40°05′N 105°22′W / 40.09°N 105.36°W / 40.09; -105.36
57-519: The Walker Ranch is a historic ranch in Boulder County , Colorado . The ranch was built by James A. Walker, who first settled in the Boulder area in 1865. Walker and his family initially lived in a log cabin on the ranch, which was built in 1865. In 1881, Walker and his family built and moved to a new ranch house. Walker engaged in a number of business ventures on the ranch and leased parts of
114-648: A Historic Preservation Code was passed. In 1976, a residential-growth management ordinance, the Danish Plan, was passed. The city of Boulder is located in the Boulder Valley, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains . The Flatirons , slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, are located west of the city and are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder. Boulder Creek
171-479: A female householder with no husband present, and 40.00% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.03. In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.90% under the age of 18, 13.40% from 18 to 24, 33.60% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 7.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
228-472: A few naked runners were observed by locals. Several illegal attempts, resulting in arrests, have been made to restart the run, but no serious effort has been mounted. For several years on April 20, thousands of people gathered on the CU Boulder campus to celebrate 420 and smoke marijuana at and before 4:20 pm. The 2010 head count was officially between 8,000 and 15,000 with some discrepancy between
285-466: A group of friends and friends of friends in the early 90's riding bicycles around Boulder into the social cycling event it is today. Some enthusiasts gather wearing costumes and decorating their bikes; themes are an integral part of the cruiser tradition. Boulder Police began following the cruiser ride as it gained in popularity in the early 2000s. Issues with underage drinking, reckless bicycle riding, and other nuisance complaints led organizers to drop
342-578: Is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado of the United States. As of the 2020 census , the population was 330,758. The most populous municipality in the county and the county seat is Boulder . Boulder County comprises the Boulder, Colorado Metropolitan Statistical Area , which is included in the Denver – Aurora , Colorado Combined Statistical Area . Boulder County was one of
399-469: Is a tributary of the South Platte River . At the 2020 United States Census , the city had a total area of 17,514 acres (70.877 km ), including 664 acres (2.689 km ) of water. The 40th parallel , 40 degrees north latitude, runs through Boulder and can be easily recognized as Baseline Road today. Boulder lies in a wide basin beneath Flagstaff Mountain just a few miles east of
456-491: Is an annual one-week conference featuring dozens of discussion panels on contemporary issues. The internationally syndicated radio program eTown has its headquarters at eTown Hall , at the intersection of 16th and Spruce Streets, in downtown Boulder. Most tapings of this weekly show are done at eTown Hall. Beginning in 1983, hundreds of people head to the Boulder Reservoir on New Year's Day to take part in
513-556: Is home to multiple dance companies and establishments. Boulder Ballet was founded by former American Ballet Theatre dancer Larry Boyette in the 1970s as part of the Ballet Arts Studios. Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet was founded in 2004 by Robert Sher-Machherndl, former principal dancer of the Dutch National Ballet and Bavarian State Ballet . The Conference on World Affairs , started in 1948,
570-586: Is said they promised to move into the mountains to prospect in the spring. However, in February 1859, they founded the town of Boulder. At about the same time, they also founded the first Gold Mining town in what would become Colorado, Gold Hill which is about 10 miles west from Boulder. Gold Hill was founded because of the placer gold discovered there. The area was the site of the first commercial scale placer mine in Colorado, producing over 5,500 ounces of gold in
627-485: Is the primary flow of water through Boulder. The creek was named before the city's founding for all of the large granite boulders that have cascaded into the creek over the eons. It is from Boulder Creek that the city is believed to have taken its name. Boulder Creek has significant water flow, derived primarily from snow melt and minor springs west of the city. The creek flows into St. Vrain Creek east of Longmont , which
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#1732782462158684-575: Is usually shallow. Due to the high elevation, a strong warming sun can quickly melt snow cover during the day and Chinook winds bring rapid warm-ups throughout the winter months. Summers are warm, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. There are roughly 30 days of 90 °F (32 °C) or above each year. Diurnal temperature variation is typically large due to the high elevation and semi-arid climate. Daytime highs are generally cooler than those of most Colorado cities with similar elevations. The highest recorded temperature of 104 °F (40 °C)
