The Ultimate Runner’s Guide to Boulder, Colorado

Jump to:Where to RunWhere to StayWhere to EatWhere to DrinkRaces to RunGroup Runs to JoinRecovery SpotsRunning StoresWhen we say Boulder is a runner’s paradise, we’re not exaggerating. Not only does the city boast 155 miles of easily accessible, government-managed trails—ensuring peace and quiet away from cars… and that you never have to do the same workout twice—it’s also home to big-name running events, including Boulderthon, Bolder Boulder 10K, and the Ironman 70.3 Boulder.Then there’s the breathtaking mountain scenery—a.k.a. the Flatirons—that backdrop most every route. “It’s so beautiful,” says pro marathoner and run coach Nell Rojas, who grew up in Boulder and currently trains there three days a week. Rojas is one of many running greats who have at some point called Boulder home; others include Frank Shorter, Jenny Simpson, Scott Jurek, Elise Cranny, Kara Goucher, the list goes on.You might think this history would create a culture of elitism. But running in Boulder is a “really equalizing experience,” says run coach and Boulder resident Matt Meyer. “It’s this interesting mix of people who are brand new to running all the way up through Olympians—all running on the same paths.”So whatever brings you to town, make sure to pencil in some running while you’re here. As Meyer puts it: “Boulder’s meant to be explored. And the easiest way to get to know Boulder is on your feet.”Here’s where to stay, eat, drink, run, and recover in Boulder, Colorado.Where to RunYes, there’s road running in Boulder, but much of the action takes place on the trails. In fact, “you come to Boulder to not have to run on roads,” Rojas says. Here are the can’t-miss highlights.Long RunsBoulder Reservoir: A hub of the Boulder running scene, says Meyer, is the Boulder Reservoir, which is easily accessed via Tom Watson Park. On Sundays, Tom Watson is “crazy busy with cyclists, runners, and triathletes,” Rojas says. From the park, you can either head around the reservoir (a full loop is about 5 miles) or run north on the network of dirt roads that extend for miles. “We do a lot of 20-milers from there,” Rojas says.Wonderland Lake Trail: Nestled at the base of the mountains in north Boulder, this trail is “always beautiful, pretty flat, close to town, and easy to get to,” Meyer says. What else could you want? Well, depending on the day, you might also see paragliders flying overhead as you stride (the area is a popular launch point)... so there’s that. The trail that circles the lake is just 2 miles, so if you want something longer, Meyer suggests running from Wonderland Lake Park to Foothills Community Park to Four Mile Canyon and eventually Hogback Ridge.HillsLion’s Lair: Another of Rojas’s favorite trails, this out-and-back route is accessed via Sunshine Canyon in north Boulder. You’ll steadily climb through a ponderosa forest on a series of switchbacks before reaching the top of Sanitas Mountain, where you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of town.Teller Farm: This is the “tank run” from the book Running with the Buffaloes, which details how CU Boulder cross country coach Mark Wetmore had Adam Goucher do tempo runs to a massive water tank. This route, says Meyer, combines flat, easy running with hills and technical trail segments. All along the way, the vistas are stunning. “You can see all of the Boulder Valley from there,” Meyer says.Doudy Draw to Eldorado Canyon: This route on the south end of town is Rojas’s “favorite run in all of Boulder.” It features up-close views of the mountains and the vibrant red sandstone of Eldorado Canyon State Park, peaceful stretches where you’re fully immersed in the woods, and a few lung-busting climbs. Park at Doudy Draw and run west into Eldorado Canyon. Heads up: You’ll have to run on the side of the road the last mile or so to get back to the Doudy Draw parking lot. Stay on the left so cars can see you.Walker Ranch Loop: This one’s a bit of a trek to get to, but the drive itself is beautiful—and the run is even more stunning. In fact, Meyer calls this 8-mile loop, which charts through Eldorado Canyon State Park and features sweeping views of the mountains and prairies, a “little bit of a hidden gem.” Just be warned: There are some ass-kicking climbs, so pace yourself accordingly.SpeedworkMost of the outdoor tracks in town limit public access during school hours, but the track at Niwot High School is open to anyone year-round, Meyer says. (Niwot technically isn’t in Boulder—it’s a smaller town just northeast