Boulder City Hillside Letters

Can you imagine a bolder display of civic pride than two giant letters etched onto a hillside? Here, overlooking Boulder City, stand the iconic Boulder City Hillside Letters. These aren’t just random letters. They proudly proclaim “BC,” representing not Bootleg Canyon, as some newcomers believe, but Boulder City High School. This isn’t the first time Boulder City has showcased its initials. A “B” graced a different hillside near San Felipe Drive in the 1950s. It was a community landmark until housing developments encroached upon its space. This original site is still called “B Hill” to this day. For a brief period, a “BC” even adorned a water tank in town before being painted over. The current Boulder City Hillside Letters have their own origin story. In 1985, Bret Runion, then student body vice president, led the charge to create the “B.” Two years later, the class of 1987 added the “C.” This addition was fueled by friendly rivalry. Just over the hill, Basic High School displayed its own “B.” The “C” eliminated any confusion between the two schools. The letters aren’t painted on bare rock. They are formed by carefully arranged rocks and then whitewashed. Over time, the elements take their toll. The paint fades, and tenacious desert plants sprout between the stones. Every decade or so, the community rallies to refresh their beloved landmark. In 2014, Boulder City High School seniors spearheaded the repainting efforts. A decade later, a community-wide effort is underway to restore the letters to their full glory. Led by figures like Jill Rowland Lagan, Bret Runion, Cheryl Herr, and Bill Rackey, the project aims to use paint this time. This change promises a brighter, more enduring display. They invite everyone to join them, armed with mops and buckets, to contribute to this symbol of community pride. The Boulder City Hillside Letters are more than just large letters on a hill. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of Boulder City, a symbol of its history, its rivalries, and its unwavering community pride.