741-561: The City and County of Broomfield in 2001. Before the arrival of the first US settlers, the area was occupied by Native Americans led by Chief Niwot on the plains and seasonally by Utes in the mountains to the west. The first European American settlers were gold prospectors led by Captain Thomas Aikins . His group of about twenty settled at the mouth of Boulder Creek Canyon on October 17, 1858. Chief Niwot told them not to stay and it
798-584: The 1800s, Euro-American settlers colonized the area. Modern Boulder was founded in late 1858 when prospectors led by Thomas Aikins arrived at Boulder Canyon during the Colorado Gold Rush. Arapaho leader Niwot allowed them to stay for the winter, but the settlers abused this peaceful approach, and some later took part in the Sand Creek massacre of Arapaho. In early 1859, gold was discovered along Boulder Creek, drawing more miners and merchants to
855-609: The 40% mark in the county since 1988. This tracks closely with the Democratic trend in other counties dominated by college towns. In recent years, the GOP has turned in some of its worst showings in the county in memory. Republicans took less than 28% of the vote in Boulder County in both 2008 and 2012 , only 22% in 2016 , and just over 20% in 2020 . In 2000, Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader took 11.82% of
912-573: The Boulder Bach Festival is an annual festival celebrating the life, legacy, and music of J.S. Bach . The festival is led by Executive Director Zachary Carrettin and Artistic Director Mina Gajic. Founded in 1988, Colorado MahlerFest celebrates the legacy of composer Gustav Mahler through an annual festival. Under Artistic Director Kenneth Woods , The Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra draws together young professionals, conservatory and university students, and advanced amateurs. Boulder
969-515: The Boulder metropolitan area as the top "brain" area in the US. Boulder County is divided into three districts each represented by a commissioner elected county-wide. The three commissioners comprise the county Board of Commissioners and represent the county as a whole. Each commissioner must reside in their respective district and may be elected to a maximum of two four-year terms. The Board of County Commissioners are full-time public servants and approve
1026-800: The Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation. By 1862, the creek had yielded $ 100,000 in gold, and Boulder's population exceeded 300. On November 7, 1861, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation to locate the University of Colorado in Boulder. On September 20, 1875, the first cornerstone was laid for the first building (Old Main) on the CU campus. The university officially opened on September 5, 1877. In 1907, Boulder adopted an anti- saloon ordinance. In 1916, statewide prohibition started in Colorado, and ended with
1083-469: The Colorado state capital of Denver . Boulder is a college town , hosting the University of Colorado Boulder , the flagship and largest campus of the University of Colorado system as well as numerous research institutes . Archaeological evidence shows that Boulder Valley has been continuously inhabited by Native American tribes for over 13,000 years, beginning in the late Pleistocene era. Throughout
1140-538: The Norlin Quad, and having out-of-town law enforcement agencies help secure the campus. In 2013, April 20 fell on a Saturday. The university continued the 420 party ban and closed the campus to visitors. In 2015 the government conceded and once again opened the park to visitors on April 20. The Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride is a weekly bicycle ride in Boulder Colorado. The Boulder Cruiser Ride grew from
1197-654: The Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Late Prehistoric periods, Indigenous peoples moved seasonally between the mountains and plains, taking shelter in winter along the Front Range trough where Boulder now lies. By the 1500s, the area was occupied by Ute tribes, joined by Arapaho tribes in the early 1800s. The Indigenous Nations who have ties to the Boulder Valley include the Apache , Arapaho , Cheyenne , Comanche , Kiowa , Pawnee , Shoshone , Sioux , and Ute peoples. In
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#17327824621581254-637: The allocation of 1,800 acres (7.3 km ) of mountain backdrop/watershed extending from South Boulder Creek to Sunshine Canyon. Boulder has created an Urban Wildlife Management Plan which sets policies for managing and protecting urban wildlife. The city's Parks and Recreation and Open Space and Mountain Parks departments have volunteers who monitor parks, including wetlands, lakes, etc., to protect ecosystems. From time to time, parks and hiking trails are closed to conserve or restore ecosystems. Traditionally, Boulder has avoided using chemical pesticides to control