of the city.) For weekend or summer track workouts, Rojas suggests Fairview High School or Manhattan Middle School.Another option: There’s a 1K loop around the building and parking lot of Celestial Seasonings (the tea company was founded and is based in Boulder) where a lot of running groups and pro runners do speed intervals, Rojas says.Easy RunsBobolink Trail: This out-and-back dirt trail is ideal for sea level visitors who want (read: need) a flat, easy run as they acclimate to Boulder’s elevation, Rojas says. It’s a few miles east of the mountains, which means you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Flatirons. The official Bobolink trailhead has a small parking lot, so Meyer suggests parking a little farther south at the East Boulder Community Center instead. “There are way more parking spots and there's a bathroom,” he says.Bad Weather RunsMost days of the year, Boulder is blessed with pretty awesome weather, but if it’s just dumped snow, Rojas and Meyer suggest running on the Boulder Creek Path, a 5.5-mile paved path that extends from the west to east ends of the city and is typically plowed quickly after a storm. If the Creek Path is icy, or if outdoor running is truly untenable, you can find treadmills at the East Boulder Community Center and North Boulder Recreation Center, Meyer says.Where to StaySt. Julien Hotel & Spa: The fanciest hotel in town, the St. Julien is located in the heart of Boulder, just a few minutes’ walk to Pearl Street—where you’ll find a bevy of restaurants, bars, shops, and live entertainment—and less than a mile from the starting line of Boulderthon. “You can warmup run to the start,” Rojas says. The St. Julien also boasts a top-notch spa, where you can book massage treatments and fast-track your recovery with the steam room, sauna, pool, and hot tub.Boulderado: This Victorian-style hotel is more than 100 years old, and it boasts some serious history: Past guests include Helen Keller, Robert Frost, and Louis Armstrong. Plus, the original elevator from the early 1900s is still in operation, per the hotel’s website. As Rojas puts it: The Boulderado “has some character to it.” Similar to the St. Julien, it’s within walking distance to Pearl Street and the Boulderthon start line.Hilton Garden Inn Boulder: A more budget-friendly option than the St. Julien or Boulderado, the Hilton Garden Inn is located about a half mile from the Bolder Boulder start line and within walking distance of many stellar restaurants not listed below, including Osaka’s, The Buff, and Rincon Argentino.Where to EatBlackbelly: Owned by acclaimed chef Hosea Rosenberg, winner of Top Chef and a James Beard award semifinalist, Blackbelly is an excellent stop for quick service breakfast and lunch (Meyer is a big fan of their tater tot-laden breakfast burritos), as well as full-service dinner. Much of their food comes from nearby farms and ranches, and this emphasis on local sourcing earned the restaurant Michelin Guide’s “Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy” in 2023 and 2024.Village Coffee Shop: The Village—dubbed “hangover heaven” by the local newspaper and “the best diner in Colorado” by Business Insider—is a long-standing breakfast and brunch joint loved by locals and tourists alike. The interior walls are basically a shrine to acclaimed athletes who have called Boulder home: See how many photos of famous runners you can spot. (Hint: One of them is Rojas.)Le Frigo: This small French café, nestled in an unassuming strip mall in east Boulder, makes the “best sandwich in town,” says Meyer. He recommends the Le Frigo—a buttered baguette with pickled cucumbers and your choice of Paris ham, saucisson (French dry-cured sausage), prosciutto, or mortadella.Pizzeria Alberico: What runner doesn’t love pizza? This modern, laid-back joint serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas and other Southern Italian-inspired eats, like arancini and cannoli. Meyer likes it for dinner, lunch, and cocktails. Also cool: The restaurant is co-owned by accomplished marathoner Bobby Stuckey, the Master Sommelier and co-owner of Frasca, the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant that’s right next door and worth a visit if you’re able to splurge.C Burger: Think of C Burger as an elevated version of In-N-Out: They sell delicious, locally sourced organic burgers for a reasonable price. “It’s excellent,” says Meyer. The owner, Bryan Dayton, also helms two fancier joints in town: Oak at Fourteenth (New American cuisine) and Corrida (Spanish steakhouse). Both