Boulder, Colorado

Get outside in Boulder, minus the guesswork.

Straight answers on Boulder's trails, lakes, and canyons: how long, how hard, where to park, and whether you can bring the dog. Written by people who actually hike here.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons ยท Public domain

Start with hiking

Popular destinations

Every guide leads with the facts you need first, then the detail. Start here.

Mount Sanitas

Steep, quick, iconic west-Boulder loop.

Boulder Reservoir

Swim, paddle, and easy shoreline walking.

Boulder Falls

A short roadside walk to a waterfall (currently closed).

Royal Arch Trail

A classic climb to a natural rock arch.

Walker Ranch

A rugged loop in the foothills above town.

Plan your visit

Boulder sits at about 5,430 feet, and the trails climb from there, so the air is thin and the weather turns fast. Bring more water than you think, layers for afternoon storms, and check trail conditions before you go.

Boulder trail conditions and outdoor guide

Seasonal trail conditions and new guides, a few times a season.

About this guide

Outdoor Boulder is a local guide to getting outside in and around Boulder, Colorado. We keep the trail facts current and tell you what we'd actually recommend nearby.