/betasso-preserve/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Betasso Preserve</a> and <a href="https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/walker-ranch/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Walker Ranch</a>, or drive up into the Rocky Mountains at bit more for deeper snow. <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/skiing-near-boulder/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Eldora Mountain Resort</a>’s Nordic Center offers cross-country ski rentals and lessons. And at <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/brainard-lake-recreation-area/2224/?utm_medium=brand-channel&amp;utm_source=CTO">Brainard Lake Recreation Area</a> near Ward, follow the designated snowshoe trail to the cozy Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) Cabin to warm up by the fire with hot chocolate. </p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2>6. Road Biking</h2>
<p>As one of the road-biking capitals of North America, Boulder boasts more than 300 miles of <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/biking-in-boulder/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">bike lanes and paths</a>, ranging from speedy flats to thigh-searing climbs, as well as 40 bike-sharing stations across the city. Cycling is a year-round passion here, so don’t let winter deter you. Meander through downtown on the easy, 6-mile Boulder Creek Path, or cruise south of Boulder on the 13-mile <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/963131">Morgul-Bismark</a>, an intermediate loop beginning at the intersection of Highway 93 and Marshall Road.</p>
<h2>7. Fly-Fishing</h2>
<p>Take in the peace and quiet of remote wilderness and the sounds of rushing rivers when you try your hand at fly-fishing. Get insider tips on the best places to catch pearlescent rainbow trout when you go on a guided fishing trip with <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/rocky-mountain-anglers/1522/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Rocky Mountain Anglers</a>. Or, reel in a gorgeous cutthroat trout from the cold waters of Rocky Mountain National Park with <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/front-range-anglers/877/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Front Range Anglers</a>. <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/fishing-in-boulder/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Read more about fishing around Boulder</a>.</p>
<h2>8. Flower Picking</h2>
<p>Enjoy the simple charms of farm living at one of the hundreds of farms in Boulder County by spending a few hours picking your own flowers and produce. During late spring, scout perfect irises for your garden during Dig It Yourself season (May and June) at <a href="http://www.longsgardens.com/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Long’s Gardens</a>. During fall, walk the fields of blazing orange pumpkins at <a href="http://www.cottonwoodfarms.com/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Cottonwood Farms</a> to pick out your ideal jack-o-lantern or soon-to-be pumpkin pie. <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/boulder-county-farm-trail/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">See the Boulder County Farm Trail for more information</a>. </p>
<h2>9. Downhill Skiing</h2>
<p>Feel the thrill of zooming down powdery runs at <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/eldora-mountain-resort/2080/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Eldora</a>, just 21 miles from Boulder — and be back in town for happy hour. Beloved by locals for its low-key vibe, this ski area offers 680 acres of skiable terrain and around 300 inches of snow per year. </p>
<h2>10. Rock Climbing</h2>
<p>Climb to new heights (and enjoy incredible views while you do) at Boulder Canyon, a longtime locals’ favorite for its highly textured granite surfaces and wide variety of sport climbs. Nearby <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/eldorado-canyon-state-park/1362/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Eldorado Canyon</a> is a climber’s playground with more than 500 technical climbing routes along its spectacular cliffs. Just getting started with climbing? For guided expeditions, let the experts show you the way at <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/the-bob-culp-climbing-school/1687/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Bob Culp Climbing School</a> or <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/listings/colorado-mountain-school/1800/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Colorado Mountain School</a>. <a href="http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/rock-climbing/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=brand-channel">Get more rock-climbing information</a>. Note: Eldorado Canyon State Park requires timed-entry reservations for vehicle access mid-May to mid-September. <a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/EldoradoCanyon/Pages/vehiclereservations.aspx">Make your reservation</a> or check out the <a href="https://bouldercounty.gov/transportation/multimodal/eldoshuttle/">free shuttle service</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.colorado.com/boulder-channel">More Articles About Boulder</a></p>
