Boulder, University city in Colorado, United States.
Boulder is a university town at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 1655 meters (5430 feet), surrounded by open natural areas and rock formations. The town extends eastward across several neighborhoods, while the mountains to the west form a clear natural boundary and dominate the view in that direction.
Boulder began in 1858 as a supply hub for miners during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, with first settlements appearing near Boulder Creek. The founding of the university in 1876 changed the character of the place and drew new residents and institutions over the following decades.
The University of Colorado shapes daily routines with its 46,000 students attending lectures, working on research and organizing events throughout the year. Downtown streets host bookstores, cafes and shops designed for a young crowd, where locals gather to talk and spend time together after class or work.
A network of around 300 kilometers (186 miles) of bike paths connects residential areas with natural spaces and can be used in all seasons. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, while surrounding districts are better accessed by car or bicycle.
The area hosts several scientific research centers, including the National Center for Atmospheric Research and federal labs focused on climate and environmental topics. Visitors can tour some of these facilities and learn about ongoing studies and observations conducted there.
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