Sled Riding in Boulder

Sled riding in Boulder: Fun for All Ages

By: Joe Kovack

With winter on the horizon, buying a sled and heading to the closest hill can bring out the child in us all.

In Boulder, the majestic Flatirons grace the skyline, imprinting a sense of awe in first-time visitors and even long-time natives. Yet as winter arrives and the thirst for the sled riding of yore begins to boil, one may look to the Flatirons and ask themselves where they can possibly sled ride without having to scale a mountain and risk permanent injury on the ride down. Scanning the city the Boulder it may seem that dense neighborhoods crowd the foothills and leave no room for even a small sled hill. But this first glance is deceiving, as hills with the right attributes for sled-riding do exist within the City of Boulder; one just needs to know where to look.

Many times, winter in Colorado may conjure images of skiing down lustrous slopes in Aspen and Vail. But for those who do not have the time or money to ski or snowboard, sled-riding is an activity that all can enjoy during the cold days and nights. Parents can take children and share in the joy of simply sledding down a hill of snow and even teach simple lessons on skiing or snowboarding on a smaller hill without having to go to an expensive resort several hours away.

Local resident Jacques Armand talked about how he has taken his daughter to the hills for years. “We go to Scott Carpenter Park all the time in the winter. I’ve been teaching my daughter to snowboard on that hill since she was about 5, since it’s small. Now i can take her up to Eldora ski resort and she can handle the smaller runs.” Armand said.

Sled riding isn’t only for parents and their children though. Teens, college students and young adults are more and more heading to the hills to recapture that innocence of youth that can only be attained by hurling down a hill. A sense of freedom and the temporary release from daily responsibilities can truly enliven a dark, gloomy and cold winter day.

Yet with any outdoor activity, there are precautions that need to be taken into account to ensure the safety and maximize the excitement for all. The following list is a compilation of sled riding hills in Boulder with location, tips and pictures. So pick up a sled, toboggan or snowboard and head for the hills!

Note: please sled ride at your own risk, and always take proper precautions with children.

South Boulder Tantra Park Hill
A great sledding hill that is as long as a football field and around 60 feet wide. There is a sidewalk at the bottom of the hill and also hay bales and trees. Small children and people snowboarding should wear a helmet, because of the length of the hill, you can pick up a lot of speed.


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Central Boulder Scott Carpenter Park
This is a nice smaller hill that is located in the center of Boulder on 30Th st by Arapaho. It’s a great hill for children and beginners because the slope is not as steep. There is plenty of parking. The main hill is safe, but the side of the hill goes over the bike path and can lead into the creek. Beware of frozen waters!


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North Boulder Casey Middle School
A small hill in north Boulder. Roughly 25 feet high. Be careful. Hill is located by football field and goal posts are at the bottom.


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North Boulder Foothills Community Park
Located by 6th and Locust Ave by North Boulder Community Park, this hill is great for the family. A gentle but effective slope and about 300 feet long, this hill is great for kids, but the occasional ramp does get made.


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South Boulder Harlow Platts Park
This hill in South Boulder is around 300 feet long with a gentle slope. Sled ride with caution, Boulder Parks and Recreation is remodeling some aspects of the park. Do not sled ride near construction.


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Sled Riding in Boulder