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 Outdoors
Nature's perfect equation
by Isaac Woods Stokes
I dig our town, and I’m gonna tell you why.
I dig Boulder because 300 days a year of sun is Mama Nature’s perfect meteorological equation. A few sunny days more, and you’re SoCal soft — Philistines! Ninety percent fewer, and you’re in Seattle, where a downtown corner sports four coffee shops ’cause java is your cheapest serotonin enhancer. The Right Coast? Trust a native Vermonter — it’s monochromatic Novembers would be the ideal location for a new Gitmo. You see all those expatriate VT stickers adorning cars in town? There’s a solid reason, and it ain’t manifest destiny.
I dig Boulder because, unlike most spots in the Lower 48 that get four legit robust seasons, our winter is episodic not endless. So as I type, the snow is heartily draping rooflines, outlining fences and entombing daffodils. But by the time this publication lands in your hands, you’ll likely be sunning your alabaster toes in toasty temps.
What about the lay of the land that all this glorious weather falls upon? Well, I live in SoBo, and I’ve spent countless happy hours tramping through the open space a few blocks down the street. I’m far from a wealthy man, but every time I set foot in the wilderness that occupies the entire western skyline, I feel an entitlement I doubt any hedge-fund manager enjoys. In fact, shortly before moving to Boulder I spent some time in San Francisco, a charmed spot in its own right. I devoted days to cruising aimlessly through the city, contemplating myself as one of those inhabiting local flashy restaurants or as a receiver of a spinning Frisbee in Golden Gate Park. Then I watched folks nearly come to blows over parking spots in Whole Foods and stood in front of billionaire Larry Ellison’s house to realize even he has no backyard. Scary, at least to me.
My backyard is hundreds of miles of pristine trails lined with yucca, sandstone pillars for the scrambling and stoic pines. Having been to countless national parks, I can safely say that the terrain that backstops our fair city easily compares to any spot that is guarded by a toll-collecting ranger station. Skunk Canyon, Bear Canyon, South Boulder Creek Trail — show me finer terra firma anywhere. And we are not alone in our appreciation/reverence for the land. This year alone I’ve been treated to encounters with a mother bear and two (!) cubs, sly coyotes, shiny foxes, thundering elk and liquid-eyed deer, all within strolling distance from my casa. My favorite kind of neighbors.
Boulder may not be heaven, but it shares the same zip code.
OUTDOOR FAVORITES
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain Scenic Area is located five miles west of Boulder on the south side of Sunshine Canyon Dr. (County Road 52).
Betasso Preserve
Located at the junction of Boulder and Fourmile Canyons, Betasso Preserve is a 773-acre preserve managed by the county. Check the county website for mountain biking regulations. It is located six miles west of Boulder off Sugarloaf Road.
Boulder Reservoir
5565 51st St., / 303-441-3461
www.bouldercolorado.gov
Boulder Reservoir has a 600-acre lake and is available for kayaking, fishing, volleyball, motor boating and water skiing. For directions, regulations and activities, visit the city’s website.
Caribou Ranch
Caribou Ranch is a pristine patchwork of wetlands, meadows, woodlands and streams. Off limits to dogs, the 2,180 property is open to hikers and horseback riders. Seasonal closures protect sensitive wildlife. Off-trail use prohibited. Caribou Ranch can be accessed north of Nederland or south of Ward on County Road 126 off of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.
Central Park
1739 Broadway St. / 303-938-5000
This park features a historic passenger train, grassy picnic areas and a band shell for musical performances. Boulder’s popular Farmers’ Market is set up adjacent to the park on Wednesdays and Saturdays, during the spring, summer and fall.
Chautauqua Park
900 Baseline Rd. / 303-413-7200
This local landmark has beautiful scenery, outstanding hiking trails and is the location of one of the premiere cultural venues in the state of Colorado.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
9 Kneale Rd., Eldorado Springs / 303-494-3943
parks.state.co.us/Parks/eldoradocanyon
Eldorado Canyon, known affectionately by climbers as Eldo, offers more than 500 technical rock-climbing routes, some of the most classic climbing in the country. In addition, it offers trials hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and fishing. No camping. For information about trails, regulations, fees and activities, visit the state website.
Flagg Park
Access to the property is from the park entrance off of Flagg Dr., east of 120th St. and south of Baseline Road. Head east on Baseline Road. Turn south on Flagg Dr. Turn east into the parking lot for Flagg Park. The property address is 12400 Flagg Dr. in Lafayette.
