June is National Great Outdoors Month
June is National Great Outdoors Month, and where better to celebrate than here in Boulder? But with countless options for outdoor adventures and excursions it can be hard to know where to start. Never Fear, The Rec is here! With help from our incredible Outdoor Program staff, we’ll be bringing you new adventure ideas every week this month. Stay tuned!
Looking for something more hardcore to do this week? The Boulder area is bursting with opportunities to exercise your wild side. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mountain Biking
Want to trek further out of town? Or try a different trail in town? We highly recommend downloading the Mountain Bike Project App or visiting the website. You can access trail maps that can be downloaded to your phone and used without wifi, safety information, photographs and more.
Climbing
Summer is an excellent time to try your hand at outdoor climbing. Never been? No worries! The Rec’s Outdoor Program hosts instruction classes, and trips. So whether you’re an experienced climber looking to meet other climbers, or a first time climber looking for guidance and community, we’ve got you.
Are you ready to head outdoors to climb on your own? Outdoor Program Staff recommend visiting the website for The Mountain Project for tips and ideas. Or try out one of the following recommended locations:
Slacklining
Slacklining, as anyone who has tried it knows, requires a tremendous amount of balance and focus. It can be done in groups, or individually, and does not require a full day to complete, which makes it hugely popular across the country. Chances are you’ve probably even seen people slacklining around CU campus. Want to join? Check out the Slackers at CU Facebook page for tips, tricks, and information on meet-ups. Don’t forget to check that you’re allowed to slackline in a given area before setting up.
OP’s got you!
For more information on these, and other outdoor activities visit the Outdoor Program section of our website. You’ll find information on gear to rent, upcoming trips and classes, and more.
Canoeing, tubing, and SUPing, oh my!
It’s the second week of National Great Outdoors Month, and definitely time to beat the heat. Grab your sunscreen, a few good friends, and get splashed at one of these local hot spots.
Tubing Boulder Creek
When done with safety in mind, tubing is a fun and cost-effective way to spend a sunny day floating with your family and friends. One of the best places to do this, is located just a few minutes from CU Campus at Boulder Creek. This is a very popular place to play and float, and there are several places to go; most locals agree that the east end of Eben G. Fine Park is the best place to start. From here the creek can be runnable all the way to 55th St., however this would be a very long run. Popular ending spots include Boulder High School, 30th, and 38th.
Tubers are strongly encouraged not to start at the whitewater park west of Eben G. Fine. The rapids here are much more intense, and authorities have said that it is not a safe place to tube no matter the water levels. The creek is also filled with snow melt; meaning really, REALLY cold water. Please make sure to plan your float, including transportation, ahead of time so that you don’t run into any situations you aren’t prepared for. Remember, preparation keeps you and your loved ones safe.
Tubing at La Poudre River
Pronounced Luh-Poo-Der, and located about 90 minutes from CU in Fort Collins, tubing at La Poudre is a popular way to cool off during the Summer months. While there are other routes, we recommend starting at N Shields Street, and ending at Legacy Park. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk back from Legacy Park, so tubers may want to take two vehicles.
For a longer adventure at La Poudre try Filter Plant to Picnic Rock. The float itself is about 2.5 miles, so taking two vehicles for ease of transportation is highly encouraged. Picnic Rock is relatively hard to miss, but tubers should note that there is a small damn down river from the area, so getting out at the right time is especially important here.
Canoeing and SUPing at Boulder Reservoir
Located 20 minutes from CU, Boulder Reservoir is another popular place for local adventurers looking to play in the water. On any given day you’ll see people swimming and paddling out in the sun, though obviously you can expect more traffic on the weekends. This is a great place to spend a day with a canoe, a SUP board, a picnic and/or your favorite people. Keep in mind that depending on the time of year there are fees to enter the area. Make sure to check out the Boulder Reservoir website for full information on fees, rules and regulations, safety, water temperature, and more.
The Outdoor Program has your back
Located on the first floor of The Rec, our knowledgeable staff are happy to help you with all your adventure needs. Not sure where to go? The Outdoor Program’s Adventure Planning Center is here to help you plan your ideal adventure for FREE. Need gear? We’ve got the best rental prices in town! Call, email, or visit anytime. Check the Outdoor Program section of our website for more information today.
