About Boulder

Boulder is a city at the foothils of the Rocky Mountains, in northern Colorado, about an hours drive north west of the Denver International Airport. To the west, the trail-lined Flatirons are craggy rock formations overlooking the city. Downtown Boulder's pedestrianized Pearl Street Mall includes art galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. The University of Colorado Boulder Campus is home to the Fiske Planetarium and the Museum of Natural History. Chautauqua Park in west Boulder leads visitors into the mountains. Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, it is a great destination to explore the mountains and learn more about the history of Boulder. 

Boulder has an excellent network of cycle and walking paths that provide a great way to explore the city and with Denver, the Mile High City, easily accessible by bus or train, there is a broad range of cultural and outdoor experiences for visitors. Come and check it out!

Plan to add a couple of days either side of the conference to get the full Boulder experience!

Getting to Boulder

Denver International Airport (DIA) is the sixth busiest airport in the world and services many national and international destinations. There are many ways to travel from DIA to downtown boulder, including ride share, bus or train. 

The bus route is well serviced, with hourly buses from the Airport to many stops in Boulder. The westbound AB1 route is in operation almost all day with hourly service, with a one-way ticket costing $3. 

Visitors can also take the train by going into central Denver and then catching a train to Boulder. This is much less direct, we recommend the Bus. 

CU Boulder Campus

CU Boulder Campus, with it's distinctive red roofs, is more than just stunning mountain views. With museums, stadium, planetariums, and great spaces for walking and enjoying the mountain air, it is well worth exploring. 

Visit CU Boulder Campus

CU Boulder Campus

NREL Campus

The NREL Golden Campus is located in Golden, about 40 minutes drive south of Boulder. The Golden Campus houses NREL's administrative offices, the education center, and most of the research labs. 

Golden is a former gold rush town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Golden is home to the Colorado School of Mines, the Clear Creek White Water Kayaking Park, and Coors Brewery. 

Find out more about the NREL Golden Campus

NREL Campus

Pearl Street Mall

Walk into downtown Boulder and explore the bustling Pearl Street Mall. The bustling tree-lined pedestrianized heart of downtown Boulder offers visitors access to cafes, restaurants, local boutique shops and just about every outdoor shop imaginable. 

Visit the Pearl Street Mall

Pearl Street Mall

Chautauqua Park

The Colorado Chautauqua was started in 1898, and is the only Chautauqua west of the Mississippi River still continuing in unbroken operation since the 1920's. Use it as a great place to setoff on hikes into the mountains, a stroll around the park, or explore some of the historic landmarks and buildings. The Dining Hall does a great breakfast! Beware, some of the paved paths leading into the mountains are steeper than they look. 

Chautauqua Park

Chautaqua Park

Hike the Boulder Flatirons

The Boulder Flatirons hike is one of the iconic hikes in the area, starting directly from Chautauqua Park. This 2.7 mile loop takes you up the first and second flatirons, with fantastic views both of Boulder and west into the Rocky Mountains. Take plenty of water and be ready for some steep sections! Hiking boots recommended. 

First and Second Flatiron Trail Loop

Boulder Flatirons

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompsses protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. About an hours drive from Boulder, there are not great public transit options, so renting a car would be the best bet. Plan to spend a day exploring the park, from the fantastic views of Longs Peak from the Trail Ridge road to great hikes around Bear Lake. With a day you will barely scratch the surface! You can also check out the hotel that the move The Shining was inspired by in Estes Park. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park