The City of Boulder, CO is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m). Just west of the city are imposing slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, known as the Flatirons. The Flatirons are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder.

Boulder is surrounded by more than 36,000 acres of recreational open space, conservation easements, and nature preserves. There are world-class hiking trails throughout the city. The most popular areas to hike are in Chautauqua Park. Many of the trails start at the western edge of the city, while others are a short drive away. The trails vary in difficulty; some are quite easy while there are some that are technically challenging. The City of Boulder Open Space website is a resource for information about outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities. Shorter summit hikes include Flagstaff and Mount Sanitas to the north and mountain biking single track to the south. North Boulder is the road biker’s most popular start point. There is also an abundance of rock climbing for all skill levels.

The primary water flow through the city is Boulder Creek. The creek was named well ahead of the city’s founding, for all of the large granite boulders that have cascaded into the creek over the eons. It is from Boulder Creek that Boulder is believed to have taken its name. Boulder Creek has significant water flow, derived primarily from snow melt and minor springs west of the city. The creek is a tributary of the South Platte River.

One of the most popular sections of Boulder is the famous Pearl Street Mall, home to numerous shops and restaurants.  Here you will find an abundance of local coffee shops, art galleries, artisan shops and a plethora of gastronomic delights.  When the weather allows, the mall is home to many street performers, from musicians and tarot readers to the zip code man.

If you are visiting in the spring through fall, the Farmers’ Market is open Saturday mornings (8am-2pm) and Wednesday evenings (4-8pm), April through October on 13th Street next to Central Park. The market was started in 1986 by regional farmers.

Boulder is well known for its liberal attitude, enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and interest in health.  Hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, herbalism, shamanism, dance, astrology – you name it, Boulder folks are probably into it!

Gallup poll rates Boulder as the happiest, healthiest city in the US! Click here for full article: http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_14404187

Weather

Boulder is near the mountains, but its climate is buffered by proximity to the plains. Winter daytime temperatures are usually slightly above freezing, and in summer the mercury often rises into the 80s. The weather can change very quickly, with a warm spring afternoon swiftly turning to a freezing afternoon snowstorm, so plan for a variety of weather conditions.