If you are starting to venture out — or if you have family or friends visiting — here are a few ways to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Boulder is fortunate to enjoy a stunning natural location, 45,000 acres of open space and lots of recreation opportunities. Most restaurants and shops are open in Boulder, as well.
Don't hesitate to call us (Boulder's official tourism office) if you need further information, have questions about the status of things in Boulder or need assistance: 303-442-2911.
| See What's Open in Boulder |
There is great clarity in a mountain drive and plenty to see along these scenic drives — especially now that the leaves are turning! Get your picnic provisions in Boulder before heading out.
| Boulder's Fall Foliage Guide |
Peace and optimism are available on 150 miles of trails right in the city of Boulder. Go for a hike on dozens of trails including these easy nature outings. Make sure to choose one that is not crowded, even if that involves additional driving or a change of plans.
Just 20 minutes from Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is open sunrise to sunset (entry fees apply). Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour away and reopened May 27, 2020. For information on how to visit, go to the RMNP website. Face coverings are required for both.
| Find a Hiking Trail |
Important reminders:
Go mountain biking on six major trail systems. The same important reminders above apply.
Boulder is surrounded by farmland, and many local farms have reopened to families, with precautions. This time of year, it feels great to be out in the fresh air taking in pastoral panoramas. You'll find pumpkin patches, farm stands with produce and fresh-baked goodies, animal encounters, mountain views and much more.
| Boulder's Farm Trail |
Read our bird-watching guide for where to go and what to look for. The same important reminders above apply.
Go on a self-guided photo tour of Boulder.
Spruce Pool, an outdoor public pool in downtown Boulder, and the Boulder Elks Community Pool are now open by reservation (they are booking up quickly). Several hotels with pools are open so you can stay safely and get some quality swim time in.
| Swim and Stay in Boulder |
Find a quiet park and do some yoga.
Bring a blanket, get something to go from Boulder's amazing restaurants and head to Boulder's parks, which have remained open. Playgrounds are open now, too. Here's more picnicking info.
Most shops are open for business. They are cleaning rigorously and regularly, wearing face coverings, sanitizing point of sale stations and will remove any tried-on items from the floor for a "rest" period before they can be put back out. Shops are only allowing a certain number of shoppers in the store at a time. A few are open are by appointment only or are doing curbside pickup only. Learn more about safe shopping here. To go inside, you will need a face covering by order of Boulder County Public Health and the State of Colorado.
| Shopping Safely |
Restaurants are allowed to serve guests inside at 50% capacity inside, with expanded capacity outside and tables appropriately spaced apart from one another. The city has closed some streets to through traffic so that restaurants can open additional seating right on the street, so those who are ready are welcome to dine out in Boulder. You'll need to wear a face covering to any restaurants and can remove it for eating or drinking.
| Dining Safely in Boulder |
If you have questions about things to do in Boulder, please feel free to get in touch with us.
