Boulder – Community and Lifestyle
Natural Beauty, Vibrant Culture, and Outdoor Adventure
The entire Team has been a part of Boulder for decades. They fully embrace the things that make Boulder and the Front Range such a wonderful place to live, the beauty of the natural environment and the constructive and positive spirit of the local community. Boulder is truly a great place to live, work and play. Each of us have worked and participated in the community for years, some since attending University at CU and our families have grown here.
A Personal Welcome
For those of you that are new to the area or are planning to relocate here, we would like to provide you our personal introduction to the area, what we like best about the city and what Boulder and surrounding communities have to offer.
Introduction to Boulder
One of the Happiest Towns in America
Boulder, Colorado has been recognized as one of the happiest cities in the United States. According to Outside Magazine, Boulder secured the top spot in their 2023 list of happiest towns! The criteria for this ranking included factors like outdoor access, affordability, safety, diversity, and freedom for residents to be themselves. Additionally, Boulder has received other accolades, such as being named the best place to live by US News & World Report and one of the safest places to live. The city’s unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural richness, and community engagement contributes to its reputation as a place where residents truly thrive. Let’s explore the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado, from its fascinating history to its thriving culture, culinary delights, music venues, outdoor adventures, research centers, and unique attractions.
A Brief History
The first European American settlers in Boulder County were gold prospectors who arrived in 1858. The Ute and Arapaho indigenous peoples had already lived here for centuries. The Town of Boulder was officially incorporated in 1871 with 340 residents. Mining was central to Boulder’s development, directly and as a mining support Town. In 1876 Colorado became a State and the University of Colorado opened in 1877. It consisted of one building, Old Main. This beautiful building still functions today as Arts and Sciences and the historic Chapel Theatre. As of the 2022- 2023 academic-year, the University has about 39,000 students. Boulder’s population, not including students, as of the 2020 census was 108,000.
Conservation Minded
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) system, established in 1967, includes more than 46,000 acres of preserved land in and around the City. The very first piece of land, 80 acres at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, was purchased by the city in 1898 to be used to establish Chautauqua Park and Auditorium, which was built the same year. The name Chautauqua is derived from the Chautauqua learning and cultural movement, which originated in Upstate New York in the late 1800s and provided education and arts inspiration across several Western States.
This type of conservation-minded policy, for more than 50 years, has been a significant factor in preserving the ecology and landscape around Boulder, limiting sprawl and maintaining the natural beauty of the valley. It has also established specific perimeters which limit building and development and has contributed to the price structure and appreciating value of Boulder property.
Unique Attractions
Chautauqua Park
Auditorium and Dining Hall
Built in 1898 atop 80 acres of land procured by the City, these beautiful wooden structures and surrounding open spaces are an essential part of Boulder’s history, identity and living space for community events. The iconic Flatirons provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to these facilities and to the entire City of Boulder.
Pearl Street Mall
In 1976-1977 the Pearl Street Mall was constructed, converting a section of the street into a 4- block pedestrian outdoor mall in the heart of historic downtown Boulder. Today it is home to a number of businesses, restaurants and public art including statues, fountains, and flower gardens. It also contains Boulder Bookstore, a community treasure. The Mall is a gathering place at any time of the day and home to much of Boulder’s nightlife. It also hosts Boulder’s summer music festival, Band on the Bricks. The heart of Boulder!
Tubing the Boulder Creek
Late Spring and all summer a local thing is to procure an inner tube or any suitable flotation device and try your luck navigating the Boulder Creek through the heart of Town. Access spots are many, such as the creek-side Eben Fine Park, a perfect spot to congregate and barbeque or just hang out and beat the summer heat!
The BolderBoulder 10K Race
Sure, lots of places have 10K races, but not quite like this one. Since 1979 this event has been evolving and now is one of the largest 10Ks in the World, with 50,000+ participants and 100,000 spectators! Every Memorial Day the entire Town basically shuts down to host the 10K runners through Town with finish line at Folsom Field, CU’s football stadium. The entire race course is lined with bands and entertainers and onlookers and costumes and merriment- Boulder style. Sign-up to participate in this one-of-a kind race!
Dushanbe Teahouse
This hand-made, intricately crafted structure was a gift from the city of Dushanbe, Boulder’s sister city and capital of Tajikistan, in 1987. Shipped and reassembled in Boulder near the Creek and 13th Street, the Teahouse offers tea, international cuisine and tranquility to all who visit. 😊
Celestial Seasonings Factory
This nationally recognized company and its exotic herbal teas traces its origins to its co-founders, gathering wild herbs in the surrounding mountains. The Company was formed in 1972 and today has more than 100 varieties of tea. At the factory in Gun Barrel, just outside Town, take this unique tour to experience the actual production of tea and a completely amazing experience for your olfactory nerves!
