Race through downtown Boulder solving riddles and snapping photos in Operation City Quest’s two-hour app-based scavenger hunt. Expect Flatirons views, public art, and a remote host helping teams chase the leaderboard.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning sun hits the rust-red Flatirons as your team gathers near Pearl Street — phones charged, sneakers ready, eyes scanning for the first riddle. This is Boulder by foot: open-air sidewalks, bubbling creek corridors, and an undercurrent of student energy from the nearby University of Colorado. The Operation City Quest scavenger hunt uses an app to send you cryptic prompts; you race the clock and other teams to photograph objects, perform quirky challenges, and rack up points on a live leaderboard.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect 1–3 miles of walking over varied city surfaces
Wildlife
History
Boulder grew out of the Colorado gold rush era (1850s) and later developed as a university town; downtown architecture reflects late-19th-century roots and civic investment.
Conservation
Boulder maintains extensive Open Space and Mountain Parks protections; stick to sidewalks and marked paths, pack out trash, and respect private property during hunts.
Reserve your spot on the Explore Boulder with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a fully charged smartphone
The game runs entirely through the app; a dead battery ends your run early — carry a power bank.
Wear supportive walking shoes
Downtown surfaces vary from cobblestone to paved paths — comfortable shoes keep you moving quickly.
Stay hydrated and time your start
Boulder can heat up mid-day in summer; start in the morning or evening and carry water.
Use the remote host
If a riddle stalls you, the remote guide can nudge you with hints to keep momentum.
Smartphone with the app installed
Required to receive clues, submit photos, and track points.
Portable battery pack
Keeps your phone alive through photos, navigation, and chat with the remote host.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for uneven sidewalks and short sprints between clues.
Refillable water bottle
Hydration for warm-weather play and longer routes between stops.
summer