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Boulder

Colorado

A lively university town at the foot of the Flatirons, with some of America's best trails right off Main Street.

Photo: Lee Coursey · CC BY 2.0

The sloping sandstone Flatirons are the town's symbol, with the pedestrian Pearl Street below. The University of Colorado campus has some of the country's prettiest buildings.

Best Time
May to October
Time Needed
1–2 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
About 45 minutes from Denver by car or bus.

What to See

3 of 3 are free
Free2 hours

Chautauqua Park

Hikes among the Flatirons.

Free2 hours

Pearl Street Mall

Buskers, cafés and shops.

Free45 minutes

Celestial Seasonings

Tea factory tours, including the Mint Room.

Know Before You Go

  • Weekend trailhead parking fills early.
  • Altitude is 5,400 feet: drink water.

Where to Stay

Stay near Pearl Street.

Where to Eat

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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Rocky Mountains list.