Travel to Boulder

Travel to Boulder

Boulder lies at the very edge of the Rocky Mountains, which rise up like a massive wall from the Great Plains that stretch endlessly to the east. By all accounts, Boulder is considered something of an intellectual, progressive and environmentally-conscious community. But it's also full of serious outdoor junkies, and the neighbouring mountains provide more than enough opportunities for recreation throughout the year. The town itself is also one of the more charming urban enclaves in Colorado. Its quaint downtown area is fun to explore and makes the perfect complement to the stunning natural beauty which is right on the citys doorstep.

Transportation to Boulder

Boulder doesnt have its own airport, so air travellers must fly into the massive Denver International Airport, located about 1 hour 30 minutes drive to the south. From the terminal, its easy and convenient to take one of the shuttle vans, which will whisk you northwards to your destination in Boulder. Amtraks California Zephyr train line also makes a stop in Denver on its way from Chicago to San Francisco, and from here you can catch a bus to Boulder. Greyhound buses are the only major transportation options that go directly to Boulder.

If you drive a car, its easy to navigate your way to the city. The Boulder Turnpike (US 36) intersects with I-25 just outside of Denver. Interstate 25 runs north-south and hooks up with other major interstates such as I-40, which runs across the country from east to west. Once in town, its easy to walk around the downtown district, where visitors tend to spend much of their time. The public bus system is more than capable of taking you to the various districts of town; however, to get to some of the great natural parks in the surrounding region, youll need a car.

What to see

Although Boulder itself is a cute little town with plenty to do, the majority of attractions lie in the Rocky Mountains, just to the west of the city. The Pearl Street Mall is a wonderful oasis of pedestrianism, where you can eat, drink and shop in blissful peace. Theres also a brilliant walking and biking path which follows the Boulder Creek for some 20 miles through the heart of town and out into the countryside, allowing you to get away from the city without even leaving it. There are a handful of historical museums dedicated to the regions mining days, but other than that, most of the fun in Boulder involves hanging around and enjoying the laid-back pace of life here.

Daytrips

To fully experience the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, youll need to rent a car. Within minutes of downtown, you can be cruising up Boulder Canyon and into the great outdoors. There are old mining towns to explore, high mountain peaks to climb, forested trails and some lovely day drives. Best of all, the roads are excellent and all of the trails in Colorado are well-marked and easy to find.

Activities and leisure

Boulder is one of the most seriously athletic towns in the country. Many of Americas top athletes live and train here for good reason. The climate is excellent and the outdoor recreation possibilities are virtually endless. If you want something casual without having to leave the city, simply jump onto the 20-mile long Boulder Creek Trail. This wonderful paved pathway runs right through the heart of the city along the creek, offering a perfect way to exercise or to get away from the urban atmosphere.

Further afield, you can venture into the Rockies, where the options are limitless. In winter, there are dozens of ski resorts within a couple of hours drive. During summer, the mountains open up for hiking, biking, horseback riding and all manner of river sports.

Safety issues

Safety will not be a concern in this placid town, which prides itself on community spirit and peacefulness. The police are also constantly on patrol to ensure that things stay that way. However, Boulder also attracts a surprisingly large number of transients, many of whom live along the Boulder Creek Path. Although its perfectly safe during the day, its best to avoid the path after dark.