are stellar picks for a more upscale experience.Il Pastaio: Another strip mall standout, Il Pastaio specializes in handmade pastas and sauces. Meyer recommends it for pre-race carb loading and calls it his favorite Italian restaurant in town.Avanti Food & Beverage: This modern, upscale food hall has something for everyone—from Venezuelan-style arepas to Japanese rice bowls to locally sourced American grub and more. Grab your food and find a spot on the rooftop, where you’ll be treated to epic views of the Flatirons.Where to DrinkBoxcar Coffee Roasters: This specialty coffee shop was so popular among locals that there are now two locations in Boulder: one downtown (on Pearl Street), and the other on the south end of town. Meyer raves about their espresso drinks and made-from-scratch baked goods.Skratch Labs Table: Run by the folks behind Skratch hydration and fueling products, this fast-casual restaurant offers a full tea and coffee menu alongside their sport hydration drink on tap, which all visitors are welcome to for free. While you’re there, “you'll probably bump into a winning cyclist or a great runner,” Meyer says.C Bar: This cocktail lounge, affiliated with C Burger and located next door to it, is “really comfy and cozy,” says Meyer, who describes it as a frequent haunt of his.Races to RunBoulderthon: Boulderthon boasts some serious stats, including being one of the top-rated marathons in the U.S., as ranked by USA Today, and the second-fastest-growing race in the country, per RunSignUp. The hype is legit, and in part due to the well-oiled team that puts on the race and its stellar course: Runners circle the Boulder Reservoir, where they’re treated to open skies and panoramic mountain views, and start and end the race in Boulder’s vibrant downtown area. You don’t have to run 26.2 to participate; the series also includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run.Bolder Boulder: As one of the largest road races in the country, the Bolder Boulder attracts tens of thousands of runners and walkers each Memorial Day. The 10K course weaves through the streets of Boulder—with live musicians, bellydancers, and slip-and-slides entertaining participants along the way—before finishing in the CU Boulder football stadium to throngs of cheering spectators.Ironman 70.3 Boulder: Boulder is chockfull of triathletes (both professional and amateur) so it makes sense there’s an actual Ironman event in town. This half Ironman includes a swim at the Boulder Reservoir, a road ride on the streets of northern Boulder County, and a run encircling the reservoir.Group Runs to JoinBoulder Track Club is a “really friendly group,” says Rojas, and they host a long run on Sundays that’s typically a mix of road and trail running and open to everyone. Check out the group’s website for details.Rojas hosts Wednesday morning track workouts at 7:15 a.m. at Centennial Middle School, open to runners of all levels. Contact her via Instagram or her website, RISE Running, for more details.Fleet Feet Boulder (formerly known as Boulder Running Company) hosts regular group runs, typically a 5K loop on Thursday evenings starting at the store. Check out their calendar for the latest info.Recovery SpotsDragontree Sanctuary: Soothe aching muscles with a deep tissue massage here. Or, book a “Sanctuary” session, which is surprisingly affordable (especially if you go on a weekday) and includes access to the facility’s cold plunges, hot tubs, a dry sauna, steam room, and salt room.Running StoresIn Motion Running: This locally owned store, recommended by Rojas, is helmed by Mark Plaatjes, the 1993 gold medalist in the World Championships Marathon. Plaatjes is also a physical therapist and operates his PT clinic in the back of the store. “He’s got a lot of knowledge,” Rojas says.Fleet Feet Boulder: Fleet Feet is a national chain, but their Boulder outpost has strong connections to the local running community, says Meyer. They also have a wide selection of shoes and running gear, should you need any new apparel while you’re in town.Jenny is a Boulder, Colorado-based health and fitness journalist. She’s been freelancing for Runner’s World since 2015 and especially loves to write human interest profiles, in-depth service pieces and stories that explore the intersection of exercise and mental health. Her work has also been published by SELF, Men’s Journal, and Condé Nast Traveler, among other outlets. When she’s not running or writing, Jenny enjoys coaching youth swimming, rereading Harry Potter, and buying too many houseplants.