On a recent trip to Boulder, Chris and I set out to do something completely new: climb a mountain pictured on a beer bottle. Because, why not?
Such an adventure is befitting a state like Colorado. You might taste beer at the Guinness factory in Dublin or buy a keg at the Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam. But in Boulder, you climb the freaking mountain. That’s how these high-elevation folks roll.
The iconic Flatirons, a symbol of Boulder Beer and other area businesses, is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers. The striking formations are said to resemble the metal irons that pioneers used to press clothes. Out of five irons, at least one has been a popular site for University of Colorado graffiti over the decades.
There are enough trails that inexperienced climbers (like me) can find a challenging but do-able path. We hiked up high enough to get a gorgeous view of the city and watch a few rock climbers at work.
The view from below is just as lovely. In spring and summer, the outlying park is so green and lush with wildflowers and dandelions, it’s worth a visit even if you don’t hike.
Then go home and crack open a cold one because, seriously, you earned it.
Click here for maps, closures, picnics and dog policies. And click here for a live webcam of the Flatirons.
I’m lucky enough to have in-laws in Colorado, one of the prettiest states in the country. On a recent visit, they introduced Chris and I to the Boulder Farmers’ Market, known as the largest and friendliest market in the state.
