Boulder residents and visitors will never get bored when choosing a hiking destination – there are 145 miles of trails and endless options on offer, whether you have just an hour or a whole weekend. Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by lush prairies full of grasses and wildflowers, choosing a destination often depends on your fitness level and whether you are bringing a dog.
Hike and camp at Arapaho Glacier
Arapaho Glacier is located in Roosevelt National Forest, bordering Colorado's North Arapaho Peak. This alpine glacier was once the largest glacier in Colorado but has lost more than half of its surface area over the last century. The trail is very popular and busy. From the Arapaho Glacier trailhead the trail leads to Arapaho Glacier Overlook after 6 miles and to the Fourth of July Mine after 7.8 miles.
Enjoy fantastic views from The Full Mesa Trail
The Full Mesa Trail is 13.4 mile-trail that runs through Boulder's foothills, blooming meadows, and dense, old pine forests, with fantastic views of the Flatirons, connecting Chautauqua Park with Eldorado Canyon Road. This popular trail is fairly easy, the change in elevation is only 437 feet, and horseback riding and dogs on the leash are allowed.
Spend your weekend on Coot Lake and Boulder Reservoir
The Coot Lake Trail is an easy 1.3-mile flat loop trail around Coot Lake near Longmont, Colorado. A part of the wide, smooth path is shared with the Boulder Reservoir Trail, which you can take if you want to extend your hike to 7.6 miles. Both trails are surrounded by prairie grasses and wet meadows, and are full of birds and wildlife. Dogs are allowed. Both trails are very popular and can get crowded on weekends.
Hike Shadow Canyon to South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak
Shadow Canyon Trail starts at the South Mesa trailhead, not far from Eldorado Springs. Stay on the Mesa Trail for a few miles until the sign points to the left towards Shadow Canyon. This steep canyon is full of huge boulders and lot of lush foliage and ferns. From the canyon, the trail is steep but well maintained. On top of the canyon is the saddle between South Boulder Peak and Bear Peak and it is possible to explore both during the same hike.
Take the kids to Wonderland Lake Park
Wonderland Lake Park is a spacious North Boulder neighborhood park next to the lake with open spaces, kids' playgrounds, and water access. The Wonderland Lake Loop Trail goes around the lake for about a mile and half, offering families and kids a nice bit of exercise while watching birds and plants along the trail.
