City: Boulder, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (303) 494-3943

Description: One of the best rock-climbing areas in the United States, this canyon is lined with spectacular rock walls rising to 1,500 feet, the patient work of South Boulder Creek. It’s a great place to watch some world-class rock climbing on the 500 routes or to do a bit of hiking, biking, or fishing. In the early 1900s, daredevil Ivy Baldwin made unique use of the towering canyon walls, walking a high wire from the Bastille to the aptly named Wind Tower. Ike and Mamie Eisenhower reportedly honeymooned in the canyon, when it was operated as a private resort. The park is open until dusk. The entrance fee is $3 for walk-ins, $7 per vehicle, and $60 for an annual state parks pass, $30 for those 64 and over ($12.50 for those age 62 and older or with a permanent disability). Check the maps at the park entrance and ranger station for information on the length and level of difficulty of the various trails.On the way to the park you’ll pass Eldorado Artesian Springs (303-499-1316, ext. 5), a privately owned historic resort (see the History chapter). The thermal pools and snack bar are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cost per day is $8 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3 through 12 and for seniors age 60 and older; children younger than age 3 are admitted free. The park is 8 miles south of Boulder. Take Highway 93 to Highway 170 and head west.