Planning your trip to Boulder

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The only thing more charming than Hotel Boulderado’s name is its interior. For an upper mid-range option, Boulderado is fantastic. It feels like all of Boulder distilled into a hotel. It can still be a bit pricey though, and perhaps downtown isn’t where you’re looking to be. The answer to that is the Adventure Lodge. It’s located five-minutes into the mountains outside of Boulder and they take advantage of the space. There is a variety of rooming options (with a variety of prices) they even having an area for camping. In fact, their camping is extremely well located. We couldn’t find better camping without getting far out of the city. It’s close to the hiking and there is a youthful spirit to the place.

Our favourite B&B in Boulder is the Briar Rose Bed and Breakfast. Homemade granola, a quick walk to Pearl Street, and even a meditation room are some of the reasons to love the Briar Rose. Briar Rose does all the little things right. That attention to detail trickles down through the entire stay.

View from the Boulder Peak summit on the hike from Boulder

Beautiful Landscape from Green Mountain trail in Boulder

WHERE TO EAT IN Boulder

As we mentioned, Colorado is flush with breweries and brewpubs. A large number of those breweries have found their way to Boulder, so we thought we’d start there. We think there are two brew pubs that should be on your list: Mountain Sun Pub and Avery Brewing. We liked Mountain Sun’s “make your own grilled cheese” option as well as their long beer and burger menu. It’s the kind of place that can appease anyone. Avery has an even bigger tap list, newer building, but a smaller menu. We still think the menu has plenty of accommodating options; it’s just the main area that differentiates the two brewpubs.

Now, if you’re looking for something closer to fine dining, try a decadent night out at Arcana restaurant. It’s not going to break the bank, but it’s certainly a great fine-dining restaurant. We really loved the décor at Arcana, as well as the staff.

The best Italian place in town is Il Pastaio. They do a vast variety of pastas and sauces (as well as other main dishes). We think that if you’re not getting the Gnocchi then you’re missing out, but that might just be personal preference. For Indian food go to Curry ‘N’ Kebob. They do northern Indian, Bangladeshi, as well as some British curries. The garlic naan is sensational and the prices are very agreeable.

If you’re in Boulder, even for an afternoon, you must stop at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. This beautiful building was handmade in Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. They have fantastic tea and snacks as well. Another great café, which we love more for breakfast or brunch, is The Parkway Café. It’s a traditional breakfast place where they make their food with love and care. It’s a great way to fuel up before a big hike.

Gregory Canyon Flagstaff hike near Boulder has a beautiful overlook

Mount Sanitas trail in Boulder offers some of the best views in Colorado

Things To Do in Boulder

We think spending time outdoors in Boulder is simply the best. Boulder is full of adventures and we love hiking around the city and also have the 10 Best hikes on our website.

If you don’t feel like hiking there are lots of other ways to get outside. Why not rent some bikes and check out the Valmont Bike Park? It’s a great set of trails and BMX features: lots of fun. There’s also a lot of mountain biking and road biking around Boulder. Climbing near Boulder is also very popular, with some great local pitches.

If biking or climbing is too intense, just getting out onto the Pearl Street Mall is a great way to spend an afternoon. It’s a very charming. It’s very friendly. There are sculptures, street performers, and fantastic shopping. We don’t talk about shopping much here at 10Adventures, but this is a special place to be sure. You can also check out the farmer’s markets that start up in spring and run until fall. In Boulder, you’ll find the markets running on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Another delicious suggestion is only somewhat outdoors: a walking brewery tour. The folks at Boulder Brew Tours can whip up a custom tour for you and yours on your next visit. Boulder is flush with awesome beer, so why not take advantage of it? You can also check out MTN Scoop's article on the best breweries in boulder to choose your favorite.

If the weather isn’t agreeing with you we have some indoor activities too. The National Center for Atmospheric Research has lots of great interactive exhibits and gives anyone a chance to learn about tornadoes, clouds and the like. In a similar science-theme you can check out the Fiske Planetarium. Their light show is a fun way to learn about the mysteries of the universe!

Crossing the wild river on the Creek Canyon trail in Boulder, Colorado

Boulder Creek Canyon trail is a beautiful hike in Colorado

DANGERS WHEN HIKING IN Boulder

• Stay hydrated! The elevation in Boulder can cause people some light altitude sickness. Stay hydrated in order to help your body acclimatize to the difference.
• Never feed or approach wildlife. Always carry bear spray.
• You must use the food storage cables or lockers provided to suspend or secure all food, garbage, toiletries (e.g. deodorant) and cooking equipment.
• Even though it may look pristine, make sure you boil, treat or filter all water before drinking it.
• Weather can change quickly. Make sure to bring multiple layers.
• Always bring sunglasses, a hat and wear sunscreen - even in winter. The sun at the alpine altitude is very strong.
• The nights can get very cold - even in summer. Pack a warm sleeping bag.

Interesting Facts About Boulder

• Three things the citizens of Boulder are said to love most are Beer, Dogs, and Yoga. It’s a very young, active city. We love that about Boulder.
• Boulder is said to be one of the best cities to live in for outdoor lovers due to its close proximity to many recreational activities and parks.
• While we’re talking about beer, Colorado has ten percent of the U.S.A’s craft breweries and only two percent of the population, so you can tell they’re serious about beer.
• Boulder is known for having the most people who walk to work per capita. This green city also has very extensive bike lanes!
• There are building restrictions in Boulder designed to keep the view of the mountains uninterrupted, so enjoy that view!