With summer past its halfway mark, it’s easy to find yourself at a loss for local things to do in Boulder. Rock climb in Boulder Canyon? Done. Hike the Flatirons at Chautauqua? Already tackled it three times this week. Bike up Flagstaff? Please, that was so mid-May. But fret not. We’ve got a list of things that will let you end your summer with a bang.
1. Go Moonlight Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Rocky Mountain Paddleboard offers a full moon paddle event every month this summer. Launching at dusk and returning a few hours later, this event is free if you have your own board. If you need to rent a board or a kayak, be sure to sign up early because this event is very popular and equipment goes fast. They have kayaks and paddle boards for rent, and sell LED lights at the reservoir. Pack your coolers and get there early for a pre-paddle BBQ/picnic. Check out their Facebook page for event listings.
2. Go On a Fun Run
Tired of running solo? Weekly fun runs are offered all over the Boulder area, and many offer demos, giveaways, and finish with beer and snacks. Our favorites are the Boulder Running Company Fun Runs (Wednesdays at 6pm) and Fleet Feet’s Breakfast Run (Saturdays at 8am). For a more comprehensive schedule, click here.
3. Take a Fly Fishing Class
Whether you’ve never cast a line or are looking to hone your fly-tying techniques, Rocky Mountain Anglers has a class to suit your needs. Located only minutes away from Downtown Boulder, the shop has classes for beginners (which are free!), advanced workshops, youth camps, and one-on-one private lessons. If these got you hooked (pun intended), Rocky Mountain Anglers also hosts guided half and full day fly fishing trips.
4. Explore the Valmont Bike Park
Located north of central Boulder, Valmont has 40 acres of trails and rails for bikers of all age and skill levels. This park is perfect for an afternoon shred sesh or those weekends when loading up the car and driving all the way up to the mountains sounds unappealing. It’s so easy to grab your bike and bring some friends to this free park. Be sure to check out their slalom course, jumps, and pump park. Looking to up your biking game? Check out the skills clinics, kids summer camps, and toddler strider racing offered at Valmont. There are also always events going on there, from films to expos.
5. Look Up at the Universe at CU’s Observatory
Okay, so this is not really an outdoors activity. But sometimes it’s so hot that you’ve sweated out about forty gallons of water and you’re too tired for a night hike and all the campsites around town are full and you just need something more low-key to do. Sommers-Bausch Observatory (SBO) on CU’s campus offers free public observing every Friday night. These sessions are run mostly by physics and astrophysics students at the University of Colorado and offer an unparalleled gateway to the night sky. The 16 inch and 18 inch telescopes let you see any array of objects, from planets to nebulas to an up close and personal view of the moon. The staff on hand can answer all of your questions about the night sky, point out constellations, and give you scientific explanations for what you’re looking at. It’s perfect if you have kids, want to impress a date, or are just looking to have some existentialist musings.
