The history of rock climbing and bouldering had its genesis with mountaineering and alpinism in the late 18th century, although climbing rocks had been a feat accomplished long before. In the 14th century, a Native American tribe called the Anasazi drilled holes and carved stairs into rock cliffs in Chaco Canyon, but it wasn’t until 1786 with the first ascent of Mont Blanc, that the ‘modern era’ of climbing truly came into being. The history of Boulder’s rock climbing and bouldering history began a little over one hundred years later in 1896 when a group of Boulder Hikers formed the Rocky... Read More

If you have lived in Boulder long enough, you have probably noticed climbers with their callused hands and their chalk-covered capris. You can witness climbers in their natural environment at any one of the six climbing gyms in Boulder, or meandering through the prepared foods section in WholeFoods for a post-workout meal. More commonly though, climbers embark on migrations to outdoor challenges, whether that means the thousand feet of climbing up the Flatirons, or the granite boulders in Rocky Mountain National Park, or the day-long climb up The Diamond on Longs Peak. However, long before protein... Read More

Boulder is a pretty interesting name for a city, don’t you think? Both a pronoun and a noun gives it a fairly unique affect. I was thinking about the reasoning behind of the name of the city, deducing (incorrectly) that it must have been named for some of the world class bouldering found around the Flatirons and in the surrounding area. But after some digging, I discovered that it was thought to be named after Boulder Creek, the thirty-mile creek flowing through downtown and outwards from the Rocky Mountains. There is no real consensus on this matter however, and very little information on the... Read More

Boulder residents are nothing if not adventurous, and with a slew of jagged peaks, soaring canyons, and other beautiful natural features just begging to be conquered, rock climbing is a popular pastime. We found five great places to get in a killer climb for those adventurous spirits. 1.  Eldorado Canyon Eldorado Canyon, a state park just south of Boulder, offers hundreds of routes up 700-foot cliffs. Climb along south-facing routes in the springtime, and beat the heat in the summer by finding shaded routes. This park can get crowded on weekends, so go early to get your climb on! 2. The Flatirons You’ve... Read More

If you’re like me, you like getting outside with your furry best friend. But sometimes it’s hard to know what trails allow four-legged adventuring companions and which frown on it. Here at AboutBoulder we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly hikes in the area so you’ll never have to leave your pup behind again! Royal Arch Trail This challenging 3.4-mile loop will gain 1,358 feet and provide you and your pooch with a killer workout. The trailhead begins in Chautauqua and splits off at the flagstone staircase—just follow the signs. Ascend through pine forests and wildflower meadows... Read More

When you look out over the mountain peaks that make Colorado one of the most beautiful places to live in the country, you may see certain summits that tower over the others, snowcapped even late into the summer. Many of these are known as 14ers, and their height reaches over 14,000 feet above sea level. There are 58 of these massive peaks in Colorado, the most of any state in the country, and conquering them is a rite of passage for any outdoor enthusiast. But don’t think you can just hop on a trail and summit a 14er—these monsters take more preparation than you might think. Here’s a handy... Read More

Marcus has the enthusiasm for life and rock climbing. “If you have a good group of friends,” he smiles, “then climbing is amazing!” While he just started rock climbing only a year ago, he has ascended some of the more challenging routes in the area.  Read More

For those looking to hike, bike, climb and fish, it is time to head past your favorite Chautauqua hike and to get deeper into the Front Range. Summer in Boulder means adventuring during the day and soaking up the campfire glow at night. For those that are lucky, over the next few months your puffy jacket will be drenched in a smoky smell and your Subaru will have a thin layer of mud on the floorboards. Boulder sits in the gateway to the Rockies and within an hour drive there are countless camping locations, climbing hideaways, and world class hikes. Gross Reservoir is about an hour outside of Boulder... Read More

Living in Boulder has countless benefits. There is a coffee shop, trail run, or climbing gym on every corner, but most importantly, the Front Range is littered with boulders and sport crags. If you’ve only got an afternoon to spend climbing, there are a handful of spots within a fifteen-minute drive or short hike. The list here is certainly not exhaustive, but these three locations have some great rock and quality lines. Flagstaff Flagstaff is an epicenter for bouldering. Some love it, some hate it, but if you are looking for roadside boulders, this is the place to go. The rough granite at... Read More