Shelby American Collection
Even if you aren’t a big car person this is an incredible museum to visit. In Boulder and open only on Saturdays, it houses probably the most amazing collection of Cobra, Shelby Mustang and Ford GT40 race cars anywhere. For example, it contains the actual Ford GT car, featured in the movie Ford vs Ferrari, that finally beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The contents of the museum are valued somewhere between $0.5 and $1 billion.
Outdoor Sports and Recreation
Boulder is nationally known as a mecca for both road and mountain biking. Several pro cyclists either live or train here at altitude, with immediate mountain access. The semi-alpine, sunny climate and unique topographic location along the front range of the Rockies offers terrain and great riding for almost everyone. Hiking and skiing are also close at hand.
Road Cycling
We are all bike riders and treasure the local riding. If you need some advice regarding where to ride or where best to live to suit your type of riding, we can help! Here are a few of our favorites:
Lee Hill Loop – Boulder’s Signature Ride!
Route 36, Left Hand Canyon, Lee Hill Road return
Jay Loop
Jay Road, 75th Street, 63rd Street, Nelson and Route 36 return
Lyons/ Hygiene Loop
Boulder, Route 36, Lyons, Hygiene, Longmont, Boulder
Left Hand Canyon and Jamestown
Out and back
Ward Loop
Boulder, Ward, Raymond, Lyons and return Route 36
Greater Peak to Peak Loop Rides
Including Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, Estes Park, etc.
Mountain Biking
One of our favorite books for local and statewide mountain bike rides is The Mountain Biker’s Guide to Colorado, by Hickstein.
Marshall Mesa
Easy to Moderate: Park at Route 93 and Eldorado Springs trailhead, just south of Boulder. Several loops, big and small with enough singletrack options to suite most everyone. And all with beautiful Flatiron views!
Heil Ranch
Moderate: Access this lollypop ride from Left Hand Canyon. Recently reopened after the fire, which burned much of the lower section. Trail is all rebuilt. About 9 miles if you do Ponderosa Loop.
Picture Rock
Moderate: This ride starts in Lyons and climbs all the way up to connect with Heil Ranch trails. Nice climb through different eco-zones with great views at the top!
Hall Ranch
Strenuous: This is Lyon’s signature ride, whether you access from Antelope or from the main parking lot which takes you through the “Rock Garden”, a natural stone playground. Another lollypop ride, with beautiful views all around!
Walker Ranch
Strenuous: Walker is located about 9 miles up Flagstaff Road. This is about an 8.5-mile loop. Best to ride clockwise. Beautiful descents to the river and climbs back out. Need to be fit when you carry your bike up the stairs from the waterfall. Just a gorgeous ride period! Be sure to watch the video to see a mountain bike ride down Walker Ranch.
Hiking
Boulder Parks and Recreation Department maintains a large system of hiking trails, both in the Boulder foothills and City and County open space. You can get specific maps online. One of our favorite books for local hikes is Boulder Hiking Trails, by Cushman. There are so many to choose from, here are a few of our favorites:
Mesa Trail
The signature view trail for Boulder’s Flatirons. If you hike the entire length from Chautauqua to Eldorado Springs Drive its about 7 miles. Mostly gentle rolling hills and views the entire way.
Royal Arch Trail
Great 1.5-mile trail (one way) from Chautauqua to the arch. Shoot for a weekday as it’s crowded on the weekends.
Bear Peak
If you are up for a big hike this is one of the best and still right next to Boulder. Access from NCAR parking lot. Some short trails take you to Bear Canyon Trail and then Bear Peak West Ridge. This is the more moderate climb, along the “back” of the Flatirons with great views of the distant “13ers” like Mt. Audubon. Reach the summit at 8,461 ft. Return via the Fern Trail which is a very steep descent. All in about 9.5 miles and 2,850 ft. vertical. Take a big sandwich and plenty of water! Note: You can also add-in the other two tallest peaks in the chain, Green Mountain and South Boulder Peak, for an epic hiking experience.
Sanitas Loop
Always a Boulder favorite. You can access from Linden via the goat Trail but most people park on Mapleton at the mouth of Sunshine Canyon and hike the loop. A moderately strenuous 1.5-hour hike with big Boulder views.
Hogsback
If it’s a weekend and you want to avoid the crowds, this is a great selection. Park at the trailhead on Lee Hill Road just 0.2 miles from Broadway in North Boulder. Cross the street and follow the trail through the Dakota Ridge subdivision and above into open space. This moderate-climb loop is a pleasure and big views from the top. Never crowded!
