Boulder city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Colorado’s adventure city

Standing in the centre of Pearl Street, gazing at the Flatiron peaks a mere mile away, it’s easy to see why Boulder’s founders chose to settle here. Wherever you turn, you’ll see these five achingly beautiful slabs of high-rise rock – collectively they form the town’s emblem, talisman and spiritual landmark. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is part mountainside pleasure town, part frontier outpost, with a spiritual and intellectual streak that runs deep. Artists, students and seekers have all found refuge here, and they’ve moulded the town in their image.

Boulderites aren’t content with merely gazing at the Flatirons; they climb them, and you can too. This is America’s number one sports town, with 45,000 acres of open country, 300 miles of hiking paths and a love of nature that’s both all-consuming and infectious. Walking trails take you from the edge of town right up into mountains, and, if you’re brave enough, onto the cliff-face itself. Most days, you can see for miles. With 300 days of sunshine a year, and humidity regularly at 0 per cent, the air here has a crisp glassiness that shines.

Almost half of the population are students, attracted by the excellent University of Colorado and the unparalleled access to the great outdoors. As well as rugged frontier spirit, this adventure hub has gorgeous bars, stylish coffee shops, and independent retailers full of fine craftsmanship. You could explore Boulder’s charming downtown in a day; but be sure to get beyond it – and spent plenty of time outside.

What to do

Wind your way through Boulder’s historic landmarks by following this 5.5-mile riverbed trail, which weaves from the canyon on edge all the way to the city centre. Locals come here to run, hike, stroll, or just space out: from the university campus to a farmer’s market, many of the city’s cultural and culinary highlights can be found along the way. And if all that walking gets too much, you can paddle in the cool, clear waters of the creek itself. In the summer months, locals hop on inflatables or clink beers by the water’s edge.

People-watch on Pearl Street

Pedestrianised, tree-lined and red-bricked, Pearl Street is the epicentre of Boulder’s easygoing energy. The town’s collegiate feel, its sense of life lived spaciously, is…