Boulder: Trails, Culture and History

Boulder offers several areas of focus for planning a trip: protected open spaces and trails, historic sites, cultural programs, and a visitor center with exhibits on weather and Earth systems. First consider which of these topics you want to shape your stay; you can then use specific destinations to guide your search for a vacation rental.

Open Spaces and Trails in Boulder

Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) encompass more than 46,000 acres of protected open space. This scale provides a clear framework for Boulder's natural areas and open space. The Boulder Creek Path is a specific example of a city trail: this 5.5-mile multi-use path runs through downtown Boulder.

As another point of reference, Boulder has more than 300 miles of bike and multi-use paths, as well as frequent and convenient public transit. If you include trails and public transit in your plans, check the latest information and conditions, as both can change.

The Chautauqua Trailhead provides access to 40 miles of hiking trails. The Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua offers hiking recommendations for different skill levels and provides brochures about wildflowers and wildlife. Check trail access and conditions before your visit; on-site offerings may also change.

Experience History and Culture

Colorado Chautauqua is a National Historic Landmark and offers cultural and educational programs. Chautauqua Park is part of an iconic historic landmark. The historic Chautauqua Auditorium was built in 1898 and hosts folk, rock and pop concerts throughout the summer. Concert dates vary by season.

Pearl Street Mall also has a specific historical context: on August 6, 1977, it was designated the “Downtown Boulder Mall,” and cars were banned from these blocks. Pearl Street Mall is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These two details combine a specific date with a later historic listing, without implying anything about current traffic conditions.

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse has a hand-carved and hand-painted ceiling, one of the decorative elements created by more than 40 artisans in Tajikistan. The teahouse is considered a living symbol of international friendship. Another facet of local life is the Boulder Farmers Market, which has offered locally produced food in Boulder since 1987. At its Saturday morning and Wednesday evening markets, it also showcases local musicians; the music program may change.

Exhibits and Nature at Mesa Lab

The NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center in Boulder offers interactive exhibits on weather, Earth systems and the history of NSF NCAR. Visits are free and do not require advance registration; this also applies to programs and tours. Mesa Lab has its own free parking lot for visitors and staff on the northeast side of the building.

Behind Mesa Lab is the scenic Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail. Together with the exhibits, it offers another area of focus for your planning: the visitor center explores weather and Earth systems, while the trail is a distinct place in the landscape.

Choose a Vacation Rental to Suit Your Plans

If you're planning as a family, you can make your fellow travelers' different interests the starting point for your choice: Are you more interested in trails and open space, historic sites, exhibits, or music and market dates? These are different reasons to visit and don't have to form one fixed itinerary. Choose a vacation rental location in Boulder based on the destinations you actually plan to visit. For seasonal concerts, market performances, trail conditions and public transit, it's worth checking the latest information before setting your plans.

Discover more destinations: Louisville, Longmont, Allenspark, Superior, Niwot.

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