With a little travel research about Boulder, Colorado you will be admonished to get outdoors while you are here. I’d be silly to tell you differently. What makes Boulder a special place is its unique location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Get in your car and drive an hour west, and you will leave civilization behind and be in a vast wilderness, as wild and beautiful as any country there is in the United States.

While an exploration into the mountains is vital, a day walking Boulder is great way to acclimate. Remember you sea level folks are a mile high and the air is, indeed, thin. Walking in Boulder is best done in the early morning. For one thing, you will avoid the crowds. But the scenery also is crisper and more brilliant in the early morning sun, and your chances for wildlife sightings are also improved. And one of the first things you might hear a local say about Boulder is “if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” This is very true in the afternoons, particularly during the summer. A dangerous thunderstorm can pop up very quickly and make for a worrisome, messy hike. No matter what season, always bring a jacket or sweatshirt just in case, but count on the sun to shine almost every day you are here.

Here are three great walks in Boulder:

• Mt. Sanitas Trail Loop

• Chataqua

• Boulder Creek Path

One of my favorites is Mt. Sanitas Trail Loop. Mt. Sanitas is a three-mile hike, round-trip. It’s a top choice because it’s close to downtown Boulder and the views are panoramic. The trailhead is less than two miles from Pearl Street. If you’re staying downtown, you can add another mile to your hike by walking to the trailhead.

You should wear good hiking shoes and be prepared to huff and puff a little. The hike is rated as moderate but some complain that it was a lot harder than originally sold by locals. True enough, but it is definitely doable for anyone in decent health and not at all technically difficult.

So now you have sweated and “earned” your night out, what to do. Take a shower, and wear whatever you like and because no matter where you go in Boulder, you will never feel overdressed, or underdressed. Locals will not judge you in your t-shirt or in your blazer.

Here are some great dining experiences:

• Frasca

• L’Atelier

• Sushi Tora

• Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

• The Kitchen

Any of the above will cap a great Boulder experience of physical activity, mountain adventures and an immersion into a fun and diverse social scene. So make the trip to Boulder and enjoy a charming, eclectic, and surprising abundance of life at its best.

Go and Tell!

Have you traveled somewhere or planned a great trip you think other Boomers would enjoy?

Tell us about the best parts of your trip, your favorite restaurants and hotels and any other info that will help fellow Boomeraters get going.

Only registered Boomeraters can submit a trip. Log in to your account or Sign up now (it's free)