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Boulder, Colorado Boulder, Colorado
Welcome to
Two Days Away
, our series featuring weekend-long itineraries within a five-hour drive of your city—because sometimes we all just need a little adventure fix.
There is no place quite like Boulder, Colorado. Situated just northwest of Denver, this vibrant and health-conscious community is home to active adults and those who adore food, art, and unique things to do. It is also the location of the flagship campus of the University of Colorado, where lively university students fill the streets for most of the year, and where some of the most exciting Denver Metro sports entertainment can be found. The city has long been cherished for its expansive beauty and abundant recreational opportunities, but now that classes are back in session, visitors should do their homework to know how to properly spend a long weekend in Boulder; that is, to ensure they root for their beloved Buffaloes. Here is our take to get you started.
Travel Time
It takes 35 minutes from Denver
Stanford Cardinal v. Colorado Buffaloes around 2011.
| Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
If you only do one thing: Catch a Buffs game at CU Boulder
Colorado may be a haven for Broncos fans, but many would argue that the passion for Colorado’s black and gold Buffaloes far exceeds that of the orange, white, and navy NFL team. The season opener is virtually a major holiday, with students, alumni, families, and superfans filling Folsom Field and any open spaces outside the stadium to prepare for tailgating well in advance of kickoff.
The Buffs remain one of the most watched college teams in the country, and this is further enhanced by Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders taking the helm in 2023, especially with predicted 2025 NFL draft picks Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the mix.
But football is not the only high-octane sport to watch at CU. The women’s volleyball and soccer teams are set for promising seasons, so you should also budget for tickets to their home games. The Buffs volleyball team had a successful 2024 season, winning 16 matches and finishing seventh in the Pac-12 standings, and will play 17 of their 30 regular season matches at the CU Events Center.
Additionally, the regular season for CU women’s soccer has already begun, with several wins already under their belt against North Texas, Marquette, and Wyoming, among others, with games continuing until the end of October. All in all, the future looks bright for fall sports at CU Boulder.
Flagstaff Mountain
| Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
Fill the Weekend With
Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
You could spend an entire year trying to experience all of Boulder’s outdoor offerings—from hiking and biking to climbing, camping, and more—and still not fully explore it. In addition to Chautauqua Park, popular local hikes include Royal Arch Trail, Mount Sanitas, and Flagstaff Loop/Flagstaff Mountain. Because there are so many hiking options available, it is easy to find one that suits your skill level, regardless of what it is.
It is important to note that Boulder is close to Rocky Mountain National Park, but while the popularity of the national park has skyrocketed in recent years, Eldorado Canyon State Park—which is just 20 minutes south of Boulder—is a often overlooked gem in Boulder County, ideal for rock climbing, trail running, and canyon gazing.
And for a less strenuous hike and a more relaxing float, visitors still have time to enjoy tubing down Boulder Creek—a very Boulder summertime activity. In the cooler months, the 5.5 mile path along the creek is a treat for walkers, joggers, and cyclists who don’t mind the added sound of rushing water.
Art and Music
Art enthusiasts don’t need to travel along Highway 36 to Denver for their art fix, as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) offers big-city culture along Boulder Creek. However, if you know Boulder, you know that the residents are either outdoorsy or artistic, or both; there are many artists living and working in the city, which means there are dozens of galleries to explore, whether along Pearl Street or in less-touristy areas of town.
Boulder also shares its love of music with Denver, boasting impressive venues of its own. The Fox Theatre on University Hill (aka “The Hill”) attracts a variety of live rock and hip-hop acts as well as many other genres, and the historic Boulder Theatre can be relied on to add elegance to any Boulder evening with renowned music and comedy acts. There is also the Central Park Bandshell, which often hosts local bands and live entertainment during festivals and events.
Totally Unique Things to Do in Boulder
While outdoor recreation, art and music, and good food can be the hallmarks of any cool city, there are a few attractions in Boulder that you won’t find anywhere else. For starters, there is the planetarium at CU Boulder, where visitors can gaze at the stars and learn about constellations in the hours after a Buffs win.
There is also the charm of Pearl Street, which attracts the majority of tourists, but is still a great place to spend time regardless. Visitors don’t even need to spend beyond their budget while strolling; the public art, street performances, and people-watching are both captivating and completely free.
Photo courtesy of The West End Tavern
Where to Eat and Drink
Fine dining: Frasca Food and Wine is synonymous with fine dining in Boulder, having earned one Michelin star in 2023. Another popular spot among both Boulder and Denver residents, and those beyond the city limits, is Blackbelly Market.
Casual bites: Zoe Ma Ma is a great option that is more wallet-friendly but doesn’t skimp on quality, with its pork belly bao and pot stickers that rival any other Chinese spot in the Greater Metro area.
Breweries: Boulder also unsurprisingly has a solid craft beer scene, with Avery and Upslope among the most well-known. But visitors can find plenty of non-brewery bars and pubs as well, and should definitely not miss West End Tavern and Pearl Street Pub and Cellar.
