Surrounded by more than 36,000 acres of recreational open space, conservation easements, and nature preserves, the 100,000 residents of the city of Boulder are known for loving the outdoors and embracing a healthy lifestyle.

There are dozens of hiking trails throughout the city and in the nearby area, and one of the most popular places to hike is Chautauqua Park. Some trails are a short drive away, but many start at the western edge of the city. There are trails for all ages and ability levels throughout the Boulder area.

There are over 60 different parks in the city of Boulder, plus the Arapahoe National Forest, the White River National Forest, Golden Gate Canyon and a number of other state parks nearby.

With so many wild and open spaces, Boulder is a top destination for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, flat water paddling, and more. It’s also a great place for bird watching, with unusual alpine species that descend from the mountains only for the winter months.

The local parks and recreation department offers classes, courses, organized sports and community events all year long, from swimming in the summer to ice skating in the winter, and from crafts like pottery to fun partner activities like dancing.

There’s a reason why the city of Boulder earned the number one spot on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index and was given the number two spot on the Men’s Health Healthiest Town in the US list. If you live in Boulder, you almost can’t help being healthy and active. There’s so much to do and see in the outdoors, and residents embrace activity and adventure as a part of life in the thriving Boulder community.