Embarking on an outdoor expedition in Boulder no longer necessitates the use of a car. As reported by the City of Boulder, Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) are now more accessible than ever, thanks to a variety of car-free travel options. Among these are bikeable trails leading straight to trailheads, transit-friendly routes, and even shared bikes and scooters for a breezy jaunt to nature’s doorstep.
The city aims to cut down emissions and clear up congested roadways by enhancing its trailhead access and establishing new trail connections. Several improvements are already in play, and more are set to unfold throughout 2025. Bicycles and e-bikes can securely park at numerous racks. Meanwhile, the Park-to-Park shuttle offers free parking and a ride to Chautauqua Park during summer weekends and holidays, and shared bikes and scooters from services like BCycle are available across the city, although Lime scooters are not permitted on open space land.
For those opting for public transportation, various OSMP trailheads sit conveniently close to bus stops. The city is also bolstering the infrastructure for shuttle services like the Eldo shuttle and the Hessie Trailhead Shuttle, connecting folks to outer regions and trails without the hassle of finding parking. According to the City of Boulder, city officials see these improvements as a step towards an enriching outdoor experience that’s accessible to all, devoid of the need for a personal vehicle.
In addition to intracity connectivity, Boulder is fostering regional trail connections. Adventurers can traverse the expansive 12-mile Longmont-to-Boulder Trail, link up with the northwest Denver metro area via U.S. 36 Highway Bikeway, or explore newly forged paths such as the North Sky Trail and the Four Mile Canyon Creek Trail underpass. The city is even progressing on a project that will lay down a nine-mile bikeway between Boulder and Longmont, which will intersect with OSMP's IBM Connector Trail, a welcome move for cyclists and hikers alike who crave the expanse of both city and countryside.