1311-451: The amendment passed statewide with 55% of the vote, only 33% of Boulder County supported it. In 2012, over 66% of Boulder County voted in favor of Amendment 64 , legalizing marijuana in the state of Colorado. The 20th Judicial District of Colorado , the state trial court of general jurisdiction , serves and is coextensive with Boulder County. As of 2009 the 20th Judicial Circuit has eight District Court judges. The Boulder County Court ,
1368-583: The annual polar bear plunge . With rescue teams standing by, participants use a variety of techniques to plunge themselves into the freezing reservoir. Once the plunge is complete, swimmers retreat to hot tubs on the reservoir beach to revive themselves from the cold. Starting in 1998, dozens of people have taken part in a Halloween run down the city's streets wearing only shoes and a hollowed-out pumpkin on their heads. In 2009, local police threatened participants with charges of indecent exposure , and no naked runners were reported in official newscasts, although
1425-699: The area. The ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 as the Walker Ranch Historic District. In 1988, two additional parcels of land were determined to be associated with the ranch's historic activities and were added to the historic district. This article about a property in Colorado on the National Register of Historic Places is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Boulder County, Colorado Boulder County
1482-543: The area. The Boulder City Town Company was formed in February 1859 to establish a settlement at the canyon mouth. By 1860, it had 70 cabins, occupied mainly by Anglo families. Non-whites like Chinese miners and black residents were part of early Boulder but rarely pictured. In 1861, Boulder County was created, and the Arapaho were forced to relocate per the Treaty of Fort Wise. With declining numbers, Niwot's band soon moved to
1539-541: The budget for the entire County government. The Board also oversees the management of 10 County departments and the daily operations of the county, work that is done by a county manager or a chief administrative officer in some counties. Boulder County has seven other county-wide elected officials, including the District Attorney, who represents the 20th Judicial District. Boulder County went Republican in all but three presidential elections from 1920 to 1984,
1596-399: The city. The population density was 3,942.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,522.3/km ). There were 43,479 housing units at an average density of 1,760.3 units per square mile (679.7 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 88.0% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 4.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.2% some other race, and 2.6% from two or more races. 8.7% of
1653-458: The continental divide and about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver. Arapahoe Glacier provides water for the city, along with Boulder Creek, which flows through the center of the city. Denver International Airport is located 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Boulder. In 1899, government preservation of open space around Boulder began, with the Congress of the United States approving
1710-488: The county and the 12th-most populous city in Colorado. Boulder is the principal city of the Boulder metropolitan statistical area , which had 330,758 residents in 2020, and is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor . Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains , at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m) above sea level. The city is 25 miles (40 km) northwest of
1767-418: The county was 88.54% White , 0.88% Black or African American , 0.61% Native American , 3.06% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 4.67% from other races , and 2.18% from two or more races. 10.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 114,680 households, out of which 30.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.90% were married couples living together, 7.70% had
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1824-579: The cruiser ride as a public event. Returning to an underground format, where enthusiasts must become part of the social network before gaining access to event sites, the Boulder Cruiser Ride has continued as a local tradition. On May 30, 2013, over 400 riders attended the Thursday-night Cruiser Ride in honor of "Big Boy", an elk that was shot and killed on New Year's Day by an on-duty Boulder Police officer. Boulder
1881-590: The ecological processes that sustain them and to reduce the wildfire risk to forest and human communities. Boulder has a temperate climate typical for much of the state and receives many sunny or mostly sunny days each year. Boulder is considered semi-arid (Köppen: BSk ) or humid subtropical (Köppen: Cfa ) within the Köppen climate classification due to its relatively high yearly precipitation and average temperatures remaining above 32 °F (0 °C) year-round. Winter conditions range from generally mild to
