Zak Wood/Colorado Daily

Mike Dougherty, right, sets up teammate Jordan Perkins, left, during a volleyball game out on Farrand Field. Farrand Field is one of many spots on campus where University of Colorado students can pursue recreational activities.

Everyone knows of the myriad outdoor activities that are available in Boulder, but are University of Colorado students capitalizing on the ample opportunities?

Some yes; others no.

Whether or not Boulder has got you taking advantage of its outdoor recreation or not, there is no denying there is a lot to do.

The most obvious outdoor activity is cycling. Boulder has become world-renowned as a cyclist-friendly town -- the traffic in the bike lanes is evidence enough of that.

Jennifer Carter, a University of Colorado junior, is one student who has found plenty to do out in the sun.

"You can pretty much do anything," said Carter. "There are so many different activities that you can take place in around the area."

On the other hand, there are those that are less interested in what Boulder has to offer.

"I don't really do much outdoor recreation, to be quite honest," said CU senior Patrick Maxwell.

Though Maxwell bikes, both in the city and in the mountains, he hasn't noticed much of a change in his outdoor lifestyle.

"I probably walk more places than I used to, but that's about it," said Maxwell, who is from Denver.

Andrew Olson, a fourth-year graduate student from Green Bay, Wisc., echoes Maxwell's sentiment.

"Not really," said Olson when asked if his outdoor lifestyle had changed. "It's been pretty much the same."

Though Olson and Maxwell haven't noticed a change, the wide range of outdoor activities has affected some. Jennifer Carter, who came to CU from Frederick, Mary., hasn't been able to pass up what Boulder has to offer, saying she "absolutely" has participated in more outdoor activities.

"I was never active," said Carter. "I didn't do anything."

It doesn't matter which coast you're from, Boulder's outdoor opportunities can often be too tempting to ignore.

Kelly Schick, a junior from San Diego, Calif., on the opposite side of the country from Maryland, has noticed Boulder's affect.

"I've probably become a more active than being in San Diego because there's more to do here outdoors-wise," said Schick.

A popular activity among students is tubing on the Boulder Creek, which not only provides excitement, but also has become a summertime social event.

"It's fun to go with all of our friends and see a bunch of people you know," said Schick. "It's something different."

Rock climbing is another popular activity, with the Boulder Canyon and several indoor walls close by. It is more extreme than biking or tubing, but that is part of the fun.

"It gets your adrenaline going," said Jennifer Carter.

Of course, if you just want to get some exercise, there is always the Boulder Rec Center. Schick and Olson both frequent the Rec Center. Olson, though, doesn't just work out, he has found another activity there, which happens to be outdoors -- sand volleyball.

"The thing I like most about [the Rec Center] is the pick-up games," said Olson. "I like meeting new people there."

He also feels there is something in the air in Colorado.

"I love that it's not as humid as it is in Wisconsin," said Olson. "The dryer atmosphere is much nicer."

With the thermometer regularly getting up into the mid-nineties recently, and so much to do outside, most Boulder residents are probably agreeing with Olson and getting off of the couch and out into the Colorado summer..

Contact Eric Peterson about this story at (303) 443-6272 ext. 112 or sports@coloradodaily.com