Top Nature in Boulder

I suggest hitting the trails around 8 AM. The early morning light is amaizing for pics, and the frst few hours are so much quieter. You'll totally avoid the mid-day crowds.

Parking can get super tricky. I recommend arriving early to snag a spot right by the visitor center. Later in the day, you'll end up parking far away and wasting time.

Don't forget to bring your own snacks or lunch! The onsite cafe can be pricey and closes early. I ended up grabbing a sandwich at a far-off spot, which wasted time.

I recommend taking the Bluebell loop trail. It's super scenic and less challenging than some others. I started with the more tough trails and was out of breath—this one’s a nice break!

my advice is to park at the chautauqua parking lot, but get there early to snag a spot. the nearby street parking fills up quickly, and i ended up walking a long way to get in.

Don't forget to pack a picnic! I think having lunch by the falls is such a great way to enjoy the scenery. Plus there are picnic tables close by. Just be mindful to clean up after yourself!