Play outside! Outdoor fitness options for a Boulder-based summer
Colorado is an ideal place to be based for the summer months, and Boulder offers a plethora of outdoor activities to improve your physical and mental fitness. Whether you prefer solo or group activities, here鈥檚 a list of some of the many fitness-based activities you can do outside this summer.
Tennis
Enjoy tennis with a view at the main Student Recreation Center (The Rec). Students, faculty and staff are all welcome to use the courts and enjoy the rooftop setting and Flatirons views from CU鈥檚 three tennis courts at The Rec. Court reservations may be scheduled up to one day in advance.
Fitness Court
The outdoor Fitness Court, located on the east side of The Rec, is an outdoor body weight circuit training structure designed for adults of all ages and abilities. The Fitness Court is open to the public and no membership is required, which means you can use it at any time, free of charge.
Swimming
Summers at the pool aren鈥檛 just for kids when you鈥檙e in Boulder. Enjoy a refreshing swim or some aquatic exercise at the Buff Pool this season. The pool is open daily, weather permitting, and offers lap swimming, open swim hours and swim lessons. Don鈥檛 have a membership? Buff OneCard can enjoy free admission to The Rec (and the pool) every Wednesday from June 7 to Aug. 2.
Paddleboarding
Stop by the Outdoor Pursuits office in The Rec to rent a paddleboard and enjoy a day of paddling in the sun at the . 鈥淭he Res,鈥 as it鈥檚 known locally, also features volleyball courts, a swim beach and open water swimming if you鈥檙e looking for more workout opportunities.
Biking
There鈥檚 something for everyone when it comes to biking in Boulder, but whether you鈥檇 like a gentle cruise through town or a full send down the trails in the area, here are some highlights.
Easy, around town rides:
Challenging, nearby mountain bike trails:
Don鈥檛 have a bike? Don鈥檛 sweat it! All 麻豆免费版下载Boulder students, staff and faculty can take advantage of the . Full-time active students can access BCycle for free and staff and faculty can access BCycle for 50% off with an annual membership.
Hiking
There's no shortage of trails around, but thanks to our friends at The Rec, here is a comprehensive list of some of their favorites.
Right in town:
- : 1.8 miles, easy
- : 3.2 miles, hard
- : 4.1 miles, moderate
- : 3.6 miles, moderate
- : 6.8 miles, hard
Not too far away:
- : 2.7 miles, easy
- : 3.9 miles, moderate
- : 5.4 miles, moderate
- : 3.6 miles, hard
Make a day of it:
- : 2.2 miles, easy
- : 3 miles, moderate (reservation and day pass required)
- : 6.2 miles, moderate
- : 7.4 miles, hard
New to hiking?
Check out these five essential hiking tips to ensure you have a safe and fun trip outside!
Whatever you decide to do this summer, don鈥檛 forget to pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, insect repellant and proper clothing and equipment. Additionally, if you鈥檙e headed out alone, be sure to let someone know where you鈥檙e going and when you expect to return.
Here are some campus resources to check out:
Apothecary Pharmacy
Need to stock up on sunscreen, allergy medication, aloe vera, snacks or first aid supplies? Stop by the Apothecary Pharmacy in Wardenburg Health Center to snag all the necessities.
Available to: students, staff and faculty
Outdoor Rental Center
Outdoor Pursuits has a wide range of outdoor equipment available to rent, including gear for hiking, camping, water sports and more. Buff OneCard required for all rentals.
Available to: students, staff and faculty
Adventure Resource Center
Need help planning your next adventure? Stop by the Adventure Resource Center at The Rec to check out guidebooks, print custom trail maps or get custom trip planning assistance.
Available to: students, staff and faculty