Picnics are the ultimate summertime activity. Whether you’re looking for an out-of-the-box date idea, a way for the family to spend time together, or an outdoor space for a large gathering, a picnic can be as casual or organized as you’d like. We recently asked our Facebook fans to share their favorite places to enjoy a picnic in and around Boulder. We’ve listed some of our favorites below:
294 Artesian Drive, Boulder
Just south of Boulder lies the small mountain area of Eldorado Springs, which boasts the beautiful and historic Eldorado Springs Resort and Pool. This is the same company that makes bottled water, so it makes sense that the swimming pool, which first opened in 1905, is filled with mineral water from an artesian spring. Over a century later, it’s easy to see why this destination is still popular: the resort sits inside a canyon with foothill views. A few steps away from the outdoor pool, you’ll find picnic tables alongside a rushing creek, complemented by breezes to keep you cool on even the most sweltering day. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing day by the pool or recovering from a hike at the nearby Eldorado Canyon State Park, a picnic at Eldorado Pool is the quintessential summer activity.
Foothills Community Park
800 Cherry Avenue, Boulder
There’s plenty of beauty to take in while picnicking at this park, which is nestled in the foothills. Its popular picnic area is large enough that you can almost always find a quiet spot. If you have a bigger group, you can rent one of the shelters and let the kiddos play on the surrounding fields and playground. Be on the lookout for hang gliders flying off the nearby hills and landing on the wide open fields!
9th Street and Dellwood Avenue, Boulder
If you’re looking to host a picnic for a larger group, North Boulder Park is your spot. Rent out the large shelter area, which fits up to 250 people. It also has lots of freestanding picnic tables (ten with shelters), a playground, grills, ball fields, and even a ping pong table.
9th Street and Baseline, Boulder
It’s tough to get more picturesque than a picnic at Chautauqua Park with Boulder’s Flatirons behind you. Spread out a blanket on the park’s grassy lawn, or rent out the covered, open-air Picnic Shelter for a larger group (up to 75 people). On nights when there’s a performance at the Chautauqua Auditorium, settle in on one of the picnic tables on the Green and North Lawns. Who knows? You may even be able to get a glimpse of the band.
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike part or all of the way up one of Chautauqua’s many trails, and set up your picnic at one of the tables along the trail, a shady spot, or at the summit.
Eben G Fine Park
101 Arapahoe, Boulder
Starting at the Settler’s Park Trailhead, follow the short Red Rocks Trail to see the iconic red rock formations. We recommend a backpack for your picnic, as you’ll need both hands free for climbing up the rocks. At the top, you will find a relatively flat, peaceful space to set up your picnic, sit back, and enjoy the gorgeous views of Boulder from above.
Small or large, casual or fancy, picnics are one of the best ways to take in summer, but if none of the above suggestions offer the absolute quiet serenity you’re seeking, don’t fret. One Facebook follower recommended the Columbia Cemetery on 9th Street, which serves as a final resting place for many of Boulder’s early founders and pioneers. We’ve heard picnics there are quite magical, and there probably won’t be any other visitors competing for blanket space.
Did we miss your favorite picnic spot? Let us know in the comments below!