Where can I go for great views in Boulder?

When we get out-of-town visitors, we take them up Sunshine Canyon (from Mapleton), thru Gold Hill and Nederland, then down Magnolia back to Boulder. The 1-hour drive is filled with "Oooh" and "Ahhhh" moments, taking in the Continental Divide, turn-of-the-century mining town, high-altitude horse ranches, mountain twisties, Boulder Creek, and watching rock-climbers just before getting back to town. Never fails to impress folks....

A beautiful overlook is at NCAR. It is a short drive and a close-in spot perched above south Boulder facing east. Simply take Table Mesa to the end of the road. There's plenty of parking at the top. Or you may park below at the trailhead and hike/run up the trail or along the road.

1850 Table Mesa Drive

To see Boulder from the other side, the Davidson Mesa in Louisville looks down and across Boulder Valley and has amazing views of the mountains and Boulder. It is up on McCaslin near South Boulder Rd. on the west side of McCaslin (there is also an adjacent dog park).

Drive West on Baseline Road until you reach the edge of the city and the road turns into Flagstaff road. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge-Boulder Stage ended at the top of Flagstaff road this summer and we hiked up there. It is absolutely beautiful and you can see for miles. You can drive up Flagstaff Road or you can hike the trails, whichever you choose you won't be sorry!

A couple of turns up flagstaff, with pull-offs gives you a killer view of Boulder and beyond. If you go up about 4 miles lost man gulch has a dramatic view to the west and the divide plus good city views.