Play Hard, Eat Well in Boulder

There are so many ways to head outside and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Boulder — and even more delicious ways to reward yourself after having all that fun. 

5 Ways to Work Up an Appetite

Here are some ways to enjoy Boulder's beautiful scenery and burn some calories:

1. Hiking
   A network of 150 miles of hiking trails will take you to through gorgeous prairies filled with swaying grass, pine-forested foothills and up farther into the mountains surrounding Boulder. In winter, simply strap on some snowshoes (rentals are widely available) and hit many of the same trails, but discover the peaceful hush that comes over terrain when it is blanketed in snow. 
2. Skiing 
   An easy, 30-minute drive from downtown Boulder, Eldora Mountain Resort offers snowboarding, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Eldora has a laid-back local vibe with enough skiing and riding for skiers and boarders of all levels. 
3. Biking 
   Man, is Boulder ever obsessed with biking! Named one of the 10 best bike-friendly cities in the country by USAToday.com, you'll find convenient community bike rentals (via B Cycle), rental shops and a network of paved and mountain trails to explore.
4. Shopping 
   Hey, it burns calories, too — and two major shopping areas are outside in the fresh Colorado air. Hit downtown's famous Pearl Street pedestrian mall, with tons of independent shops, or the Twenty Ninth Street shopping center, with views of the Flatirons.
5. Try Something New 
   Take a class in one of Boulder’s three dozen or so yoga studios. From beginner to advanced yoga, you’ll see a class for every level of yogi. You can even take a yoga class at a brewery. Check out Sanitas Brewing's yoga and beer nights. Visiting with your family? Go on a guided hike with your kids to look at the stars or learn about wildlife tracks in the snow through Open Space Mountain Parks.

5 Ways to Reward Yourself Afterward

Rewards are sweet in Boulder, where we take delicious dining as seriously as enjoying the outdoors. Don't just replace those calories — savor them.

1. Farm-fresh cuisine 
   You don't get the titles of America's Foodiest Town (Bon Appétit), one of America's Top 10 Foodie Streets (Food & Wine) and Top Ten Foodie City (Livability.com) without having some of the country's best chefs, turning out incredible dishes starring flavorful local ingredients. 
2. Breweries 
   Boulder has been a craft brewing capital for decades, and the pace of new brewery openings continues at a staggering rate. Cozy up to some hearty winter fare, paired with the perfect brew, at Boulder's brewpubs.  
3. Cocktails 
   With award-winning Colorado distilleries and talented mixologists to fuel the current cocktail resurgence, you've just got to taste what's going on here after dark. Explore 7 Ways to Sip and Savor Boulder. 
4. Coffee and Tea 
   Warm up with a frothy latte, a cup of hot cocoa or hot cider at one of Boulder's beloved coffeeshops. It's no surprise that a town with so many techies and students has such a stellar selection. Plus did you know Boulder is full of unique tea-tasting opportunities? 
5. Sweet Treats 
   Artisanal chocolates, cupcakes, frozen yogurt, gelato and baked goods — Boulderites love to reward themselves with gourmet confections. Indulge your sweet tooth, too.

More!

See our Foodie Checklist for more ideas on how to indulge after expending all that effort in the outdoors!