Welcome to Gunbarrel!

Gunbarrel sits on the northeast edge of Boulder County, quietly doing its own thing. It’s close enough to feel connected, but far enough to breathe a little easier. Life here feels steadier and more spacious. Less buzz, more balance. Gunbarrel doesn’t try to impress you right away; it grows on you. And once it does, it’s hard to imagine wanting to live anywhere else.

Quick Snapshot of Gunbarrel

Vibe

Calm | Low-Key | Practical

Walk Score

52/100 Moderately walkable. Many errands are easier by car, but there are walkable pockets around shops, trails, and breweries.

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Parking

Generally easy. Most housing includes dedicated parking, and street parking is rarely a headache.

Dog Friendly?

Very. Open space paths, quieter streets, and plenty of grassy areas make daily walks easy and unhurried.

Known For

Avery Brewing Company, Twin Lakes Open Space, tech offices, and a relaxed residential feel.

What It’s Like Living in Gunbarrel

Living in Gunbarrel feels different than the rest of Boulder, and that's kind of the point. It's quieter, flatter, and more spread out. Most who live here love the space. Streets feel wider, parking is rarely a stressful guessing game, and errands don't feel like a whole event. You move here for the calm and stay because everything just works.

Food, Open Space, and Everyday Ease

Avery Brewing Company

Avery is the social anchor in Gunbarrel! Big tables and open-air seating, it's the go-to spot, perfect for laid-back hangouts or a hearty meal with friends.

Twin Lakes Open Space

This is the neighborhood's most-used reset button. Flat paths, open views, and just enough distance from the road to feel calm.

Day-to-Day Convenience

Gunbarrel shines in the in-between moments! Parking is simple. Errands don't feel chaotic. Getting in and out of the neighborhood is easy, even during busier times of the day.

Things To Do in Gunbarrel

Gunbarrel nails that “easy fun” vibe. You know how sometimes you just want to chill without all the fuss? That’s what you get here. Picture this: snagging a cozy spot for lunch, strolling around the scenic lakes, or unexpectedly discovering a tea factory tour when you’ve got a free afternoon. Everything just kind of falls into place here – no stress, just go with the flow. These are the places we keep going back to, and the ones we’d excitedly recommend to any friend looking for a laid-back day.

Avery Brewing Company

Avery Brewing Company is the place people point to when they talk about Gunbarrel. It’s the place to go grab a beer and make plans that turn into entire evening events. It’s where Gunbarrel locals and visitors alike come to unwind, celebrate, and live in the moment. The brewery sits tucked into the business park area, but once you’re inside, it opens up in a big way. High ceilings, long communal tables, and a layout that somehow works whether you’re solo, with a group, or on a simple, cute date! The energy is lively without being overwhelming, and there’s always something happening without the chaotic energy of your local bar.

Avery is known for bold, experimental beers, and the tap list reflects that. There’s always a wide range available, from approachable favorites to limited releases you won’t find everywhere else. If you like variety, this is the spot. If you don’t know what you like yet, this is also the spot. The food menu is solid and intentionally built to pair well with the beer! It’s elevated brewery food without trying too hard. Enough options to make it a real meal, not just a snack or appetizer stop.

Outside, the patio is a huge draw, especially on warm days. It fills up fast, but the size of the space keeps it feeling relaxed rather than crowded. The perfect spot to sit for a while and enjoy fresh air and a nice beer!

How to Enjoy It

Go earlier in the afternoon if you want the first pick of seating, especially for outside spots.
Order a flight if the tap list feels overwhelming. It's the best way to explore!
Treat it like a destination, not a quick stop. Avery rewards staying for a while.
Keep an eye on their event calendar! There are often releases, gatherings, and seasonal happenings worth planning around.

Why We Love It

This is where people tend to end up on weekends without officially deciding to go anywhere. Someone suggests Avery, and suddenly everyone's there.

Did You Know?

Gunbarrel wasn’t always considered part of Boulder in the way it is now. For years, it functioned more like a separate pocket on the edge of town, with a mix of unincorporated Boulder County and city jurisdiction.

The area’s modern growth is closely tied to IBM. When IBM established its campus nearby in the 1960s, it helped shape Gunbarrel into a long-term hub for engineers, scientists, and tech professionals.

Celestial Seasonings chose Gunbarrel for its headquarters in part because of Boulder’s environmental values and access to clean water. The brand’s connection to the area goes back decades, making it one of the neighborhood’s most recognizable long-term anchors.

Twin Lakes Open Space exists because of careful land preservation efforts focused on protecting wetlands and wildlife corridors. The lakes were originally gravel pits that were later restored into the calm, bird-rich space people use daily now.

Getting Around

Getting around Gunbarrel is simple and low-stress, which plays a big role in how the neighborhood feels day to day. Most people use a car for errands and commuting, but roads are easy to navigate, traffic stays lighter than in central Boulder, and parking is rarely a concern. It’s quick to reach downtown, nearby open space, or other parts of Boulder without cutting through busy streets. Biking works well too, especially for longer rides or trail connections, thanks to flatter terrain and access to bike-friendly routes. Walking here is more about daily movement and dog walks than running errands, and while RTD bus routes do connect Gunbarrel to the rest of the city, they’re usually a supplement rather than the main mode of transportation.