Things You Can Do in Boulder During
Covid-19

If you are looking for things to do — 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. 

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.

Self-Guided Tours

Strike out on your own adventure with our list of self-guided tours, which explore a variety of topics: food, geology, art, tea and more. Learn as you go, keep your social distance and set your own pace.

Scenic Drives

There is great clarity in a mountain drive and plenty to see along these scenic drives. Get your picnic provisions in Boulder before heading out.

Hiking and Nature Walks

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 is partially open. For information on how to visit, go to the RMNP website. Face coverings are required for both.

Important reminders:

• Bring your face covering. They are required in Boulder County by public health order. 
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others. If you need to pass someone on the trail, communicate with them to allow the recommended six feet of distance.
• View suggested one-way travel areas, trails that are wider than six-feet and areas that see high and low visitation through OSMP's interactive trails map.
• If you're feeling ill, absolutely do not visit open space. 
• If parking is full, move on to another park or trailhead.
• Do not take risks. Keep rangers, deputies and other first responders safe. ​

Mountain Biking 

Go mountain biking on six major trail systems. The same important reminders above apply. In winter, try a fat bike.

Bird-Watching

Read our bird-watching guide for where to go and what to look for. The same important reminders above apply.

Mural Tour

• View Boulder's many colorful murals. Boulder's artists have added over 90 murals in the last two years! They are amazing and worth a self-guided mural tour. 
• Here's another self-guided outdoor public art walk.

Photo Tour

Go on a self-guided photo tour of Boulder.

Art in the Park at Chautauqua

Walk or drive around Colorado Chautauqua Historic District to see 15 bear cub sculptures, each decorated by a different artist. Don't miss the new 8-foot bear installation near the Chautauqua Auditorium, too. There's even a cyber scavenger hunt you can complete at Chautauqua Park to discover the bear cubs and fascinating bits of Chautauqua history.

 

 

 

 

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Go Stargazing

Will it be cold? Yes. Will you need to bring lots of hot tea or cocoa? Yes. Will it be a magical experience? Highly likely. Check out our stargazing guide for where to go in and around Boulder, plus tips, tours and what to bring. 

Play a Round of Family Disc Golf

Boulder has a great disc golf course with beautiful Flatirons views that could be the scene of a fun, new family activity. All you need is a frisbee and yourselves. The course is located off Valmont Road, across the street from the amazing Valmont Bike Park (another great option that even has a toddler course).    

Visit a Museum

The Museum of Boulder is open for visitors. Advance tickets are available but not required.
The Shelby American Collection car museum is open on Saturdays, 10am-4pm.

Picnic

Yes, even in winter! If the sun is out, chance are you'll be warm enough for a quick picnic. A couple of favorite winter spots: the picnic tables at Bobolink Trailhead, North Boulder Park and South Mesa Trailhead. 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.    

Shopping

Most shops are open for business, with limited capacities. 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. 

Enjoy Some Good Food

Restaurants are open for indoor dining at limited capacities. Many have heaters on their patios and also provide to-go or delivery. The city has closed some streets to through traffic so that restaurants can open additional seating right on the street. You'll need to wear a face covering to any restaurant and can remove it for eating or drinking outside.

Educational Outings and Field Trips

Being a town of nerds, Boulder has tons of educational sites to explore, with worksheets and resources to support your lesson plan. We've compiled several ideas that are great for families or anyone who enjoys getting out and exploring.

Don't Leave the House Without...

• Your face covering. They are required in Boulder County by public health order. 
• A well-charged cell phone, so you can use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking, order food to go, take pictures of maps and use it as a tool to avoid tactile contact.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen.
• A full water bottle.

Contact Us

If you have questions about things to do in Boulder, please feel free to get in touch with us.