For those of us who call Boulder home, we are all familiar with endless opportunities for grand adventure in the Rocky Mountains. From skiing in the Arapahoe National Forest to summertime camping high in the Indian Peaks, there is a lifetime of exploration right in our backyard. But what about those smaller, often less Romanianized, adventures literally out your backyard? While seemingly less intense and wild, there is a certain gratification that comes from lacing up your shoes or hopping on your bike and leaving out the backdoor…
I find there is self-governance and creativity uncovered in these self-powered outings. No loading up the car, no coolers to leak on the back seat, no forgetting the firewood—just you and your shoes or your bike or whatever self-powered device fits your fancy. There are endless backyard adventures to be had if you can find a more challenging creative way to do things. Check out YouTuber Beau Miles for some inspiration. In the meantime, here are some ideas for summertime:
Bike to Buckingham
I love the Boulder Creek. Grew up in it. But sometimes it’s a bit too busy. On those days, pack up a picnic—lots of cheese and bread and some fruit—hop on the bike and head to Buckingham Park. I prefer going Broadway-Lee Hill-Old Stage-Left Hand to avoid riding on 36. Bring a bathing suit.
Run/Hike Eben G to Chautauqua
Starting from the house, of course, run or walk over to Eben G. Fine Park. For those that live a bit further away, hop on the bike to get to the park! Head up the viewpoint trail to the Flagstaff overlook. Cross Flagstaff and hop on the Panorama trail. Continue and hang left when the trail splits to follow the Flagstaff trail down to the baseline. Here you can decide to continue up Chautauqua or cruise back down. Consider a pit stop at the farmers market if it’s a Wednesday or Saturday.
Gold Hill Ride to Music
Hop on the bike and head up for some music on Friday/Saturday night at the General Store or Inn. Head up Sunshine and go straight up until you hit Goldhill. Or mix it up and head over Poorman Rd. and head up Fourmile. If you’re all in for a night of dancing and picklebacks, bring a tent and camp out on the Switzerland Trail. Pack a light and some water.
Bike to Run/ Ski Overnight
If you’re looking for a little more adventure and to push the limits a bit, a fun backyard mission is to bike up to Eldora and run or ski—depending on the time of year (last year there was still some snow in late May)—up the Jenny Creek trail. Check out the Arestua hut located 6 miles back from Eldora for a warm place to sleep. There is a Google Calendar to reserve space. You’ll want to get an early start for this one, partly because of the time it takes but also because of the traffic going up Boulder Canyon. While a steep climb out, jumping on the Magnolia can provide some reprieve from the busy Canyon. Once in Nederland, and after a second coffee, head up the last stretch to Eldora. Lock the bike up and throw on the running shoes or skis. Starting by the Nordic Center, Head up the Jenny Creek trail winding behind the resort. The Hut can be a bit deceiving to find but stay on trial and
you’ll find it just through a clearing and over a small hill. Bring some good food to cook up. The Hut has cooking equipment so no need to lug all that up on the bike! Wake up and cruise down, or continue the adventure over to the James Peak Wilderness…