1938-410: The estimated median household income in Boulder was $ 57,112, and the median family income was $ 113,681. Male full-time workers had a median income of $ 71,993 versus $ 47,574 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 37,600. 24.8% of the population and 7.6% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 17.4% of those under 18 and 6.0% of those 65 and older were living below
1995-535: The exceptions being the national Democratic landslides of 1932, 1936 and 1964. However, it has swung heavily to the Democrats since the late 1980s, and has supported Democrats at every election since 1988. Since the 1990s, it has become one of the most liberal counties in Colorado; in most years, it is the second-strongest Democratic bastion in the state, behind only the City and County of Denver. The GOP has not crossed
2052-485: The fire was spreading due to unusual 100 mile per hour winds. Additionally, one person died and another is missing and presumed dead. The cause of the fire has not been officially announced, pending an investigation. However, an incident report filed by a ranger with Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks identified two ignition points for the fire. The first ignition point was a shed that began to burn at approximately 11:30AM MST, December 30, 2021. The second ignition point
2109-626: The first year of operations (1859). In late December 2021, the Marshall Fire raged through the parched lands near Boulder, Colorado . Marshall Fire is the most destructive in Colorado's history. The fire impacted City of Superior , City of Louisville and unincorporated Boulder County areas. 991 homes were destroyed with an additional 127 damaged. Over 13,000 people in Superior and 21,000 in Louisville were ultimately evacuated while
2166-539: The insect population. However, with the threat of West Nile virus , the city began an integrative plan to control the mosquito population in 2003 that includes chemical pesticides. Residents can opt out of the program by contacting the city and asking that their areas not be sprayed. Under Boulder law, exterminating prairie dogs requires a permit. In 2005, the city experimented with using goats for weed control in environmentally sensitive areas. Goats naturally consume diffuse knapweed and Canada thistle , and although
2223-642: The largest race in the US in which all participants are timed and the fifth largest road race in the world. Founded in 1958, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra under the leadership of its Music Director Michael Butterman. Founded in 1976 by Giora Bernstein , the Colorado Music Festival presents a summer series of concerts in Chautauqua Auditorium . Founded in 1981,
2280-426: The local papers and the university administrators, who have been thought to have been attempting to downplay the event. Eleven citations were given out whereas the year before there were only two. 2011 was the last year of mass 420 partying at CU as the university, in 2012, took a hard stance against 420 activities, closing the campus to visitors for the day, using smelly fish fertilizer to discourage gathering at
2337-414: The mountain backdrop from development. In 1967, city voters approved a dedicated sales tax to acquire open space to contain urban sprawl . In 1970, Boulder created a "comprehensive plan" to dictate future zoning, transportation, and urban planning decisions. Hoping to preserve residents' views of the mountains, in 1972, the city enacted an ordinance limiting the height of newly constructed buildings. In 1974,
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2394-488: The occasional bitterly cold. Highs average in the mid to upper 40s °F (7–9 °C). There are 4.6 nights annually where the temperature drops to 0 °F (−18 °C). Because of orographic lift , the mountains to the west often dry out the air passing over the Front Range , shielding the city from precipitation in winter, though heavy snowfalls may occur. Snowfall averages 88 inches (220 cm) per season. Snow depth
2451-499: The original 17 counties created by the Territory of Colorado on November 1, 1861. The county was named for Boulder City and Boulder Creek , so named because of the abundance of boulders in the creek which hampered early gold prospecting efforts. Boulder County retains essentially the same borders as in 1861, although a 27.5 square miles (71.2 km ) of its southeastern corner and its approximate population of 40,000 became part of
2508-402: The park's highest summit at 4,345 meters (14,255 feet) elevation, is located in Boulder County. As of the census of 2000, there were 271,651 people, 114,680 households, and 68,808 families residing in the county. The population density was 392 people per square mile (151 people/km ). There were 119,900 housing units at an average density of 162 per square mile (63/km ). The racial makeup of
2565-409: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 41,302 households, of which 19.1% had children under 18 living with them, 32.2% were headed by married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 59.6% were non-families. 35.8% of all households comprised individuals, and 7.1% were someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size
