Front Range

Boulder

The Flatirons, miles of open space, and a university town.

Photo: joiseyshowaa from Freehold, NJ, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
County
Boulder (county seat)
Elevation
5,319 ft
Population
About 107,000
Downtown Denver
25 mi · about 35 min
Nearest ski area
Eldora · 21 mi · about 35 min
Schools
Boulder Valley School District

Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.

Living in Boulder

What it's like to live in Boulder

Boulder is the Boulder County seat, with about 107,000 people about 25 miles northwest of Denver. The Flatirons rise on the foothills just west of town, and you can see them from most of the city.

The University of Colorado Boulder and research labs like NIST, NCAR, and NOAA shape a lot of the town. Daily life leans outdoors. The city's open space covers more than 61,000 acres, and the 5.5-mile Boulder Creek Path runs from Boulder Canyon through downtown.

Boulder suits people who want trail access, a university-town feel, and a walkable downtown, with Denver within commuting range on US 36.

Where it is

Where Boulder sits on the Front Range

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Neighborhoods

Where to look in Boulder

Mapleton Hill

Historic Victorian and Craftsman homes on tree-lined streets just north of downtown and Pearl Street.

Newlands

Bungalows and mid-century homes just west of Mapleton Hill, close enough to walk or bike downtown.

Chautauqua

At the foot of the Flatirons next to Chautauqua Park, with trails starting right there.

Table Mesa

A South Boulder neighborhood of 1960s and 1970s homes near NCAR and the South Boulder Creek trails.

North Boulder

Older homes mixed with newer mixed-use buildings along North Broadway.

Gunbarrel

Northeast of the city, near business and tech employers and the Boulder Reservoir.

Get outside

Things to do in Boulder

  • 01

    Chautauqua

    Founded in 1898 and a National Historic Landmark, with its original auditorium and dining hall still in use.

  • 02

    Pearl Street Mall

    A four-block pedestrian street downtown, dedicated in 1977.

  • 03

    Boulder Creek Path

    A 5.5-mile path from Boulder Canyon east through downtown.

  • 04

    The Flatirons

    Tilted rock slabs on the foothills that make up the city's skyline.

  • 05

    Eldorado Canyon State Park

    An 885-acre park with more than 1,000 climbing routes along South Boulder Creek.

  • 06

    Eldora Mountain Resort

    A ski area about 21 miles from Boulder, roughly 35 minutes away.

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FAQ

Boulder questions, answered

How far is Boulder from Denver?

About 25 miles northwest, around 35 minutes or more depending on traffic.

What county is Boulder in?

Boulder County. Boulder is the county seat.

What is the elevation of Boulder?

About 5,319 feet.

Which school district serves Boulder?

Boulder Valley School District.

How much open space does Boulder have?

The city's open space totals more than 61,000 acres, and much of it is open to the public.

How close is skiing?

Eldora Mountain Resort is about 21 miles away, around 35 minutes in normal conditions.

Nearby

Towns near Boulder