Good Good Pick: 5 Places to Explore Outside of Boulder Colorado
Moving to Boulder or coming to check out the area? I know it’s hard to believe you would ever want to escape Boulder on the weekends, but trust me, sometimes you need to get out of Dodge – even when “Dodge” is as good as Boulder is. Check out some of my favorite weekend getaways:
1. Hike and Eat in Nederland:
When Boulder is too hot to get outside, Nederland – a tiny Western-ish town nestled in the Foothills 30 minutes above downtown Boulder, is a good place to go. Hike one of the many trails and then grab some delicious pizza (don’t forget to ask for a side of the spicy honey though my inner New Yorker is disappointed in me for that) and beer at Crosscut Pizzeria and Taphouse before heading back down to the bustling (and sometimes sizzling) city of Boulder.
2. Dance and Dine at Gold Hill Inn:
Put on some flannel, get in the mood to stomp your feet and head up the hill to Gold Hill – an old mining town with a rich history for a Friday night of food and dancing. Gold Hill Inn offers a six course meal in their dining hall and has Bluegrass/Folk bands playing in the bar area almost every Friday night Memorial Day – New Years Eve.
3. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park:
Four hundred and fifteen square miles of mountainous terrain with 300 miles of hiking trails to explore, Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour from Boulder. If you are not in the mood to put on your hiking boots Trail Ridge Road is a great option. The road traverses Rocky Mountain National Park climbing to 12,000 feet with awesome overlooks and mountains as far as the eye can see.
4. Stay and Spa at Devil’s Thumb Ranch:
Experience rustic Colorado in the lap of low-key luxury at this Ralph Lauren-esk guest ranch. Nordic ski, fat tire bike, hike, soak in one of the best hot tubs I have found in the state, get your yoga on, get a massage or curl up with a book – the options are endless. This is one of my favorite places in Colorado – and believe me – I have explored every nook and cranny of this state.
5. Lunch at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse:
If you are in Boulder during the winter months don’t miss earning your gourmet lunch by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing one mile to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. The cookhouse is a yurt with 180 degree views. Located 2 hours and 15 minutes from Boulder but worth every minute of the scenic drive. (Note: dinner is also an option but the menu is meat heavy and you don’t get the views.)
You may also want to read our Moving To Boulder and our Best Neighborhoods in Boulder Colorado articles if you’re new to the area and/or considering Boulder as your new home. And check out our Good Good Map to learn more about the lay of the land.
Good Good is a Boulder area real estate agency. We specialize in helping good people find the perfect Boulder home. We’re low pressure but high touch. If you’re looking for a real estate guide in the Boulder area, we may be a good fit. Give us a call if you’d like to chat. We’re always happy to answer any questions you have about the Boulder area or give you a tour.
Thanks,
Katie (Good Good Founder) | 720.415.4914 | Katie@goodgoodrealty.com
