Boulder Reservoir

Boulder


When you’re this far from the ocean, this is where folks come to suntan, swim and play in the water. There's a big sandy beach, lifeguards and a well-maintained visitor center and cafe. Kayak, paddleboard and sailboat rentals are offered ($15 to $30 per hour) along with SUP yoga classes ($35). Be sure to bring a hat and reapply sunscreen often – there's little shade here.

Dogs aren't allowed into the park between May 15 and Labor Day.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boulder attractions

1. Celestial Seasonings

1.06 MILES

If you like tea, you'll dig visiting Celestial Seasonings, one of the world's largest herbal tea producers. Visitors are treated to a 45-minute tour,…

2. Dairy Arts Center

4 MILES

A historic milk-processing factory turned arts center, the Dairy is one of Boulder's top cultural hubs. It's a state-of-the-art facility with three stages…

3. Scott Carpenter Park & Pool

4.32 MILES

Scott Carpenter Park is named after Scott Carpenter, one of the original 'Mercury Seven' astronauts and a Boulder son. Families love the playground’s…

4. Naropa University

4.49 MILES

Naropa was founded by Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, who escaped Tibet and climbed over the Himalayas into India as a young man. In…

5. Pop Jet Fountain

4.52 MILES

Bursts of water spring from the ground, sending kids squealing around in circles at this public fountain on Pearl Street Mall. It’s a great place to bring…

6. Museum of Boulder

4.54 MILES

The MOB history museum offers modern, interactive exhibits on all things Boulder-esque, from prehistoric geology and early Native Americans, to marijuana…

7. Pearl Street Mall

4.62 MILES

The highlight of downtown Boulder is the Pearl Street Mall, a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with kids' climbing boulders and splash fountains, bars,…

8. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

4.7 MILES

A historic brick house with three galleries of evocative modern art. Mixed-media exhibits can include such whimsy as neon installations and life-sized…