Boulder is the county seat Boulder County and is a Home Rule Municipality located in the US state of Colorado. It is the 11th most populous city in the state and has an estimated population of 91,685 (2006 Census). It is home to several notable universities including the University of Colorado at Boulder, which is the largest university in the state. The Naropa University is also located in the city. Naropa is one of two accredited Buddhist-inspired universities in the US.

The city is known for its outdoor sports owning to the fact that it is surrounded by over 31,000 acres of recreational open space and nature preserves. Locals and tourists alike can go for hikes, runs, and biking trips. Rock climbing is also a ready option in the city.

Known for its filmmaking scene, Boulder hosts the annual 24 Hour Shoot Out Filmmaking Festival. The festival was established in 2004 and challenges filmmakers from all over the Front Range to create a short film within 24 hours. The Boulder International Film Festival is also held in the city. In 2009, actor Chevy Chase who was also honored during the event attended the festival.

Aside from Naropa University and the University of Colorado at Boulder, the city is also home to several private institutions including the Culinary Arts School of the Rockies and Rivendell College private Christian Liberal Arts College.

Notable Boulder residents include Nobel Prize winners Eric Cornell, John L. Hall and Thomas Cech. Actress Jessica Biel also hails from Boulder.