Outdoors

Chautauqua

Chautauqua Park is a portion of an iconic historic landmark dating back to when the City of Boulder began preserving wild lands over 100 years ago. In 1898, Boulder citizens approved a bond issue to purchase 80 acres to be used as a “Chautauqua”. The park land owned by Boulder Parks and Recreation is located adjacent to OSMP trails, Chautauqua Dining Hall and Auditorium, and Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and provides a playground, tennis courts, and open turf. The park provides families with access to Open Space Mountain Park trails, which have a wide range of opportunities for children’s unstructured interaction with nature. In the park itself, children are found playing freely on the open turf and along the park’s edges, with an iconic view of the Flatirons. The Chautauqua Association provides lodging, concerts, cultural events, educational programs, recreation, historic preservation, and dining. 303.442.3282

Scott Carpenter Park

Scott Carpenter Park and Pool is a community park that provides visitors with a wide variety of recreational facilities including a swimming pool, skate park, open turf field, diamond field, and the iconic Scott Carpenter playground. It is largely aimed towards programmed and structured recreational activity. Despite this design, children often play along the buffers of the park and on the playground, which contains crater and rock play structures, which emulate features found in nature.

“In loving memory of astronaut and Boulder native Scott Carpenter.”

Valmont Park and Bike Park

Valmont Bike Park is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. as weather and trail conditions allow. Individual use of the park is FREE–there is no charge for admission. Valmont Bike Park is located at 3160 Airport Rd. There are parking lots located off of both Airport Road and Valmont Road. Valmont Bike Park offers riding for multiple disciplines and abilities. For more information on items you might need to know before visiting, please watch the “Know Before You Go” video.

Eben G. Fine Park

Eben G. Fine Park is located at 101 Arapahoe Avenue. It includes portions of the Boulder Creek and Boulder Creek Path with a variety of recreational amenities, including a playground, open turf, a picnic shelter and additional picnic areas. The shelter may be rented in advance or used on a first-come, first-serve basis. A multi-use pedestrian bridge over Boulder Creek connects the park to the Red Rocks and Settler’s Park Open Space and Mountain Parks area directly to the north. Children have a variety of opportunities for nature play at Eben G. Fine Park. Boulder Creek is easily accessible for play, exploration, and observation. In addition, educational signs are posted along the Boulder Creek Path describing how to observe wildlife without disturbing their habitat and the importance of this riparian corridor. The playground also contains climbing structures and sand for free play.

Eldorado State Park

Eldorado Canyon, 8 miles south of town, is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard! Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking and fishing along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo’s sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone! Discover this hidden jewel and take home memories that will last a lifetime. With over 500 technical rock climbing routes, it lures climbers from around the world. ECSP was selected as one of Ten State Parks You Can’t Miss by SmarterTravel.com

North Boulder Park

North Boulder Park offers many amenities for people of all ages and interests. If it snows, click into your skinny skis for some laps; if it’s windy, dust-off your skis; if it’s Boulder-beautiful, grab a picnic and your family’s favorite toys for the best free fun around. Newly renovated, this ADA compliant park gained some great enhancements in 2013 that were suggested by local neighbors. Check out the park’s latest nature play features, teen-adult oriented fitness equipment and upgraded shelter area.