Water Safety Tips
You’ve probably heard it before, but it always bears repeating, safety on the water is no laughing matter. Tubing, swimming, and paddling related fatalities occur in our area every year to adventurers of all ages, and even the most experienced of us are not immune. Luckily most incidents can be avoided if you adhere to the following simple precautions:
Check the water levels: Water levels are measured in cubic feet per second or CFS. Conditions are ideal for tubing when water levels are between 100 and 200 CFS. The Equipment Rental Center at The Rec will not rent out tubes if water levels at your destination are above 200 CFS. While many rental companies say that May-September is “Tubing Season”, we recommend waiting to start until July when levels are better, outside temperatures are higher, and afternoon thunderstorms are less frequent.
Have the right equipment: This means wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), and a helmet. Fast currents and jagged rocks mean that even the strongest swimmers are not immune. It’s also, unfortunately, not uncommon for drownings to occur as a result of incapacitation from head injuries.
Adhere to local laws and regulations: Another unfortunately popular way to ruin your adventure is by breaking the law. Make sure to call ahead, ask around, or do a thorough Google search. Reliable websites will have a .org, .gov, or even .edu web address. You are responsible for informing yourself, and rangers and officers will not take “I didn’t know” as a valid excuse. Not finding the info? Give The Outdoor Program here at The Rec a call or visit, and let our experienced and friendly staff guide you in the right direction.
Check the weather: Along with our beautiful views, the Front Range is prone to sudden and even violent storms this time of the year. Make sure to check the weather report ahead of time and the day of your adventure, as things may change.
Use the Buddy System: Adventuring alone on the water is not recommended. Take a friend, or two, or nine. Have a system in place for keeping track of one another, make sure everyone is on board to adhere to these safety precautions, and have a disaster plan. Knowing who to call and where to go can prevent small incidents from becoming fatal disasters.
Hiking
Hiking is a staple activity for many Boulder residents. With hundreds of trailheads in the Boulder area alone, it’s a great way to explore with your friends without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions and important safety tips to get you started:
Emerald Lake
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Route Type: Out and Back
Location: Bear Lake trailhead, a short distance from the city of Estes Park
Details: This is a nice mellow hike to one of the best lakes in Colorado. Great for families, and hikers looking for a less strenuous adventure. As one of the worst kept secrets of the Rocky Mountain National Park it can be busy, so get ready to see other happy explorers on the trail. Leashed dogs are welcome too! Click here for photos.
Mt. Sanitas
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet
Route Type: Loop
Location: The trailhead is only a 5 minute drive from campus, about 7 blocks north of Broadway.
Details: Our Outdoor Program staff recommend that you hike this loop clockwise. The trail begins with a steep incline, and ends with a relatively easy downhill climb to end the loop. Apart from gorgeous wildflowers, cute critters, and mountain scenery; this fun day hike gives explorers a truly spectacular view of Boulder. Leashed dogs are welcome too! Click here for photos.
Shadow Mountain Lake, Fire Lookout Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 9.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,635 feet
Route Type: Out and back
Location: Located near the city of Grand Lake, this trail begins about 2.5 hours from Boulder, but Outdoor Program staff promise that it’s well worth the drive.
Details: Staff recommends starting from Trail Ridge Road to maximize access to the amazing views. The end of the hike leads you to a decommissioned Lookout Tower that explorers can still access. Plan to bring extra water on this adventure, because much of the trail is exposed and it can be very hot, and cash for entry into the park. Click here for photos.
Hiking Pro-tips
Stay Safe!
Hiking is a great way to have fun and stay active, but even the easiest most populated trails can be dangerous. We recommend that you always pack the “10 Essentials”. If you aren’t familiar with these, or need a refresher, we recommend this excellent article from Recreation.gov.
Watch the weather!
Boulder is famous for its almost daily thunder storms in May and June. While this shouldn’t stop you from exploring during these months, it is important that you check the most recent weather reports, and that you plan your hikes to start in the morning as most storms roll in around mid-late afternoon.
Get the Hiking Project App!
This fantastic and FREE app has up to date maps of all the trails in the area, and is a great resource for explorers. Hiking where there isn’t cell service? No problem! Hiking Project allows you to download area and trail maps ahead of time so you’re never without guidance when you need it. Click here for more info.