Boulder Canyon: Highway 119

CO 119 · Boulder → Nederland

Twisty14.9 mi25 min3,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 8,300 ftOne way

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The drive

CO 119 climbs Boulder Canyon from the canyon mouth in Boulder, where the highway is Canyon Boulevard, up to Nederland. The narrow two-lane road follows Boulder Creek between rock walls with tight bends all the way. The canyon walls are popular for rock climbing, and Boulder Falls is an easy walk from the highway.

Grades reach 10 percent, and there is no runaway truck ramp, which matters for heavy trucks heading down. The drive is 14.9 miles and about 26 minutes, climbing about 3,200 feet to Nederland.

At Nederland the road meets CO 72, which carries the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway north. This drive stops there.

Along the way

Boulder (canyon mouth)
Nederland (CO-72)

Elevation

3,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 8,300 ft

BoulderNederland

Curves

Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches

mi 0–6mi 7–10mi 11–13

BoulderNederland

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Expect cyclists and weekend traffic.
Grades reach 10 percent and there is no runaway truck ramp.
Check COtrip for current closures and winter conditions.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check COtrip (CDOT).

Questions about this drive

How long does Boulder Canyon Highway 119 take to drive?

Boulder Canyon on CO 119 from Boulder to Nederland is 14.9 miles and takes about 26 minutes.

How steep is Boulder Canyon Highway 119?

Grades reach up to 10 percent, and the road has no runaway truck ramp.

Where does Boulder Canyon Highway 119 end?

This drive ends in Nederland at CO 72. The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway continues north from there.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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