1. Hiking
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 hiking trails. For a mellow hike with interpretive signs and excellent birding opportunities, follow the Bobolink Trail. Active visitors will love the 6.6-mile Mesa Trail, which meanders through high desert and old-growth forest. Or for extreme types seeking a lung buster, trek the strenuous Mount Sanitas trail, which boasts panoramic views at the summit.
If you’d like a bit of guidance, join Boulder’s Open Space & Mountain Parks’ 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).
2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
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 Boulder Reservoir on a stand-up paddleboard. 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.
3. Hot-Air Ballooning
Get a thrill (and an unbeatable view) of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder Valley and the Flatirons when you take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, 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.
4. Mountain Biking
Kick up some dirt and catch some air when you rally your mountain bike on the jumps, turns and trails at Valmont Bike Park, 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.
5. Snowshoeing/Cross-Country Skiing
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 Betasso Preserve and Walker Ranch, or drive up into the Rocky Mountains at bit more for deeper snow. Eldora Mountain Resort’s Nordic Center offers cross-country ski rentals and lessons. And at Brainard Lake Recreation Area near Ward, follow the designated snowshoe trail to the cozy Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) Cabin to warm up by the fire with hot chocolate.
