Boulderin' on a Budget: A Day Trip Guide

Experience Boulder without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Boulder offers a lot to visitors who are on a budget. With a variety of free outdoor activities such as hiking, visiting parks and scenic drives in the Rocky Mountains, you can explore the natural beauty of the area. The city also boasts several affordable dining options and budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels and campsites.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Bouldering in Boulder

  • Start the day with breakfast at The Buff, a local institution that serves up hearty plates of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
  • Head to Movement Climbing + Fitness for a morning of bouldering, a form of rock climbing that doesn't require ropes or harnesses. Don't worry if you're a beginner – the gym has walls for all levels.
  • Take a peaceful stroll through the Boulder Creek Path, a scenic trail that runs alongside the creek and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Grab lunch at Snarfburger, a casual spot that serves up delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Pearl Street Mall, where you can shop at local boutiques, people-watch, and enjoy street performers.
  • End the evening with dinner at The Sink, a funky and relaxed restaurant that boasts a menu of burgers, pizzas, and salads, as well as a great selection of craft beers.
  • Note: This itinerary assumes you have a car or are comfortable using public transportation. Depending on where you're staying, you may want to adjust your plans accordingly.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Boulder by plane is to fly into Denver International Airport and then take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to Boulder. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest airport to Boulder, located approximately 45 minutes away by car.

Car

One of the best ways to get to Boulder by car is to take the I-25 North from Denver. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take US-36W from Denver to Boulder which will take approximately 45 minutes.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Boulder so it is not possible to get there by train.

Boat

There are no boat options for travel to Boulder as it is located inland and not connected by any major waterways.

Bus

One of the best ways to get to Boulder by bus is to use the Greyhound bus service. The Greyhound Station is located in downtown Denver, approximately 30 miles southeast of Boulder. From there, you can take a regional bus or shuttle to get to Boulder.

Destination

Boulder

Looking for a place to unleash your inner hippie while also satisfying your inner foodie? Look no further than Boulder, where you can find more kombucha varieties than you'll know what to do with.

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