Walker Ranch
See the mountain bike section for a description of this lovely 8.5-mile loop.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Another “Crown Jewel” of summer hiking and winter Nordic touring is Brainard Lake. Located just above Ward, CO, (about 18 miles up Left Hand Canyon from Boulder) it provides an entrance to much of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area’s beautiful 13ers and mountain lakes. Includes great campsites but book early. Frequented by moose, it offers awe-inspiring views all year long. Fun fact: if you are 62 or over and have purchased the Lifetime Senior National Parks Pass (only $80 last look) it also gets you in Brainard! 😊 https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28182
Skiing
Colorado is synonymous with alpine skiing. With its 32 ski areas, Colorado’s ski industry generates $4.8 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 46,000 year-round equivalent jobs. We all ski and often are hard to be found on “powder” days. 😊 If you are moving to Colorado, you probably have your favorite places to go but here’s a few local tips:
Eldora Mountain Resort
Only 30 minutes up Boulder Canyon and located above Nederland, this is Boulder’s “local ski area”. It’s not huge, with three ski lifts, but the skiing and views are pretty good, even by Colorado’s high standards. Do be aware, on weekends either get there early or take the bus, or you may not get a parking space! Tickets: You can buy a season pass but an even better option, depending on how much you ski, is often the IKON Pass, which includes Eldora. It also includes several other large Colorado resorts, including Arapahoe Basin (absolutely one of our iconic favorites), Copper, Steamboat, and Winter Park (not to mention several other resorts in Utah, California, Montana, etc.)
Eldora Nordic Center
The Nordic Center shares the parking lot with the Mountain Resort. It has a very nice network of cross-country trails. Unfortunately, the Eldora Mountain Pass no longer includes access to the Nordic trails, you have to buy a separate pass.
AT Skiing
One of the best-kept secrets of Eldora Mountain is its excellent uphill AT (All Terrain) course, located in the forest adjacent to the front-side, downhill ski runs. It’s free with your Mountain Pass, just sign up and get your orange armband. Then you are free to AT “skin” up the hill. When you reach the top, go into downhill ski mode and ski the resort. Fantastic way to ski the mountain, get fit, and earn a few beers! 😊
Restaurants and Culinary Scene
Boulder’s food scene is a delightful fusion of flavors and nationalities. Restaurants and eateries are often changing in Boulder and surrounding areas. A good way to stay up with the most popular places is to check The Boulder Weekly newsletter’s annual “Best of Boulder” edition. It rates restaurants, microbreweries, bars, dispensaries, etc. based on local community input, www.boulderweekly.com
It’s not easy recommending restaurants, but these places have endured the test of time and are some of our absolute favorites:
The Flagstaff House
The grandfather of fine dining in Boulder and still one of the best, this elegant, fine-dining restaurant sits atop Flagstaff Mountain at 6,000 ft, with breathtaking views of the Town. Established in 1954, it offers New American cuisine and its wine cellar has won the coveted Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since 1983. A fabulous place to dine and celebrate and one of Boulder’s classics! https://flagstaffhouse.com/
Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant
This family-owned restaurant has a few locations, the newest is in Boulder, off Canyon Blvd. The chilies are fiery, and the flavors are robust, prepared in the authentic Northern Chihuahua style. No reservations so you may need to stand for a bit at the bar but worth the wait. https://www.efrainsofboulder.com/
Carelli’s of Boulder
It’s hard to pick a favorite Italian restaurant, but Carelli’s has been a mainstay in Boulder for some time. Lavishly decorated, great food and smells and just a relaxing place to dine! https://carellis.com/
Tandoori Grill
The Tandoori Grill has been around ever since we can remember and consistently serves up incredible Indian food. A broad menu ensures there’s something for everyone. https://tandoorigrillboulder.com/
Boulder Cork
This amazing restaurant has been providing affordable, fine dining since 1969. It advertises that it specializes in steak and seafood but everything is good. And it probably provides the best Happy Hour menu in Town! Make a reservation. https://bouldercork.com/
Chez Thuy
Fine Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed setting at very reasonable prices. Chez Thuy has been delighting its customers for decades! https://www.chezthuy.com/
Microbreweries
If you check Thirst Magazine, it keeps tabs on microbreweries across Colorado. At last count, Boulder had about 15 breweries in town, not bad for a population of just over 100,000 people! So many variations and great beer creations to choose from. Part of the fun is touring around and trying the various selections. If we had to pick a few favorites they would include these home-grown companies:
Upslope Brewing Co
Head to the main location off Central and 55th for great brews, chill vibe and one of the best afternoon decks in Town. An annual summer highlight is their Get Down Music Festival held right in their back yard. Best of all its free (the festival, not the beer). 😊
Avery Brewing
One of the originals, now located outside Boulder in Gunbarrel. Big brew selection and menu. Thursday is burger night!