Flagstaff Nature Center
The Flagstaff Nature Center is located on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain and is accessed by following Flagstaff Road approximately 3.5 miles to its junction with the Flagstaff Summit road. Go right on the Flagstaff Summit road, follow it approximately one half mile to the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. The Flagstaff Nature Center is staffed largely by volunteers, who teach participants about the wildlife, plants and history of the area. There are activities and games designed to challenge children of all ages, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff will answer all your questions.
Hall Ranch
Preserving crucial wildlife habitat, Hall Ranch includes 3,206 acres of background and 12 miles of multiuse trails. The entrance to Hall Ranch is found on Highway 7, one mile west of Lyons.
Heil Valley Ranch
With a variety of ecosystems, including prime breeding habitat for many species of birds, Heil Valley Ranch consists of 4,923 acres of backcountry with a picnic shelter and almost seven miles of multiuse trails. The entrance to Heil Valley Ranch is located on Geer Canyon Road off of Left Hand Canyon Road northwest of Boulder.
Lagerman Reservoir
This 116-acre reservoir offers nesting habitat to pelicans and is located 2.5 miles southwest of Longmont. Fishing is allowed on Lagerman Reservoir. See the county’s website for restrictions. The entrance to the reservoir is located about three miles north of Niwot on the west side of North 75th Street.
Legion Park
Legion Park is located east of Boulder on Arapahoe Road one half mile west of 75th Street.
Mud Lake
Mud Lake Open Space comprises 233 acres of open space surrounding a scenic four-acre lake near Nederland. The park offers three miles of trails, including a loop system for mountain bikers and equestrians and trail connections with Nederland and Caribou Ranch Open Space that offer scenic views for hikers. The new trail connections to Caribou Ranch provide extra mileage for a total round trip of about 5.5 miles. The Mud Lake trailhead can be accessed off County Road 126, one mile north of the turnabout in Nederland, off the Peak-to-Peak Highway (Hwy. 72).
Rabbit Mountain
Rabbit Mountain Open Space is one of the few places in Boulder County where golden eagles still nest. With five miles of multiuse trails, as well as picnic tables, Rabbit Mountain is located on North 53rd Street, about 15 miles north of Boulder off of Highway 66 approximately two miles east of Lyons.
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36, Estes Park
Visitor information: 970-586-1206
Campground reservations: 877-444-6777
www.nps.gov/romo/
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s national treasures. Woodrow Wilson declared it a national park in 1915, and it covers 265,769 acres. Featuring hiking trails, camping grounds, picnic areas, parking and wildlife viewing, it draws millions of visitors each year. Backpackers are required to get a backcountry permit. User fees are charged for park entry and for backcountry use. Scenic Trail Ridge Road bisects the park, leading over the Continental Divide, but is open during the summer only (roughly Memorial Day through mid-September). Take Highway 36 (28th Street) up through Estes Park and follow the road signs.
Walden Ponds
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat is located five miles northeast of Boulder, one half mile south of the Jay Road and North 75th Street intersection on the west side of North 75th Street. Providing crucial breeding and feeding habitat for everything from waterfowl to bats, it’s often used as an outdoor classroom for students from the Boulder Valley School District.
Walker Ranch
Walker Ranch can be accessed from either the Meyers Homestead Trailhead on the west side of Flagstaff Road, or the Walker Ranch Loop Trailhead on the east side of Flagstaff Road, about 7-1⁄2 miles west of Baseline Road in Boulder. The Walker Ranch Loop can also be accessed via the Eldorado Canyon State Park, with parking at the Crescent Meadows lot.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATION
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
P.O. Box 791 / 303-441-3440
www.ci.boulder.co.us
In 1967, Boulder became the first city to vote to tax itself to preserve open space. Today Boulder continues to be leader in open space acquisition, with more than 43,000 acres of land protected and preserved and 130 miles of trails to get you out there admiring the view.
City of Boulder Parks and Recreation
3198 Broadway / 303-413-7200
Basically responsible for the entire city’s fun, Parks and Rec is in charge of ball fields, soccer fields and tennis, three recreation centers and two outdoor pools, the skate park, the pottery lab, the golf course, Boulder Reservoir and the five-and-a-half mile Boulder Creek Path.
Boulder County Parks and Open Space
5201 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont / 303-678-6200
Providing almost 90 miles of beautiful trails in Boulder County where visitors can hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or ride horseback through the gorgeous Colorado terrain. For a trail maps, regulations and other information go to www.co.boulder.co.us/openspace.
