Visiting Boulder

Boulder Flatirons

Boulder offers many exciting activities and interesting places to visit. Detailed information about visiting Boulder can be found , but below you will find a summary of travel details we feel are helpful.

Please note that we are located over a mile (5340 ft) above sea level (around 1660 m) and the higher altitude can cause altitude sickness for people who are not acclimated. Remember to drink lots of water while you are here, and avoid strenuous activity if you are feeling light-headed. Summer weather in Boulder is generally hot and dry with average daily temperatures around 80-90°F / 26-32°C. We enjoy plenty of sunny days in Boulder, so be sure to wear sunscreen while outdoors. Because of the thinner atmosphere at higher altitude, the sun’s rays are quite strong. Additionally, the temperatures drop fairly quickly at night with average overnight temperatures in August around 50-60°F / 10-15°C. We recommend packing a sweater or light jacket to wear in the evenings.

Travelling to Boulder

The University of Colorado is located in Boulder, which is 45 mi / 72 km from Denver International Airport (DIA). From the airport, Boulder can be reached via public transportation (see below), the shuttle bus ($40 each way), or shuttles from your hotel. Taxis are also available, but cost around $90 to get to Boulder.

Public Transportation

The Boulder/Denver metropolitan area is well connected through the RTD public transit system of buses and light rail trains. From the airport, you can reach downtown Boulder via the coach bus or to Union Station in downtown Denver via the train. One-way Airport fare is just $9 ($4.50 for qualifying discount fare riders). Cash is required when boarding SkyRide bus; cash, credit, and debit cards are accepted at rail station ticket vending machines. Visit the for schedules and more information. Tickets and day passes can also be purchased or from a ticket machine at the Denver International Airport and other transit stations.

Alternative Transportation

Boulder is considered one of the best places in the US for biking and walking. There is an extensive system of shared use trails, as well as numerous on-road bike lanes. Visit for information about walking, biking and riding the bus in Boulder, along with maps of various trails. Boulder also has several bike stations located throughout the city, where visitors can check out bikes to use for the hour or day. Remember to bring your helmet, as the stations do not provide them.

Accommodations

The Planning Committee has worked with local hotels to offer a discounted group rate for conference attendees. Detailed information is available here.

Restaurants

Close to the Conference Center, there are grocery stores as well as coffee, bagel, and sandwich shops. Nearby restaurants include:

: Pizzeria
: Italian, close to Williams Village Conference Center
: Indian food

The area offers numerous restaurants with choices to appeal to every taste. A sample of these can be found below, and a comprehensive list can be found .

: eclectic mix of Asian and Middle Eastern food
: farm to table food, more expensive
: more casual and affordable, American food
: vegetarian
: tapas
: Microbrewery, healthy pub fare
: Nepali, Tibetan, Indian food

The neighborhood west of the University of Colorado, home to many students and coffee shops known as , also offers several dining choices including:

: Mediterranean, tapas
: fast-casual, healthy sandwiches, salads, rice bowls
: sandwiches, burgers, pizza

Places to Visit / Things to Do

: Tour Boulder in style on this lively bus tour!
: Offers guided hiking or cycling tours of Boulder and Open Space Mountain Parks. Join Eric Malmborg, a former western history teacher and passionate history buff, for a hiking or biking tour to learn about the history and natural environment of Boulder. Discover things only long-time locals know about!

: Bike or walk along the creek for miles!
: Located in downtown Boulder, closed on Mondays.
: Numerous breweries and distilleries are located in the Boulder area.
: Tour the factory of this tea company, gift shop and cafe.
: Many day hikes, concert hall, restaurant.
: Performances take place on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
: Located in downtown Boulder on Saturdays from 8am-2pm and Wednesdays from 4-8pm.
: Located in downtown Boulder, closed on Tuesdays.
: Shopping, restaurants, cafes, street performers.
: Tibetan Buddhist center, offering drop-in meditation sessions and meditation instruction.
University of Colorado Art Museum: Located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, next to the University Memorial Center.
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History: Located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, next to the University Memorial Center.