Boulder 4th Of July Guide: Closures, Weather, Activities

BOULDER, CO — While Boulderites are getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July with outdoor excursions, grilling and fun, there are some important things to know to help the celebrations go smoothly.

Boulderites can expect a 40 percent chance of rain in the afternoon on Sunday, but the clouds are expected to clear in the night with a low around 61.

Activities

Ralphie's Independence Day Blast fireworks blast has been canceled this year, but there are plenty of other fun things to do in the city:

Boulder Reservoir

Take a break from the hot weather, pack a picnic blanket and head to the reservoir to cool off! Many families flock to the beach every 4th of July to sunbathe and enjoy the view. Outside alcohol is prohibited at the reservoir, and each carload must pay a daily access fee of $10 (individuals pay $5 each). More information can be found here.

Flatirons Golf Course

• Open to players with pre-paid tee times.
• Practice facilities and the driving range will be open to the public with no reservation required.

Scott Carpenter Pool

The pool will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 4.

Eben G. Fine Park

The park will be open Sunday; however, Arapahoe Avenue will be closed from the park to Boulder Canyon Drive. Tubing on Boulder Creek is allowed, but may be closed if there are high water flows, the city of Boulder said. Here's a list of general park rules— such as no glass containers, alcohol or grills.

Hiking

The city of Boulder suggests hikers take advantage of shuttles to save the stress of busy trailhead parking lots:

• The free Park to Park shuttle to Chautauqua Park will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4 and 5. Pay parking is in effect in the park and on Baseline Road near the park.
• The Eldo Shuttle (operated by Boulder County) provides free shuttle service to Eldorado Canyon State Park and will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 4 and 5. The shuttle picks up from the University of Colorado Regent Lot (Broadway and Regent Drive).
• The Hessie Trailhead Shuttle (operated by Boulder County) provides free shuttle service to the Indian Peaks Wilderness and will run from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4 and from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 5.
• Bustang service to Estes Park will run July 4. The shuttle picks up in Boulder from Table Mesa Station. Tickets are $5 each way and online reservations are required. The Bustang is operated by the Colorado Department of Transportation.

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Road closures

• Arapahoe Avenue will be closed from Eben G. Fine Park to Boulder Canyon Drive, but as mentioned above, the park will be open.
• The city will close open space parking lots on Flagstaff Mountain at 3 p.m. on July 4.
• Flagstaff Road also will be closed from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4. Traffic will be diverted at Sixth Street and Baseline Road. Only residents who live west of Chautauqua will be allowed beyond the closure.

Fireworks

It’s illegal to use or possess any fireworks within the city limits, including all city parks and Open Space and Mountain Parks land.

Police will have increased patrols and officers plan to issue citations and confiscate fireworks. Residents are asked to report fireworks by calling 303-441-3333.

Read also: Target, Safeway: Boulder County 4th Of July Grocery Store Hours

>> More information about 4th of July in Boulder can be found here.