Boulder Area Guide

The minute you glimpse Boulder from the scenic overlook on Hwy 36 the Boulder Turnpike, you will fall in love. The view is breath taking as you stare at the Rocky Mountains shooting up to the West and the plains stretching east toward the horizon. Boulder’s fabulous location, at the base of the dramatic red rock formations called the Flatirons, is a major attraction.

Most Boulderites consider Boulder a type of utopia. Healthy, young and educated best describe the general mix of the population. Many world-class competitors in running, cycling, and climbing live here while undergoing a high-altitude training program. Boulder is also a thriving college community and a major high-tech center, with numerous computer and scientific institutions. All of this while maintaining a small town feeling.

Boulder always offers something interesting to do: Music, lectures, theater and dance proliferate. A stroll down the Pearl Street Mall, through the beautiful University of Colorado campus or along the Boulder Creek is always welcome. Boulder’s Open Space land preserves spectacular views of the mountains and the wide-open prairies, 33,000 acres are reserved solely for public recreational use.

Major Attractions:

Pearl Street Mall

 Don’t miss the Pearl Street Mall. It is the essence of Boulder. It’s a place where the pulse of the town is out in the open air. The mall’s wide brick walkway is bordered on both sides by restaurants, shops, galleries and bars; most occupy turn of the century, two story buildings. Grassy areas, flowers, sculptures and wooden benches complete the physical environment. While strolling down the mall you’ll catch free performances by jugglers, magicians, acrobats, musicians and mimes. There is always something happening.

Colorado Music Festival

Late June through early August classical music concerts take place in the magnificent all-wood historic Chautauqua Auditorium. Musicians from symphonies around the world come together to play with renowned guest artists. Pre-concert picnickers sit upon the grassy green lawn enjoying wine and dinner. If you prefer dining at a table the front porch of the Chautauqua dining hall offers gourmet delights with views of the Flatirons.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

In a beautiful garden setting at the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater on the CU campus, highly entertaining productions of Shakespeare are performed each summer. Talented company members and well known guest artists play a number of major roles. Whether it is a joyful production of a Midsummer Night’s Dream or Hamlet or The Tempest you will feel emotions only Shakespeare can evoke.

The Bolder Boulder

The Bolder Boulder 10K race attracts some 20,000 runner every Memorial Day. Bands line the streets of Boulder as all ages and sizes run, and walk through the Boulder streets ending at Folsom Field.

Conference on World Affairs

Everything under the sun is analyzed by the experts who participate in panel discussions on the CU campus every spring. Question-and-answer periods take place after each presentation. You’ll be able to mingle with government officials, CIA operatives, witches, cosmonauts, refugees, journalists and radical feminists—something for everyone. Come and enjoy!