COVID-19: What to Expect in Boulder Right Now

Thank you for thinking of Boulder! You may be wondering what the situation is like here in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, the Flatirons are still presiding over our little city, there's a pine-scented breeze on our mountain trails and Pearl Street still has its trademark 
lively vibe. 

Boulder County is now in Level Clear on the Covid dial, which means Boulder County Public Health Department's capacity restrictions and mitigation have been lifted for a 90-day observation period. As with all destinations, circumstances can change. We’ll keep you updated as best we can here, and you’re welcome to check back often for the latest.

Last Updated: May 17, 2021

Are Masks Required in Boulder?

Fully vaccinated people can go without masks in public indoor spaces unless the setting requires otherwise. Unvaccinated people over age 11 are encouraged to continue wearing masks in all public indoor spaces. The removal of the mask order for vaccinated people is very new, and many businesses are proceeding with caution. Please respect the requirements of individual businesses who may ask all guests to wear face coverings to enter.

What Are Covid Numbers Like in Boulder County?

Case Numbers As of May 16, 2021, there have been 256 deaths in Boulder County with COVID-19 and 23,504 individuals in Boulder County have tested positive or were considered probable (likely positive) for COVID-19. New cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days is 47.1. More Boulder County COVID-19 data is here. In comparison, Denver County has had 72,338 positive cases and 817 deaths. The state of Colorado has had 531,700 cases and 6,450 deaths. More Colorado case data is here.

Level Clear Boulder County's current safety status is rated Level Clear. You can read more here. Restaurants, bars and retail shops can operate at 100% capacity with no restrictions.

Vaccination Rate As of May 13, over 70% of eligible Boulder County residents have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine.

What Is Dining Out Like in Boulder Right Now?

Restaurants and bars are open for indoor dining at 100% capacity with no mitigation requirements. The city has closed a few streets to through traffic so that restaurants can open additional seating on the street through October 2021. While there is no mask order in place, please abide by the businesses' wishes if a mask requirement is stated.

To-go dining is also widely available, and restaurants are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages to go, so you can order a bottle of wine or a couple of margaritas to enjoy with your to-go meal. 

What Is It Like to Shop in Boulder Now?

Boulder’s retailers are open on Pearl Street, in downtown, at Twenty Ninth Street and all across town at 100% capacity. While face coverings are not required by the county or state, please abide by any mask-wearing requests from individual businesses.

What Are My Lodging Options in Boulder?

All of Boulder's hotels are open for business and are accepting reservations. They are taking precautions to ensure sanitization and safety. 

Five Star Certified Businesses

A number of Boulder businesses have taken extra safety measures and earned Five Star Certification from the state. The program recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond to keep their communities safe. Here are Boulder's Five Star Certified Businesses.

Are Hiking Trails Open in Boulder?

Yes. Boulder’s hiking trails have always remained open throughout the pandemic. You can view the interactive trails map to find lower-trafficked trails and avoid trails closed due to wildlife habitat protections. Kindly follow these guidelines for hiking in Boulder:

• Stay at home if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• Maintain more than 6 feet of physical distancing from people not in your household. 
• If you see a full or crowded area and/or cannot find parking, move on to a different trailhead or hiking area.
• Stay on open space trails and walk through mud unless you need to step off the trail to let others pass. If you need to step off the trail, try to avoid vegetation and step on a rock or dirt patch instead.

Can I Go Mountain Biking?

Yes, Boulder’s mountain biking trails are open (unless they are closed due to muddy conditions or for wildlife habitat protections). The same guidelines as above apply.

What Nearby State and National Parks Are Open?

• Eldorado Canyon State Park is open from sunrise to sunset and is just 20 minutes from Boulder. In summer, you'll want to ride the Eldo Shuttle to avoid being turned away due to parking being full.
• Rocky Mountain National Park is open. For the latest information, including advance reservation requirements, go to the RMNP website. 
• Golden Gate Canyon State Park is open daily and is about 50 minutes away from Boulder. Reservations are not needed to enter. Day pass kiosks are available at the park entrances.

Can I Camp in Boulder?

Even under normal circumstances, there is no camping in the city of Boulder. However, there are several nearby options listed on our Camping page. Boulder County fire restriction info is here.

What Else Can I Do in Boulder?

For lots of ideas on fun things to do now in Boulder check out this page:

Are Colorado's Borders Open?

Yes, Colorado's borders are open. There is no quarantine period for those crossing state lines. Be sure to bring and wear your face coverings, as they are still required indoors.

Low-Contact Travel at Denver International Airport

DIA has launched Verifly, which reduces your contact with others at the airport and offers reservations for a dedicated TSA screening lane and a limited-capacity train car to the concourse. Denver International Airport is the closest major airport to Boulder and is about a 45-minute drive away.

Have More Questions?

We are the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau, the official tourism organization for Boulder, and we are happy to answer your questions. Call 303-442-2911 or email visitor@bouldercvb.com.