Swim in the city's drinking water!
Boulder Reservoir & Park
Why locals love it
This reservoir provides 20% of the city's drinking water, and sure, hydration is important, but the real attraction here is recreation: 13 picnic sites, boat moorings and rentals, a snack stand, swim beach, restrooms, showers, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a 5 mile ring trail are enjoyed by thousands of locals.
Why you should visit it
The many amenities accomodate nearly any sort of outdoor activity you could care to indulge in, and the refreshment of a swim is almost essential come the summer heat waves. Hordes of CU students gather here for bbq's and beach parties, so people watching is yet another pastime Boulder reservoir offers.
Special tip
There is a small entrance fee $6.25 for adults. Occassionally after periods of high rain, bacteria-rich runoff causes the reservoir to close briefly.