2622-465: The poverty line. In 2010, the Boulder MSA had a gross metropolitan product of $ 18.3 billion, the 110th largest metropolitan economy in the United States. In 2007, Boulder became the first city in the United States to levy a carbon tax . In 2013, Boulder appeared on Forbes magazine's list of Best Places for Business and Careers. In the city's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,
2679-555: The program was not as effective as it was hoped, goats will still be considered in future weed control projects. In 2010, goats were used to keep weeds under control at the Boulder Reservoir. The city's Open Space and Mountain Parks department manages approximately 8,000 acres (32 km ) of protected forest land west of the city, in accordance with a 1999 Forest Ecosystem Management Plan. The plan aims to maintain or enhance native plant and animal species, their communities,
2736-407: The ranch to other businessmen, and the enterprises which took place on the ranch represent many of the region's industries at the time. Walker mainly raised cattle and milled lumber on the property, and an English firm mined gold using a cyanide mill; payments from the latter operation allowed Walker to eliminate his debt and purchase additional land for the ranch. Of the remaining historic buildings on
2793-462: The ranch, eleven are from Walker's homestead and his ranching operations, fourteen were part of Walker's sawmill operations, and fourteen are related to the cyanide mill. The ranch also includes five archaeological sites; three of these are remnants of aboriginal settlement in the area and two of these are Arapahoe sites, including a site Walker may have shared with the Arapahoe when he first came to
2850-487: The repeal of national prohibition in 1933. Median home prices rose 60% from 2010 to 2015 to $ 648,200. In 2024, the City Council of Boulder repealed a long-standing law that prevented Boulder from increasing new residential units by more than 1% in a year. In 1959, city voters approved the "Blue Line" city-charter amendment, which restricted city water service to altitudes below 5,750 feet (1,750 m), to protect
2907-415: The state trial court of limited jurisdiction , consists of five judges and six magistrates . Boulder County has two combined courthouses : School districts serving Boulder County include: Boulder, Colorado Boulder is a home rule city in and the county seat of Boulder County, Colorado , United States. With a population of 108,250 at the 2020 census , it is the most populous city in
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#17327824621582964-545: The top employers are: Boulder has hosted a 10 km road run , the Bolder Boulder , on Memorial Day every year since 1979. The race involves over 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it one of the largest road races in the world. It has the largest non- marathon prize purse in road racing. The race culminates at Folsom Field with a Memorial Day Tribute. The 2007 race featured over 54,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it
3021-418: The vote in Boulder County, more than twice the 5.25% he took statewide in Colorado, and more than four times his 2.73% nationwide vote share. Boulder County has also demonstrated its progressive leanings in referendums on social issues, such as in 2006, when nearly 2/3 of Boulder County voters voted to reject Amendment 43 , a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Although
3078-523: Was 2.16, and the average family size was 2.84. Boulder's population is younger than the national average, largely due to the presence of university students. The median age at the 2010 census was 28.7 years compared to the U.S. median of 37.2 years. In Boulder, 13.9% of the residents were younger than 18, 29.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and older, there were 106.2 males. In 2011,
3135-491: Was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.70 males. In 2014, the median income for a household in the county was $ 69,407, and the median income for a family was $ 94,938. Males had a median income of $ 65,489 versus $ 48,140 for females. About 7.0% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.6% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over. In 2017, Bloomberg ranked
3192-439: Was on June 25, 2012. The record low was −33 °F (−36 °C) on January 17, 1930. The coldest high temperature, −12 °F (−24 °C), was on February 4, 1989. The warmest overnight low was on July 20, 1998, with a temperature of 82 °F (28 °C) Boulder is the principal city of the Boulder, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area . In the 2010 census, there were 97,385 people, 41,302 households, and 16,694 families in
3249-563: Was upwind from the first, and started around noon of the same day on "western side of the Marshall Mesa trailhead". According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 740 square miles (1,900 km ), of which 726 square miles (1,880 km ) is land and 14 square miles (36 km ) (1.9%) is water. Rocky Mountain National Park is in Boulder County, Larimer County , and Grand County . Longs Peak ,
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