Visit Boulder Like a Cowboy

Cowboy Activities and Things to Do

Giddy up!

Meander through local streams and tall cottonwoods on a ranch trail ride with EB Outdoors. Ride through historical cemeteries and gold mines with A&A Stables. Or go on a grand adventure of trail riding amidst the mountains into Rocky Mountain National Park with National Park Gateway Stables. Although trail rides aren't available within the city of Boulder itself, nearby stables and tour companies offer options to bask in the beauty of Boulder from the saddle.

Pay Homage to Ralphie

Ralphie is the University of Colorado Boulder’s mascot, a live buffalo who makes an appearance at every home game. Not only does she represent CU Boulder, but also the spirit of the Wild West and Western American culture. She leads the football team onto the field on game day and laps the gridiron to the wild cheers of fans, a revelrous sight for any cowboy to see.

Cowboy-ify Your Getup

If you want to visit Boulder like a true cowboy, you've gotta dress the part. John Allen Woodward is a master craftsman of luxury leather goods and one of the few American artisans still making fine leather, silver and gold accessories by hand. Mosey into his shop on Pearl Street to browse rows of bolo ties, belts, boots, wallets and more expertly crafted goods.

Listen to Bluegrass in a Historic Gold Mining Town

Drive less than 30 minutes from downtown Boulder to the mountain town of Gold Hill and you might as well be returning to the Wild West. This sleepy mountain town, the site of the first major discovery of gold during the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush, comes to life during summertime when the Gold Hill Inn hosts live music, fine dining and a beer garden.

Get Your Hands Dirty

With more than 1,000 farms in Boulder County, there are numerous ways to support local agriculture and tap into country roots while you're in town. Volunteer in the vegetable fields at Sunflower Farm. Learn how to make jam, bone broth and fermented foods at Three Leaf Farm. At Growing Gardens, take a community class like cheesemaking, gardening, beekeeping and more. Or take your pick (literally) of what you'd like to do on a local farm with our Boulder Farm Trail guide.

Cast a Line in a Mountain River

Picture yourself brewing a cup of cowboy coffee and casting a line downstream in a rocky canyon without a soul in sight. Or, pick up a piping hot latte and head to the easily accessible, rainbow trout-rich Boulder Creek that runs through downtown from Boulder Canyon. Both are possible here. Read our guide to fly fishing in Boulder for all your options. And be sure to pick up a fishing license from Colorado Parks and Wildlife first.

Gather Around the Fire

Although no open burning is allowed within Boulder, many restaurants feature rustic outdoor firepits and views just waiting for you to roll up to with your boots, sit fireside, swap stories and enjoy a drink or a meal under a starry night sky. View our favorites here.

Dine Like a Cowboy at these Restaurants

Steakhouse No. 316 Upscale tavern-like restaurant with a roaring fireplace and one of the best steaks in Boulder
Blackbelly Market Award-winning nose-to-tail butchery and restaurant with sustainable, Colorado-focused meats

Sundown Saloon A time-tested college dive bar with Western vibes, bar food and multiple pool tables
West End Tavern A dimly lit, lounge-y bar and restaurant in a historic Pearl Street building with a strong whiskey list and on-site meat smoker

Dark Horse Longtime CU favorite, not outright Western but kitschy and fun with fantastic burgers
Outback Saloon Low-key Western bar with beer and pub eats, plus pool, darts, karaoke and live music
Bonus: Boulder Spirits Tasting Room Award-winning American single-malt whiskeys distilled locally and served in their tasting room on Pearl Street

Rustic Places to Stay

A-Lodge Boulder Guest rooms, tent camping and a cottage situated on a trickling creek in nature just 10 minutes from downtown
Basecamp Boulder Close to downtown but with an outdoorsy vibe, including an outdoor firepit, bunk rooms and indoor climbing wall
Foot of the Mountain Log-cabin 1930s roadside motel tucked into the foothills with a firepit under the stars
Hotel Boulderado Boulder's oldest hotel with stained-glass ceilings and dark, oiled woodwork throughout