Boulder, Colorado is a charming and vibrant city of about 100,000 people located 25 miles northwest of the Denver. It is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains in what is known as the "Front Range" of Colorado. Boulder is home to the University of Colorado, and with students making up nearly a quarter of the city's population, exhibits a fun and youthful feel. In 2008, Forbes Magazine listed Boulder as the "Most Educated City in America," and the town regularly makes top 10 lists for "healthy places to retire" and "greener" cities. There are many things to do in the area, with a myriad of restaurants, galleries, and shops in town. In particular, the Pearl Street Mall is worth a stop. One of the few areas in Colorado that does not require registration from outdoor vendors, you are likely to encounter any type of street performance, from magic tricks to a silent "angel." Boulder is also home to an historic Chautauqua, one of only three Chautauquas in the US with its original structures intact. Throughout the 19th and 20th century, chautaquas were the premier centers for adult education and culture. Theodore Roosevelt called them the "most American thing in America." Operating since 1898, Boulder's Chautaqua still hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the 6 week Colorado Music Festival. Summer also brings the Shakespeare Festival, the Boulder International Film Festival, the Shoot Out 24 Hour Film Festival, and concerts for a lover of any type of music.
The Flatirons, monolithic sedimentary stones to the west, provide the distinctive backdrop to the town. There are a plethora of trails in the surrounding foothills of the Rocky Mountain for hiking and mountain biking. Many trails begin in the city limits, and there are even more within a short drive. Boulder is a particularly dog-friendly city, and several parks merely require pets to be under voice control. The Flatirons are popular with rock climbers, offering beginner and technical climbs, and nearby Eldorado Canyon hosts world-renowned rock climbing routes. Boulder is an extraordinarily healthy city, so it should come as no surprise that it hosts several athletic events throughout the year, such as the Bolder Boulder. If you visit mid-week, keep a lookout for the Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride. Every Thursday a group of bikers - often costumed - take to the paths and streets. You'll often hear them shouting, "Happy Thursday!" During the summer months, the numbers have approached 500 riders. There is, however, a group of dedicated riders throughout the winter also. Several ski resorts are within a few hours' drive, including Eldora at a mere half-hour away through the older town of Nederland. Popular Rocky Mountain National Park is also nearby.
Boulder is located just 25 miles northwest of Denver on the Colorado front range.
