In geology, a boulder (or rarely bowlder) is a rock fragment with size greater than 25.6 centimetres (10.1 in) in diameter. Smaller pieces are called cobbles and pebbles. While a boulder may be small enough to move or roll manually, others are extremely massive. Just kidding! Boulder is a perfect balance of urban and outdoors. Known for its stellar food scene, breweries, an always-exciting downtown and more outdoor activities than you can count. Our favorite places are Pearl Street (tons of restaurants and shopping) and Chautauqua (historic park with beautiful hiking trails, a cozy dining hall, and cabins for rent).
Just 15 minutes from Boulder, Eldorado Canyon is our favorite place to hike after work or on a sunny Saturday. The Doudy Draw Trailhead offers gentler, rolling hills and draws a lot of mountain bikers (more info here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trailhead/doudy-draw). The South Mesa Trailhead just across the street has picnic tables and more of an incline with a varied landscape and lots of trails to choose from (more info: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trailhead/south-mesa). Our favorite might be what we call the “Yoga Ashram Trailhead” - you’ll see why if you go: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/continental-divide-overlook-via-fowler-to-rattlesnake-gulch-loop?sh=zh1zfk
The last town before you truly hit the Rockies is a quaint spot, full of good eats, shopping, and views. The iconic downtown main street, the beautiful views of the surrounding mesas, and rapid-filled river running through town are worth the 30 minute trip from Boulder.
A majestic mountain destination known for outdoor adventure, watchable wildlife and scenic beauty, Estes Park is Colorado’s quintessential mountain town. It's just under an hour to this town that sits next to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Morrison feels far away from the city, but surprisingly this town is just 35 minutes Boulder! Home of world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison is a great place to get outside and hike.
Nederland has a rich mining history but has its share of enjoyable and amusing attractions. You'll see lovely restaurants, various breweries, unique stores, mountain trails, and more. The picturesque drive through Boulder Canyon is worth the 45 minute trip!
For those looking to really get out into the mountains, Vail is our favorite ski town around. While the skiing is world-class in the winter, May in Vail is perfect enjoying the charm of the town (tons of delicious restaurants, tons of shopping) and exploring the mountain hiking trails along mountain streams, past waterfalls, and through aspen forests. It's about 2 hours from Boulder.