It’s officially spring! Even if it snowed yesterday (and will likely snow a few more times before summer), it is spring and the weather in Boulder has been mostly beautiful. We’ve also had some pretty great weather for kite flying. With the breezy spring air and access to many wide-open open spaces, Boulder is a great place to fly a kite. Non-motorized or passive recreation is allowed at most open spaces in the area.   I flew kites this past weekend at the Greenbelt Plateau area. While this City of Boulder trailhead is a fee area, there is a second access point to the trail further... Read More

Entertainment is rarely completely free these days, as the performers on Pearl Street frequently remind passerby during their shows. Hanging out in your locals parks is of course free, but unless you’ve taken the initiative to bring a bunch of books to study and are yourself already a skilled observer, you might not learn anything new. Fortunately many park departments in the area are happy to provide you with experts and educators to lead you through the outdoors. There are free nature programs for everyone, and most parks departments host programs throughout the year to suit different interests... Read More

Wow. It is snowing. And has been snowing. And will continue to snow. I know there are the Boulderites with their intense training schedules who will brave the cold and snow to run up mountains or brave the disastrous, car wreck inducing ski resort traffic on I-70 to freeze their buns off on the slopes; there is still plenty to do indoors for the outdoors enthusiast on the rare weekend that Boulder doesn’t have pleasant weather. Here are some of my options this weekend.   Planning Trips as well as many outdoor activities take planning. Even if you are the most experienced backpacker,... Read More

Walden Ponds Park, owned and managed by Boulder County, is a small gem nestled into Gunbarrel, on the outskirts of Boulder. The park hosts anglers, bird-watchers, walkers, runners, and many a nature program. While the park sustained some flood damage, the majority of the trails are open as well as the fishing areas. The park is popular throughout the year for bird watching, with many migratory birds stopping over, such as white pelicans. The park is much quieter than some other parks on the plains around Boulder, which is especially true in winter, making it a great place to take a break from daily... Read More

It’s clear around Boulder that the holidays are in full swing. Just look toward that giant lighted star in the foothills and you know its time to do something festive. So here’s a list of many festive things going on right here in Boulder County. Boulder Christmas with the King Singers, Mackey Auditorium on Thursday December 11, 7:30 p.m. A Broadway Christmas Carol, University Theater CU starting on Friday December 12, at 7:30 p.m. and reoccurring on December 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st “If Charles Dickens had huddled with Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Matt Stone... Read More

As you’re getting ready for Turkey day, preparations for Christmas are already in full swing. It seems like everyone starts getting ready earlier and earlier each year. But can you blame them, Christmas and all the festivities it brings are a lot of fun! So here’s a couple of events coming up in Boulder County to get you in the Christmas spirit. Boulder –Switch on the Holidays, November 23, Sunday 5pm, Downtown Boulder Join Santa and the City of Boulder for a free holiday music performance and the lighting of the Boulder County Courthouse –Winter Sidewalk Sale, Friday... Read More

Located just past the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, a short scenic drive from downtown Boulder, this large Boulder County Open Space park sports over 10 miles of trails as well as fantastic natural and cultural history. Check out Walker Ranch on BoulderCounty.org The Walker Ranch Loop is a 7.8 mile loop that meets South Boulder Creek multiple times and takes you through diverse terrain of a foothills ecosystem.  From singletrack sections through thick pine trees to sprawling meadows complete with views from all directions, this trail will take you on quite a journey. The best part about this... Read More

Its that spooky time of year again and if you’re looking for ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, look no further than your local parks! This upcoming weekend and Halloween weekend are sure to be filled with festivals and fun activities in and around the parks and public areas in Boulder county. Here’s my list of where to check out the frightful and fun fests: Boulder Halloween Carnival Oct 24 3-5pm at South Boulder Recreation Center This indoor family fun carnival has lots of activities for the little ones! Halloween Havoc Skateboard Contest Saturday Oct 25 10am-4pm Scott Carpenter... Read More

Even though it’s raining today, there’s still plenty of time to go play in the parks before winter hits! October offers all sorts of different activities and events in the parks of Boulder county. If you’re not sure how to get started, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to check out this assortment of events: Friday Oct 10 –Day of the Dead Opening, Longmont This is Longmont’s regular 2nd Friday downtown event but with a Day of the Dead twist, featuring storytelling under the stars, trolley rides, Day of the Dead art at the Muse Gallery, and a tour of the Longmont... Read More

< If you have gotten out to some of the foothills and montane parks around the county lately and sat for a quiet moment amid your mountain bike race down the mountain or perhaps your run up the hill, then you may have heard a strange whistling kind of noise. It is not the sound of elves frolicking, it is actually a love song. The bull elk is calling out, just like a love struck teenager, for some companionship from a cow elk.  The call is a bugle and can be heard now during elk rut.  The only herd of elk that lives out their entire lives inside the borders of Boulder County calls Heil Valley... Read More