Downtown Boulder Trail Pairings
You conquered the trail, soaked in the views, and earned every bite. Now it’s time to refuel like a legend. Boulder’s trails are epic*—and so is its downtown dining scene. We asked local restaurateurs to share their favorite hikes and the perfect food and drink pairings to match. No sad granola bars here—just bold, satisfying, post-adventure feasts. Check out our Trail-to-Table Victory Lap Guide below. Because after all that climbing, you deserve more than just a side salad.
(*To learn more about specifics on the hikes and the Leave No Trace initiative, we're linking you over to our friends at Visit Boulder!)
Bear Peak via Shanahan Ridge
Miles: 5. Hike: Difficult. You just summited one of Boulder’s most punishing trails—time to treat yourself to Pizzeria Alberico's D-Bomb Antipasto Salad and their signature Mais Pizza made with crème fraîche, speck, corn, mozzarella, pecorino and chives. Did you know that *$1 from every Mais sold goes to the Zero Foodprint, an organization committed to restoring the climate through food.
Chautauqua Trail
Miles: 1.2. Hike: Easy to Moderate. An iconic trail followed by an iconic Boulder happy hour. Dive into their heavenly Guacamole Smash Burger and wash it down with a pint-glass $5 Suerte Blanco Margarita - because when the hike’s a classic, the sip should be too.
Flatirons Vista Trail
Miles: 3.5. Hike: Easy. This family-friendly hike calls for a Powered by Pasta™ pairing at Pasta Jay's. For those looking to carbo-load or enjoy a refreshing catch of the day, Pasta Jay's recommends their Pasta Fresca with Salmon and a glass of their refreshing Housemade Specialty Sangria.
Green Mountain Summit Loop Trail
Miles: 2.7. Hike: Advanced. For those who aren't afraid to get a little dirty and embark on an advanced-level peak, celebrate your summit with West End Tavern's Tavern Dirty Wings. And if you are still hungry...tackle The West End Philly and cool it all down with a tall glass of their signature Pearl Street Punch.
Mount Sanitas
Miles: 3.2 Hike: Difficult. Head straight to High Country for summit-worthy flavors. Whether you go for the protein-packed Summit Bowl or the stacked Mile High Burger, you’re in for a serious reward. Pair it with a crisp Upslope Lager and relive that ridge-line glory from the comfort of your seat.
NCAR Trail
Mile: 1.2. Hike: Easy. A classic Boulder trail paired with a classic meal. The Kitchen delivers comfort food with a twist: go with Huevos Rancheros or dive into their signature cheeseburger with garlic fries. A cold Rocky Mountain Lager seals the deal in this summit-to-supper transition.
Ranger Trail
Miles: 1.2 (one way). Hike: Difficult. Similar to the Ranger Trail, where the first quarter mile is a beautiful stroll filled with wildflower views, balance is everything. Maintain the balance when you order The Post Boulder's Quinoa & Kale Salad and their famous Fried Chicken. Top it off with a cold Cowboy Pilsner, and you’ve got the ultimate post-trail power-up.
Rattlesnake Gulch
Miles: 3.6. Hike: Moderate. The perfect farm-to-table option to enjoy on the trail, by a river or for a post-hike hangout. Head downtown for a trail-tested lineup at Organic Sandwich Company: Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Watermelon Gazpacho and a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie seals the deal. Wash it all down with a refreshing SATI CBD Soda and consider yourself on cloud nine!
Red Rocks Trail
Miles: .7. Hike: Easy to Moderate. Turn your red rock views into a red sangria and at Gemini. We suggest pairing your sip with a tapas spread that’s just as bold: try the Patatas Bravas, Spanish Meatballs and refresh with a Mixta Salad. Cheers!
Royal Arch Trail
Miles: 3. Hike: Advanced. You masted steep climbs on nature’s stairmaster and made it to the mighty arch. Its time claim your crown with a royal feast at Foolish Craig’s Café. Whether it's the Reuben or the Cubano, add their legendary Woman Mimosa, and you’ve officially dined like a queen or king.
Sawhill Ponds Trail
Flat, breezy and full of birdcalls, reward your stroll with a seaside-inspired happy hour at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar. Signature CrackerJax Oysters with crispy Fried New England Calamari and sip on a Cucumber Lemon Press - a meal that’s as cool and refreshing as the trail itself.
South Boulder Creek Trail
Miles: 2 (round-trip). Hike: Easy. You strolled alongside the bubbling Boulder Creek—now take that riverside energy straight to cozy River and Woods
South Mesa Trail
Miles: 3. Hike: Moderate. South Mesa Trail is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike. Treat yourself to an equally dynamic meal at Hapa Sushi including their Tres Manos Maki or go fresh and vibrant the Beet Poke Bowl. Pair it with a Yuzu Spitz or go all in with a Sake Bomb—you deserve it!
Wonderland Lake Loop Trail
Miles: 1.5 Hike: Easy. Spice your post-hike experience with slow-stewed and flavor-packed Birria Tacos from Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar. Chase it with a Cadillac Margarita, because a trail this dreamy deserves a top-shelf finish.