One of the best reasons to come to Boulder, Colorado is the outdoor fun. This is not Disneyland, folks. Boulder, Colorado is home to some very intense, very physical outdoor sports. Popular activities here among college students and tourists include boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, biking and climbing. Let’s consider some of the best spots for boating and fishing to start with.
Kayaking is very popular among younger tourists, and one of the best spots to get started is Boulder Creek Whitewater Park. This downtown location boasts a series of pools and drops. Whitewater here is raced and played on regularly. Freestyle kayaking is allowed here all year round. Upper Boulder Creek is just three miles west of downtown and measures over three miles in length. Some tight rapids are contained in here, but it never disappoints.
The Boulder Reservoir is north of town and measures about 540 acres. Motorboats and non-motorboats are allowed inside, though motorized vessels must have a permit. Finally, there’s South Boulder Creek, which is ten miles southwest of town, and six miles in length.
If you have fly-fishing on your mind, then make plans to visit Boulder Creek and Boulder Canyon. You have easy access to the road and can catch everything from rainbow to cutthroat and brook trout. Fly fishing is allowed here and word is that dry flies work best. The Boulder Reservoir is another fine choice for fishing. Here you can catch walleye, black crappie and largemouth bass. There’s also some action happening at the Left Hand Creek in the Boulder Backyard area.
The best hiking trails are in the Boulder Backyard, particularly along the Chautauqua Park and the Gregory Canyon Trail. The Bald Mountain Loop and Pines to Peak Trail also offers some thrills, with an elevation of 240 feet. The most difficult trail is the Eldorado State Park and Canyon Trail with a 1,040 foot elevation.
Among the best locations for biking and climbing include the Foothills Trail to the Boulder Reservoir. Don’t miss your opportunity to hot air balloon! Visit the Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights attraction. There are also golf courses to enjoy like the FlatIrons Golf Course, the Boulder Country Club and the Angel Pines Country Club. Make sure that your Boulder, CO vacation is an active one!