Kelsey & Nick
WHAT TO DO!
Pearl Street Mall
Pearl Street Mall is a super cute, walking-only area right downtown. It's covered with shops and restaurants and is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park trailhead is the gateway for the hundreds on miles of trails that sprawl through Boulder's mountains. They range from casual strolls to steep, challenging, and rugged terrain, but the views, even just a short walk up the trail, are unbeatable. If you want a challenge and decide to hike the 1st/2nd flatiron trail (our favorite), don't be fooled by the false top - the first top you reach, just keep going over it to the second - you'll be glad you did!
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Snooze is a small chain that has a great location on Pearl Street in Boulder! It's a popular spot, so if you're planning to go, go early or go prepared to stroll up and down Pearl Street during your wait. The pressed juices and the specialty pancakes/french toast are out of this world!
Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar
This is one of our favorite sushi restaurants in Boulder! Located in lively Pearl Street, it's a great option for lunch or dinner - quick and filling or slow and fun!
Sherpa Restaurant
This is one of our favorite restaurants in Boulder! We love Nepalese food and the atmosphere is very relaxed - and very local!
Mount Sanitas Trail
Mount Sanitas is the trail where the local trail runners like to train. It's a great option because it has two ways up. While the one direction is incredibly steep (if you see stairs, you're going this way), the other is a wide and relatively smooth path up a gradual incline for a mile or so. It's a perfect option if you want get some exercise with friends. Remember that at 5k feet higher above sea level, you're going to feel winded much faster - so take water and take your time! There are views either direction to look at while you catch your breath!
Royal Arch Trail
Start at Chautauqua Park and follow the trail up - take the turn to the Royal Arch Trail (there are 2 ways to go). It gets steep on the second half, but the top easily has the best view in Boulder! Keep in mind, this hike is WORK! Definitely a strenuous option!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are coming a day early or staying a day late (or interested in a daytime activity and feeling the need for some fresh air!), definitely remember that the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO, is only 50 minutes from Boulder, CO. The town of Estes Park is so much fun, with old fashioned candy shops, pizza parlors, beautiful views, and a very "small mountain town" vibe. It's a lovely place to visit! And Rocky Mountain National Park is just UNREAL as far as a place to visit, drive through, explore, hike, fish, or anything you could possibly imagine in a natural playground! The drive there is also one for the ages ;)