If you ask five people why they participate in outdoorsy activities, you’re likely to get five different answers. They might have similarities—health consciousness, a love of nature—but the real thrust of their recreation is unique. Boulder, of course, is known for the opportunities afforded its athletically inclined residents and visitors. If you’re into running, biking, skiing, or any other verbs-turned-pastimes, this city and its surroundings are your huckleberry. For me, one thing connects these activities: conquering. I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s everywhere. Anyone who participates... Read More

I summited Half Dome last week. And, while I want to sit here and boast about my pride in reflection of that accomplishment, the truth is that it’s been bittersweet. Yosemite National Park had been the number one spot on my bucket list since I started climbing just over a year ago. Unfortunately, traveling solo leaves this rock climber without a perma-belayer, so I chose to enter the daily lottery for the Half Dome hike, a rather stringent process that allows only a select few applicants access to the summit by way of cables. And, well, I won. Stoke was too high. Really, I was itching to get... Read More

Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a glorious place. Home to Longs Peak, the Diamond, Emerald Lake, Bierstadt Lake, Bear Lake, and much more. There are hikes with tear-inducing views, incredible climbing, and world-class fishing. At a time when the Front Range is too hot to climb and local rivers are too fast to fish, it is time to head to The Park. The Park is the ultimate outdoor oasis for both Colorado natives and Colorado newbies. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, The Park has something for everybody: from more difficult hikes like The Keyhole Route up Longs Peak to casual strolls to... Read More

1. Half Fast Subs  I LOVE Half Fast Subs! It’s got great prices on drinks and subs, and the dive atmosphere is my favorite. Located on Boulder’s ever-changing ‘The Hill’ district, the atmosphere has some old0-school charm. It’s a no-frills, low key establishment that feels very comfortable to hang out at. Kick back on the patio, drink a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea—dubbed the ‘Strongo’—and laugh with friends. You can’t beat it.  2. The Spot  The Spot is a cool hidden gem that has a fine duality; you can climb and drink a beer. The Spot was the first bouldering gym to... Read More

Rose is a Boulder-based outdoor climbing enthusiast. Here, she enjoys climbing on the legendary arch outside during the super moonset in Morrison early Monday morning. A frigid river crossing and precarious scrambling leads us to watch the super moon set from a spectacular location on earth. Rose recently completed climbing all 3 flatirons this summer!  Read More

 Read More

“Put me on a mountain, and I can find my way around,” Dan Beerman begins, “but get me in a building, and I have no idea where I am.” Dan absolutely loves to climb. You’ll hear him shout positive phrases when you’re out on the rocks with him. He’ll show you the ropes and let you know what ‘knot’ to do. One of his dreams is to be able to take groups out climbing  in Colorado’s best climbing spots.  Read More

“We must conquer the rock to show our mightiness.” comments Jonah on his experience rock climbing. This was Jonah’s first time climbing outdoors, catching a glimpse of what the rock’s in Boulder taste like. He has never done much climbing before, but due to the friendliness of the rock climbing community and the nature of climbing itself, he’s hooked. Even coming from a strong basketball background, he was still fascinated by Colorado’s  rock formations when he moved to Colorado.  Read More

I fell into climbing almost serendipitously – the last time that I returned to Hawaii, a friend of mine with whom I was reconnecting after many years had, since my previous move, become completely enamored with the sport of bouldering. I was perplexed, totally, finding myself in the camp of outsiders who, without insight, might only be able to view rock climbing in any form as simply a recreational amusement for thrill seekers, strength jockeys, extremists. Presumptive as that may be, he never did and still doesn’t fit this profile, and so with my curiosity piqued I accepted his invitation... Read More

Some people have adventure in their blood, an obvious passion for exploring and Randy exudes exactly that. An avid outdoorsman, Randy had dreamed of moving back to Colorado since living here briefly over 30 years ago. Whether its hiking, skiing, climbing or riding, any spare time he has is spent in the mountains. “The mountains are really my passion, not just a hobby. Whatever I can do to be up there…that’s where I’m at.” Motorcycles have also always been a passion so putting the two together has been wonderful for him. Randy has worked in pretty much every facet of the construction... Read More

Summit of the Week! This group shared a sunset on South Boulder Peak this past week. After spending the day hiking through the Flatirons, they all took a second to soak up the beautiful setting sun on this beautiful city. When asked what their favorite part of being in in Boulder was, they all replied, “this, of course”!   Nice to meet you guys! Enjoy the rest of the cool weather before the snow comes!  Read More