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Boulder Canyon
Carved by the rushing waters of Middle Boulder Creek, Boulder Canyon is popular for scenic driving, fishing and rock climbing. Land in this area is a mix of city, county, national forest and private lands. Have a map showing land ownership if you plan on venturing away from the main road. Watch for signs alerting to private land or area closures.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map for the Boulder Ranger District displays roads open to motorized travel and is available online.
At a Glance
| Restrictions: | Seasonal area closures protect nesting birds of prey from February 1 through approximately July 31. The length of this closure varies each year and may be partially lifted earlier than July depending upon conditions. When in effect, signs are posted in closure areas (UFC-ARP-2023-01 and Exhibit 3 for information on this area closure). For more information about this closure, our partners who help manage it, and other Front Range raptor closures, please visit the Boulder Climbing Community website. |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Boulder and Nederland, Colorado |
| Water: | Boulder Creek; treat water before drinking |
Activities
Rock Climbing
The granite walls of Boulder Canyon have attracted rock climbers for decades. Lands in Boulder Canyon are managed by private landowners, the City of Boulder, Boulder County, and the United States Forest Service.
River and Stream Fishing
Colorado Parks and Wildlife establishes fishing regulations in the State of Colorado.
Scenic Driving
Colorado Highway 119 runs 17 miles up Boulder Canyon from Boulder to Nederland. The two-lane paved highway has pullouts and picnic areas where visitors can picnic and enjoy the waters of Boulder Creek. Further scenic driving can be had along the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, which intersects in Nederland.