It isn’t a secret that Boulder is a dream come true for outdoor aficionados. Mazes of hiking trails lure adventure-seekers out along with the warm weather each year, but this year, why not mix it up a little and explore new outdoor adventures that are waiting just outside of your back door? From learning how to stand up paddle board, to upping your mountain biking shred skills, to gulping up the Kool-Aid of the the area’s insanely popular climbing scene—there’s an adventure for everyone waiting patiently for the temps in Boulder to rise again. Check out these five outdoor adventures to explore in Boulder this summer.
SUP at the Boulder Reservoir
Stand up paddle boarding is on the rise in Colorado and throughout active outdoor communities all across the country. Whether you’re a novice, or a diehard SUP fan, spending a few hours paddling around the Boulder Reservoir is a must-do outdoor activity this summer. SUP is not only a great workout, but it’s a great way to slow down for a few hours and enjoy the natural surroundings that Boulder is blessed with. And that view, though. The views of the Flatirons from the gentle waves on the Reservoir are some of the best in the area. If you’re interested in learning the basics of SUP, check out Rocky Mountain Paddleboards, a local business that offers instructional classes at the Boulder Reservoir throughout the summer. Rocky Mountain Paddleboards also offers rentals during the warm weather months which are available at the Res. seven days a week throughout the summer. Stay tuned to Rocky Mountain Paddleboard for more info on summer classes and hours.
Get Rugged on Two Wheels
Boulder County is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails along the Front Range. If you’ve been itching to tackle some trails in the area, check out the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and sign up for a skills clinic or one of the many group rides run by the BMA—including a beginners ride, a co-ed Mix and Mingle, a Ladies-Only ride and a Trails & Ale ride that ends with food and craft beer offerings from local breweries. The majority of the BMA’s group rides begin in April, so start stretching out those calf muscles, gather up your gear, and tackle some epic trails this year.
Climb the Flatirons
The sport of climbing and the iconic and scenic Flatirons are two of the top things that define the city of Boulder. If you haven’t already experienced the thrill of scaling the faces of the Flatirons, schedule a guided trip this summer with the folks at Colorado Wilderness Rides & Guides. Custom trips and courses can be put together by request, with 3-4 hour, 6-8 hour, and multi-day trips available. And if you’re a beginner, but you have your sights on climbing the Flatirons some day, Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides also offers a series of beginner courses to help get you on your way.
Fly Fishing in the Boulder Creek
Bust out the waders, grab a fly rod, and hit the waters of the Boulder Creek this summer for some fly fishing in some of the best waters in the Boulder County. Fly fishing is an art and luckily Boulder is home to Rocky Mountain Anglers—a fly shop that also offers guided trips year round. Half-day or full-day guided trips are available, and waders, rods, reels, flies, professional guiding, and Instagram-worthy shots of you puckering up next to a trout are including in the price.
Run the BolderBoulder
One of Boulder’s most time-honored events, the BolderBoulder exemplifies all that is quirky, great and celebrated in our great city. Get your crew together, coordinate some whacky costumes, and spend the day outside cruising through the streets of town on a 10K course filled with random stops that features make-shift water attractions and sometimes, bootleg beer. Online registration is currently open for this year’s BolderBoulder, which is set to take place on May 30th.
