colorado: viewpoints in boulder

3/21/20

For every time that I’ve visited Boulder, CO I’ve fallen more and more in love with the place. The town is surrounded by these massive jaw dropping mountains- but of course, Boulder is considered the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. FYI t’s only about another 30-40 minutes ride to reach Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park, totally worth while especially if you’re a mountain junkie like myself.

So despite the quarantine, Andrew and I decided we wanted to get outdoors and find ourselves an adventure. The drive from where we live to Boulder is about a 40 minute drive and actually one of my favorites rides. You’re basically driving alongside the mountains the entire time so it’s a great scenic ride. Days like today make you question if what you’re seeing before you is real because it’s almost too stunning that it looks like a mirage.

Words cannot describe how nice it was to be able to get out and get some fresh air all while from the comfort of your car. The weather was on our side; crisp and clear blue skies with mountains in the near distance covered with a solid layer of white untouched snow that glistened in the sunlight. The temps were around mid 40’s but with the sun beating down on us with minimal wind, it easily felt like a warm high 50’s. A ‘cruising with the windows down’ kind of day.

Boulder is such a great outdoorsy town with many spots to walk, hike, bike, and see some mountains. Living in Colorado for almost a year now, I’ve visited Boulder a handful of times so these are some of my favorite recommendations to check out.

Lost Gulch

If you want to see a mountain view from an elevation of about 8,000ft GO HERE. You are, what seems, at level with the layers upon layers of mountain tops for as long as you can see. A stunning overlook! You can drive right up to the top of Flaggstaff Mountain and enjoy all the pull over overlooks of Boulder and beyond, it’s incredible. Make as many stops and soak it in. Every sight is stunning but the best is for sure at the very top at the Lost Gulch.  So last year, in early March, Renee and I accidentally found this spot for the first time and although I’ve been many times since, coming back today late March it looked a little different. Guys, look at this-

Early March last year:

Late March this year:

Which do you like better?

Harlow Platts Community Park

Talk about a picturesque park! The park has a quaint little lake with a walking trail wrapped around it with those same gorgeous mountains as the back drop. I can only imagine the white snow replaced being with lush green grass, I’m sure it’s a sight for sore eyes in the summer time too.

NCAR Mesa Laboratory

In the distance from the park you can see this building of some sort on top of the mountain. Andrew did a quick google search and come to find out it’s the NCAR Mesa Laboratory. So from the park, we drove towards there and came across this empty field with untouched snow and nothing but a crystal clear view of the mountains. AH-MAY-ZING! Quick pit stop to snap some photos. This is what I like to call, pure bliss. You can drive all the way up to the laboratory park and there’s great hiking trails.

Happy Saturday ya’ll enjoy it!

xo, JJ