OUTDOOR GUIDES
Adventure Rabbi
303-417-6200
www.adventurerabbi.com
This organization is designed to combine outdoor activities with traditional Jewish practices. Adventure Rabbi takes participants on hikes and ski trips, but they also specialize ceremonies such as weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and Hanukkah parties.
Boulder Outdoor Center
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. E4-228 / 303-444-8420
www.boulderoutdoorcenter.com
The Boulder Outdoor Center provides equipment, instruction and guide trips for a variety of summer and winter activities, including skiing, snowshoe, rafting, kayaking and more. Their knowledgeable staff is trained to work with people of all ages and skill levels.
Colorado Mountain School
800-836-4008
www.totalclimbing.com
The Colorado Mountain School has been guiding since 1877 under various names. CMS is the largest guide service in Colorado and has more AMGA and International Federation of Mountain Guides Association certified guides than any other guide service in the state. They remain the exclusive climbing organization for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Front Range Anglers Inc.
629-B S. Broadway / 303-494-1375
frontrangeanglers.com
This business offers a wide variety of fly-fishing equipment and accessories. Front Range Anglers offers guided tours and maintains strict ethical and conservation guidelines.
Highside Adventure Tours
2350 Riverside Dr., Idaho Springs / 800-997-3448
www.raftingcolorado.com
Highside Adventure Tours offers some of the best outdoor tours in Colorado, including rafting, fishing, biking and kayaking. They offer individual tours or group trips.
Women’s Wilderness Institute
5723 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. 1B / 303-938-9191
www.womenswilderness.org
This organization offers outdoor experiences for women and teen girls. This program is designed to meet the unique needs and learning styles of females.
INSTRUCTION / TRAINING
Boulder Nordic Sport
1717 15th St. / 720-227-9400
www.bouldernordicsport.com
This facility provides equipment, knowledge and services to cross-country skiers of all ages and skill levels. Boulder Nordic Sport can offer assistance to professionals and novices alike.
Boulder Outdoor Center
2525 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. E4-228 / 303-444-8420
www.boulderoutdoorcenter.com
The Boulder Outdoor Center provides equipment, instruction and guide trips for a variety of summer and winter activities, including skiing, snowshoe, rafting, kayaking and more. Their knowledgeable staff is trained to work with people of all ages and skill levels.
Boulder Quest Center
1200 Yarmouth Ave. / 303-440-3647
www.boulderquest.com
This facility has numerous empowerment strategies and martial arts classes to offer the public. They have programs in kickboxing, belly dance, meditation, yoga and to-shin do.
Boulder Rock Club
2829 Mapleton Ave. / 303-447-2804
www.totalclimbing.com
Boulder Rock Club was one of the first climbing gyms in the country. They have more than 200 routes, and they change them regularly. Their programs include youth and adult instruction, competition teams, weight lifting and cardiovascular equipment, personal training, lectures, films, yoga, Pilates and, their latest addition, an altitude training room.
Colorado Mountain School
800-836-4008
www.totalclimbing.com
The Colorado Mountain School has been guiding since 1877 under various names. CMS is the largest guide service in Colorado and has more AMGA and International Federation of Mountain Guides Association certified guides than any other guide service in the state. They remain the exclusive climbing organization for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Colorado Sports Training Studio
1501 Lee Hill Rd. #11 / 303-601-1671
www.coloradosportstraining.com
CSTS is dedicated to promoting proper athletic training in any arena. The staff uses positive reinforcement and scientific training techniques to coach athletes from a variety of backgrounds.
FastForward Sports
1649 North St. / 303-440-1975
www.fastforwardsports.net
FastForward provides year-around training for athletes or recreational runners. This is a non-threatening and professional atmosphere for athletes of all levels.
Fleet Feet Sports
2624 Broadway / 303-939-8000
www.fleetfeetsports.com
Fleet Feet offers a variety of products and specialized training for athletes of all levels. Runners can sign up for classes and events that will improve their levels of performance.
Front Range Anglers Inc.
629-B S. Broadway / 303-494-1375
frontrangeanglers.com
Front Range Anglers offers a wide variety of fly-fishing equipment and accessories. Front Range Anglers offers guided tours and maintains strict ethical and conservation guidelines.
Medically Based Fitness
4790 Table Mesa Dr. # 200 / 303-447-2873
www.medfit.net
Medically Based Fitness provides physical therapy, exercise programs, personal training and community education. Their highly trained staff works with a wide variety of therapeutic needs.
