Ultimate Outdoor Adventures in Boulder

You’ve just arrived in Boulder and what better way to get acquainted with the city than to see it all? Start your study in health and head to Panorama Point for a quick hike, walk, run or drive up to the top. It’s a very popular trail, so it’s easy to traverse, and once you get to the top, you’ll have a perfect vantage point of the entire city. If you make it up in time for sunset, take in the stunning view sitting at one of the picnic tables and enjoying a spot of dinner.

Whether you’re a more extreme rider looking for slaloms, hills, jumps and stairs to tackle or a rider looking for a more casual trail ride, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Valmont Bike Park. The park covers 42 acres and has myriad trails of varying difficulty to explore. Don’t worry about bringing your own bike, as there are several bike shops around the park from which you can rent bikes and helmets.

Maybe you like to climb, but you’re not quite ready to harness up and achieve some great height. Numerous rock-climbing gyms in Boulder will allow you to get your climb on while staying a little closer to the ground. That’s not to say you won’t find a challenge here, you’ll have several paths to choose from to make your way through. There’s a path for someone at any skill level, so chalk up your hands, grab hold, and figure out how to get from one side of the gym to the other. It’s recommended that you wear loose fitting clothing, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.

You’ve biked, you’ve climbed, now it’s time to hike. Chautauqua Park is an enjoyable spot for travelers of all activity levels and abilities. There are biking trails, running trails, hiking trails, and even tennis courts. Bring a picnic lunch for the midafternoon and get ready to spend your whole day in this gem of a park. There’s even a playground for younger travelers and a large open space where you could play a game of frisbee. The trails are easy to follow and not particularly challenging, so you can enjoy a full day in the great outdoors.

Belaying always looks like so much fun in the movies, so today you’ll get to try it at another rock-climbing gym. Put on some comfortable loose fitting clothes and grab a friend to be your spotter to help you belay and start climbing. Many gyms also have a system that will allow you to belay without a buddy, which is friendlier to newer climbers. Give it a try and see just how high you can get, as there are many routes for you to explore.

Today you’ll be taking what you learned bouldering and climbing indoors and putting it to use in an outdoor arena. The Colorado Mountain School offers lessons you’ll be taking in beginning rock climbing. Your instructors are seasoned experts and will guide you safely on your journey up the side of a rock face. You don’t need to have any previous rock climbing experience to participate in the experience or enjoy.

It’s your last day in Boulder and it might be one of your best. You’ll lace up your shoes for one last adventure before heading out. The Boulder Creek Path is a long, flat path that runs from one side of the city to the other. It’s seven miles long total, but there are spots along the way that you can enter and exit, so if you’re not up for all seven miles, you can still enjoy the experience. By the time you’ve seen it all, you’ll be ready to relax on your journey home.