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’s 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). �鶹��Ժ, faculty and staff are all welcome to use the courts and enjoy the rooftop setting and Flatirons views from CU’s 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’t just for kids when you’re 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’t 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 . “The Res,” as it’s known locally, also features volleyball courts, a swim beach and open water swimming if you’re looking for more workout opportunities.

Biking

There’s something for everyone when it comes to biking in Boulder, but whether you’d 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’t have a bike? Don’t sweat it! All CU 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’t forget to pack plenty of water, food, sunscreen, insect repellant and proper clothing and equipment. Additionally, if you’re headed out alone, be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

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