Yup, that’s right its Father’s Day this Sunday, May 21. (That’s also the first official day of summer!) Instead of another fancy tie or shave kit, give Dad some time together on a hike. The hikes listed below are my top Father’s day hikes around Boulder, which means they have mild grades, wider trails, and great trailhead facilities like bathrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking which makes things easier for a family. 1. Betasso preserve Betasso is a boulder favorite for mountain biking, dog walking, and of course family day hikes.  A short drive up the canyon, Betasso... Read More

Well it’s finally summer in Boulder! Time to put away the skis (well you have until A Basin closes), hit the farmer’s market, lounge by the Rez, and dine alfresco. Honestly there is no shortage of things to do in Boulder in the summer. (I’m personally very excited to be using my Boulder Passport for 2 for 1 tasty beverages around town). Without a doubt you gotta be outdoors for summer in Boulder; unless its a thunderstorm when you are given the excuse to get comfy indoors. Here’s some ways to spend this weekend outside: 1. Take a hike! Scan through City of Boulder Open Space... Read More

So I’ll admit it, I am a plant nerd. Plants are neat! For those of you who also wonder about the little spots of yellow popping up across Chautauqua meadow and elsewhere I’ve got a few wildflowers you can see around Boulder now. Tulips and daffodils on Pearl Street Mall don’t count!   Golden Banner (Thermopsis spp.) Golden banner is like the welcome banner of summer. This legume is scattered in large patches across the foothills and some in the plains.   Sand Lily (Leucocrinum montanum) This pretty lily is all over the foothills spread out like little white stars in... Read More

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

  Throughout the ages as human society has developed our planet and conquered new frontiers, people brought with them all sorts of things.  Including other species. Anthropogenic development has allowed other species to inhabit places once not accessible to them by riding on the metaphorical coattails of humanity.  In fact white-nose syndrome, which continues to devastate bat populations across North America, arrived in North America on the actual bottom of someone’s shoe that the person had worn spelunking.  Invasive species can cause no major issue for their new environments but can... 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

The importance to control the potential dangers of fire is paramount for protecting the homes and properties in and near the Front Range. The local forests have been increasing in fuel load and fire severity. With the threat of fire an ever-pressing issue the community’s mind, it is important for locals to understand what is going on with forests across the region. Coloradoforestrestoration.org (CFRI) has a science research with recommendations for how to approach the persistent fire hazard that we face in Colorado. Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem’s development. G. David and E. Wohl... 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