Ocean First Divers
3015 Bluff St. / 303-440-8882
www.oceanfirstdivers.com
Ocean First Divers is an environmentally friendly dive operation that focuses on education and conservation. They advocate preservation and sustainable tourism in the dive industry.
Peak to Peak Paragliding
1035 Utica Ave. / 303-817-0803
www.peaktopeakparagliding.com
This is a full-service paragliding school that offers classes for beginning and experienced paragliders, as well as courses for pilots. They also sell high-quality gear and offer travel excursions.
The Spot Bouldering Gym
3240 Prairie Ave. / 303-443-0778
www.thespotgym.com
One of the city’s newest climbing gyms, The Spot is dedicated to bouldering with Hueco. Fontainebleau and Yosemite textures and forms. Their freestanding boulders are up to 18-feet high, and the facility features a 25-foot-tall roped climbing wall, training equipment and soft, high-tech flooring.
Weaver’s Dive and Travel Center
637 S. Broadway St. #V / 303-499-8500
www.weaversdive.com
Weaver’s can train you to become a certified diver, sell you the necessary equipment and plan your trip for you, all at one location. They offer numerous packages for individual and group dives around the world.
OUTDOOR ACTIVIST ORGANIZATION / CLUB
Boulder Freeride
CU campus / 303-492-6567
boulderfreeride.com
This organization was established in 1933, and it is dedicated to promoting skiing and snowboarding throughout Colorado. It is the largest student group on campus, and it features activities and events year around.
Boulder Nordic Ski Club
www.bouldernordic.org
The Boulder Nordic Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cross-country skiing. Membership in BNC includes social activities, training opportunities, racing, discounts at local retailers and regional ski areas and other benefits as well.
Boulder Outdoor Group
bcn.boulder.co.us/topical/BOG
Activities are open to everyone — including singles, couples, families, etc. There are events for all skill levels and age groups.
Boulder Road Runners
boulderroadrunners.org
Members of the Boulder Road Runners receive discounts from local businesses and the BRR newsletter. There are numerous chances to participate in events and races through this organization.
Boulder Striders
www.boulderstriders.com
This organization uses group training methods to assist runners of all skill levels and backgrounds. Boulder Striders offers knowledgeable coaches, weekly schedules, running groups and more.
Boulder Triathlon Club
www.teambtc.org
The members of this organization participate in endurance sports of all kinds. They have numerous events and activities designed to support endurance sports and improve performance.
Colorado Mountain Club
633 S. Broadway, Unit N / 303-554-7688
www.cmc.org
The 1,600 members of this club participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, climbing and skiing activities. They also have regular social outings and other special events.
CU Cycling
CU campus
www.colorado.edu/StudentGroups/cucycling
This college organization competes in a wide variety of cycling events around the nation. They have a knowledgeable coaching staff and many talented athletes.
CU Hiking Club
207 UCB, 352 UMC, CU Campus
uchc@colorado.edu
This club was founded in 1919, and it is the oldest student-run organization at CU. The Hiking Club provides wilderness adventure and recreation to the Boulder community.
Flatirons Ski Club
bcn.boulder.co.us/recreation/fsc
This organization engages in a wide variety of social and athletic events. Although their focus is skiing, they also participate in snowshoeing, hiking and other activities.
Friends of Boulder Open Space
www.friendsofboulderopenspace.org
FOBOS was founded in 2006 to bring together community members interested in protecting the ecological health and diversity of Boulder’s extraordinary open space and mountain park lands. Its mission is to promote smart, sensible, conservation-first management of our public lands.
Running Republic of Boulder
www.runningrepublic.com
This is a goal-focused training program that takes place in a positive environment. They are serious about training, but they believe running should be fun.
Schussbaumer Ski Club
schussbaumer.org/com
This is a private ski, recreational and social club that has mostly single members. Schussbaumer has great ski packages for their members, but they also participate in biking, hiking, camping, canoeing, rafting, inline skating, running and more.
Title Nine Women’s Cycling
www.titlenine
cycling.com
This is a female club dedicated to empowering women through athletics. The organization offers athletic and social events, as well as group training and mentoring.
Ultimate Players Association
4730 Table Mesa Dr. / 303-447-3472
Founded in 1979, the UPA is among the first flying disc sport organizations in the world, and one of the largest, with more than 27,300 members and hundreds of volunteers. They have numerous activities and events year around.
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