Discover the elevation of Boulder, Colorado—one of the state's most beloved and scenic cities. Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder blends educational prominence with outdoor adventure, offering a unique balance of altitude and accessibility just a short distance from Denver.

Table of Contents

Where is Boulder?

  • Location: Located 25 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder lies at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder County, Colorado.

City Profile

  • Status: Boulder is the county seat and largest city in Boulder County, and the 11th biggest city in Colorado.
  • Population: Slightly over 100,000 people in the city, and nearly three times that in the metro area.
  • Education: Home to the University of Colorado, the state’s largest university, founded in 1875.
  • Historic role: Played an important part in mining history, serving as a key supply stop for miners.
  • Time zone: Situated in the Mountain Time Zone; formerly part of the Nebraska Territory until 1861.

Elevation Basics

  • Elevation of Boulder: Boulder sits at 5,328 feet (1,624 m) above sea level—just slightly higher than a mile.
  • Altitude comparison: Its elevation is very close to Denver’s 5,280 feet (1,609 m), earning the state capital its “Mile High City” nickname.
  • Location context: Boulder is part of Colorado’s Front Range region, where most cities sit above 5,000 feet.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Visitor adjustment: Travelers from low-elevation regions may need to acclimate to the thinner air and lower temperatures.
  • State comparison: Colorado has the highest mean elevation in the U.S. at 6,800 feet (2,070 m); Boulder’s elevation is slightly below average for the state.
  • Comparison to other cities:
    • Colorado Springs: 6,033 feet (1,839 m)
    • Aurora: 5,472 feet (1,668 m)
    • Denver: 5,280 feet (1,609 m)
    • Boulder is lower than many Colorado cities but higher than most U.S. cities.
  • State extremes:
    • Highest point: Mount Elbert – 14,400 feet (4,401 m)
    • Lowest point: Arikaree River – 3,317 feet (1,011 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Boulder has a semi-arid continental climate with distinct seasonal weather changes.
  • Temperature range: Due to its elevation, temperatures are often cooler than lower-elevation cities.
    • Hottest month: July – Highs average 88°F (31°C)
    • Coldest month: December – Lows average 21°F (-6°C)
  • Precipitation: Boulder receives lower-than-average rainfall and experiences regular snowfall during winter.
  • Outdoor appeal: Offers excellent access to hiking, biking, skiing, and mountain adventures.
  • University impact: The University of Colorado brings a vibrant student population and fuels the local economy and events.
  • Major events:
    • Bolder Boulder – One of the world’s largest 10K races
    • Boulder Cruiser Ride – Weekly summer cycling tradition
    • Polar Bear Plunge – Annual New Year’s dip in icy water

Plan Your Trip