Outdoor Adventures in Boulder, CO

Boulder's wealth of outdoor adventures and over 300 days of sunshine make it the ideal place for those looking to balance work and play. Locals cherish the incredible natural world in their backyard, from the towering Flatirons to canyon roads that twist into the Rocky Mountains. Boulder's foothills are home to excellent rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching. Because it sits on the divide between prairie and mountain, Boulder has spacious trails that are perfect for scenic trail runs, cycling tours or walks in the woods. Many who visit eventually find a way to call this unique Colorado city home.

Boulder is only 45 minutes from 13,000' peaks, where snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain climbing and white water adventures await. Not to brag, but Boulderites can enjoy a spring day backcountry skiing in the Indian Peaks and make it home for happy hour in shorts and a t-shirt. Along the way, Boulder Canyon offers a stunning tour to watch the world transform from farmland into the Rocky Mountains. Because the city has preserved many of the most pristine areas as open space, it takes only a few minutes to escape the city and retreat to a peaceful, natural environment.

The active community in Boulder is as passionate about their dogs as they are their sports! Canine companions are an integral part of the city vibe and many of the trail networks offer a balance of dog-friendly terrain -- along with plenty of pet restricted places to enjoy the calmness of nature. Wildlife abounds in the foothills: black bear, mountain lions, elk, bobcats and more call the area home. Birders are also drawn to the diversity of avian mountain species.

All this adds up to a great community with plenty of adventures -- and events. The Bolder Boulder 10k has over 50,000 particpants annually. Several trialthlons, including a full Ironman, are part of the competitive fabric. Whether you are hoping to be part of a big event or simply explore the beautiful landscape on your own terms, RootsRated has you covered. Our writers love Boulder for its diversity of sports and endless adventure potential.