What to Do in Boulder, Colorado

Joshua Scott Onysko’s Guide to the Best Hikes Near The Rusty Skillet Ranch

If you’re wondering what to do in Boulder, Colorado beyond Pearl Street and coffee shops, the real answer is simple: go outside. One of the great privileges of staying at The Rusty Skillet Ranch in Boulder, Colorado is that you’re not just near the mountains—you’re in them.

Over the years, these trails have become rituals for me. They’re where I clear my head, reset my nervous system, and remember why I chose to live here. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful midday walk, a winter forest wander, or a soul-expanding alpine adventure, these are my favorite hikes near The Rusty Skillet Ranch—organized by difficulty and season so you can find the perfect fit for your stay.

Quick Guide: Best Hikes in Boulder by Difficulty & Season

• Benjamin Loop – Easy–Moderate – Year-round – Hidden local trail near Four Mile

• Lion’s Lair – Moderate – Year-round – Perfect lunchtime hike

• Royal Arch (Chautauqua) – Moderate – All seasons – Iconic Boulder views

• 4th of July Trail (Indian Peaks) – Moderate–Challenging – Summer – Wildflowers & alpine lake

• Brainerd Lake Recreation Area – All levels – Late Spring–Fall – Choose-your-own adventure

Easy to Moderate Hikes Near The Rusty Skillet Ranch (All Seasons)

Benjamin Loop – A Local Secret

Distance: ~1.5 miles round-trip

Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer (with timing)

This is the hidden gem most visitors never find. The trailhead is just 0.9 miles down Four Mile Canyon Road, on the right-hand side as you head back toward town. Look closely—you’ll see a small sign tucked along the roadside.

What makes Benjamin Loop special is that Wednesdays and Saturdays are mountain bike–free, which means it’s often nearly empty. It becomes a meditative forest walk where all you hear is wind in the pines and your own footsteps.

• In summer, go anytime—it’s cooler and shaded.

• In fall, winter, and spring, aim for midday when the sun is higher, since the first stretch stays in shade.

  
  

There’s also a longer version of this trail that lets you wander for hours if the mood strikes. It’s perfect when you want nature without a full-day commitment.

Lion’s Lair – The Perfect Boulder Day Hike

Time: 1–1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Seasons: All year

Lion’s Lair is one of the best “day-maker” hikes in Boulder.

Drive south on Four Mile Canyon Road and turn left on Poor Man Road. Wind your way to Sunshine Canyon Road, head down, and on one of the hairpin turns, you’ll see the Lion’s Lair trailhead. It’s also easy to find on Google Maps.

This is an ideal lunchtime hike—short enough to fit into a day, long enough to feel like you’ve really been somewhere. It works beautifully in every season and at almost any time of day.

Moderate & Challenging Summer Hikes Near Boulder

4th of July Trail – Indian Peaks Wilderness

Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging

Best Season: Summer

Recommended Start: 4:45–5:00 a.m.

This is one of my favorite hikes in the entire Front Range.

You’ll want to wake up early—really early. Pack warm layers, snacks, and plenty of water. The reward is extraordinary: solitude, golden light, and a trail that feels like it belongs only to you.

The hike is named for the way snow often lingers until the Fourth of July. By midsummer, the valley explodes with wildflowers that look like fireworks scattered across the ground.

At the top, before dropping into the valley, you’ll find Dorothy Lake—a glacier-fed alpine lake that’s perfect for a cold plunge. If that’s your thing, pack a towel. Floating in that water and lying on warm rocks afterward is unforgettable.

When you hike back later in the morning, you’ll pass hundreds of people heading up. You’ll understand exactly why getting up early is worth it.

Brainerd Lake Recreation Area – Something for Everyone

Difficulty: Easy to Challenging

Best Season: Late Spring–Fall

Brainerd Lake is a choose-your-own-adventure playground. There are trails for every level, from gentle lakeside walks to ambitious alpine routes.

You may still need a reservation to enter—check ahead.

To get there, drive north on Four Mile Canyon Road up to Gold Hill, connect to the Peak-to-Peak Highway, then turn right toward Brainerd Lake. Your phone will guide you the rest of the way.

This is perfect if you’re hiking with people of different abilities—everyone can find their rhythm here.

Iconic Boulder Hiking Experience

Royal Arch – Chautauqua Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Seasons: All year

Crowds: Always

This is Boulder’s most famous hike for a reason. Expect crowds year-round, but the payoff is enormous: sweeping views, dramatic stone formations, and the iconic Royal Arch itself. If it’s your first time in Boulder, this hike belongs on your list.

A Few Final Tips for Hiking in Boulder

Boulder sits high, and the sun is intense—even in winter.

• Drink more water than you think you need

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers

• Weather changes quickly—be prepared

  
  

Guests staying at The Rusty Skillet Ranch often ask what to do in Boulder beyond restaurants and shopping. These trails are the answer. They’re not just hikes—they’re doorways into why this place is special.

Take your time. These mountains aren’t about getting somewhere. They’re about remembering where you are.

Book your stay today!