Oskar Blues Brewing Company
Pretty much a legend at this point, multiple locations in Lyons and Longmont. Music venue at the original Lyons’ location.
Bootstrap Brewing
Started in Niwot, now in Longmont. Has some of the best hazy IPAs around.
Music and Performance Venues
Boulder County and adjacent Front Rage areas are blessed with a unique and varied selection of places to enjoy your favorite music and entertainers, both indoors and outdoors. Lots to choose from. Here are some local favorites we love to go to:
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Boulder Theatre
One of our favorite and most convenient music venues! Catch a concert at this historic building, where top-notch musicians make regular stops on their tours. This art deco theater, originally built in 1906, can seat 850 people. Great bands and performances, cool local vibe and a fantastic bar make for a great evening. Hosts live music shows, concerts, and performances.
Chautauqua Auditorium
Built in 1898, this historic wooden structure (The Barn) is a treasured music and film venue, with seating capacity of about 1,300. Its summer schedule attracts top acts from across the country. Be sure to reserve tickets for your favorite shows!
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
This nationally-recognized, outdoor music venue needs no introduction. Located outside Denver in Morrison, construction of this 9,500-seat amphitheater was completed in 1941. Since then, it has been host to an incredible assortment of artists including the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Rush, Springsteen, Jethro Tull, to name just a few. U2 even filmed Under a Blood Red Sky there. Sitting outside amongst its giant sandstone pillars, listening to a show under the stars is truly magical.
Paramount Theatre
Denver
Opened in 1930, this marvelous building has been extensively restored but retains its art deco character. Fantastic place for great bands and acts.
Festivals: Music and Other
Here’s just a few that have become a part of life in Boulder County:
Boulder Creek Festival
Boulder’s 3-day annual festival, in May for the last 35 years, takes place along Boulder Creek between 9th and 13th, features live music, food, beer tasting, rides and events for all and more than 150 Colorado artists. This is the hometown gig! https://bouldercreekfest.com/
Louisville Street Faire
For eight Friday-evenings each summer, Front Street in Louisville comes alive with live music, excellent food and plenty of beverage options. Mid-June to mid-August. And its free! Great place to be on a Friday evening in the summer. https://www.downtownlouisvilleco.com/street-faire/
RockyGrass
Presented by Planet Bluegrass. For over 50 years this festival, in Lyons has entertained concert goers. The festival grounds are located just outside Town, along the red rock cliffs, adjacent to the North St. Vrain River. Amazing place for some amazing bluegrass. Make sure to look for tickets early for this three-day event in July. https://bluegrass.com/rockygrass/
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Held at the same venue in Lyons, this mellow folk concert is past 30 years old. Great way to chill out in August and catch some true Rocky Mountain sounds! www.downtownlouisvilleco.com
Shakespeare Festival, Colorado University
After more than 60 seasons of performances this festival has become part of Boulder’s summer agenda. Performed in multiple venues but recommend getting seats outside in the amphitheater, located in the heart of CU campus. https://cupresents.org/series/shakespeare-festival/
Research and Technology Centers
Boulder and Golden are the location for some of the most impressive Federal research facilities and laboratories in the United States. Not just for nerds, these facilities offer some great tours and learning programs.
National Center for Atmospheric Research
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden
One of the most impressive and critical facilities to address climate change challenges. Federally funded and sponsored by the Department of Energy, NREL is home to the National Center for Photovoltaics, the National Bioenergy Center and the National Wind Technology Center. NREL also sponsors extensive tours of their facilities, spreading education and awareness of their programs. Definitely worth half-a-day to go and be impressed. Advance reservations are required.
NCAR, NOAA and NTIA
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) research and engineering arm. All located on campuses close to Boulder’s foothills, collectively provide an amazing array of research capability.
Visit NCAR’s beautiful campus, perched high atop a mesa overlooking South Boulder. The iconic Mesa Laboratory was designed by the internationally famous architect, Leoh Ming Pei and was completed in 1967. It was also one of the locations in Woody Allen’s comedy movie “Sleeper”. Take the tour. Also, a great place to park, as NCAR is located adjacent to several hiking trailheads that lead into the foothills.
Dream Chaser- Sierra Space, Louisville
Producing the only commercial runway-capable spaceplane. Dream Chaser was selected by NASA to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal service for the International Space Station. https://www.sierraspace.com/