Longmont: Nature, Culture and Experiences

Longmont offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: nature trails and wildlife viewing, history, public art and hands-on activities. Sailing activities in the surrounding area add another option.

Nature and Trails

At the Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center, a nature trail passes several historic buildings and runs close to sandstone cliffs; there is also a viewpoint. Nature and built history share the same trail here. The McIntosh Lake Nature Area lies in northwest Longmont and offers 3.5 miles of easy walking trails. It also provides good opportunities to spot prairie dogs, bald eagles, pelicans and other wildlife. The two areas have different focuses: at Sandstone Ranch, the buildings, cliffs and viewpoint shape the trail, while McIntosh Lake combines easy walking trails with wildlife viewing.

Activities and Planning

The Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center offers one- and two-hour group tours year-round. The two durations give you a clear choice based on how much time you have, if you’d like to include a tour in your plans.

At the Dickens Farm Nature Area, a floating course along St. Vrain Creek is open to inner tubes, kayaks, paddleboards and small non-motorized boats. There is also a beginner course for bicycle skills. This brings two different activities together in one place: the water course and bicycle skills practice. Check current conditions before using the water course.

In the area around Longmont, the Union Sailing Club holds weekly regattas at Union Reservoir in spring, summer and fall. Annual regattas, social events, youth programs and classes are also held there; they are open to the general sailing public. Check the event date in advance if you plan to attend a specific activity.

Culture, Art and Experiences

The Longmont Museum collection includes more than 17,000 objects, 10,000 photographs and thousands of documents about the history of Longmont and the St. Vrain Valley. Objects, photographs and documents bring together different types of material on this local history theme.

Art in Public Places includes permanent and temporary art installations in Longmont. Alongside the museum collection, the program offers a distinct way to experience culture: art is represented both permanently and temporarily.

At The Art of Cheese, you can make cheese yourself in Longmont. If you’d like to make this experience a fixed part of your trip, check the dates in advance.

The Brewhop Trolley lets passengers hop on and off at numerous craft beverage locations in Longmont. If you’re planning a ride, check the current schedule in advance.

Plan Longmont and Other Destinations

Longmont’s bus network makes it easier to explore the city and take day trips to Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins. For specific day plans, check the routes and schedules that suit your travel dates.

Trail Profiles in the Broader Boulder Destination

In the broader Boulder destination, two trail profiles differ significantly: the Schoolhouse Loop at Heil Valley Ranch is an easy, 0.9-mile trail for beginner mountain bikers; the Walker Ranch Loop is 7.9 miles long and moderately difficult. Their length and difficulty offer a concrete comparison. Conditions and closures may change on both trails; check before heading out.

Discover more destinations: Louisville, Superior, Boulder, Allenspark, Niwot

Back to the broader travel overview: Boulder.