Boulder offers many exciting activities and interesting places to visit. Detailed information about visiting Boulder can be found here, 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 Green Ride 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 SkyRide 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 RTD website for schedules and more information. Tickets and day passes can also be purchased online 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 GO Boulder for information about walking, biking and riding the bus in Boulder, along with maps of various trails. Boulder also has several B-Cycle 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:
Beau Jo's: Pizzeria
Carelli’s: Italian, close to Williams Village Conference Center
The Taj: Indian food
The Downtown/Pearl Street 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 here.
Boulder Dushanbe Tea House: eclectic mix of Asian and Middle Eastern food
The Kitchen: farm to table food, more expensive
The Kitchen [Next Door]: more casual and affordable, American food
Leaf: vegetarian
The Med: tapas
Mountain Sun: Microbrewery, healthy pub fare
Sherpa's: Nepali, Tibetan, Indian food
The neighborhood west of the University of Colorado, home to many students and coffee shops known as University Hill, also offers several dining choices including:
Cafe Aion: Mediterranean, tapas
The Corner: fast-casual, healthy sandwiches, salads, rice bowls
The Sink: sandwiches, burgers, pizza
Places to Visit / Things to Do
Banjo Billy's Bus Tours: Tour Boulder in style on this lively bus tour!
Bolder Adventure Travel: 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!
Boulder Creek Path: Bike or walk along the creek for miles!
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in downtown Boulder, closed on Mondays.
Brewery and Distillery Tours: Numerous breweries and distilleries are located in the Boulder area.
Celestial Seasonings: Tour the factory of this tea company, gift shop and cafe.
Chautauqua Park: Many day hikes, concert hall, restaurant.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival: Performances take place on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
Farmer's Market: Located in downtown Boulder on Saturdays from 8am-2pm and Wednesdays from 4-8pm.
Museum of Boulder: Located in downtown Boulder, closed on Tuesdays.
Pearl Street Mall: Shopping, restaurants, cafes, street performers.
Shambala Center: 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.