Visiting Boulder in the Fall...maybe

[PasadenaTrudy]

I've never been to Boulder or Co. I usually visit Santa Fe, NM in the Fall, but I think I'd like to try something different this year. Trying to decide what month to come, Sept or Oct. I'd love some chilly weather and Fall color. I'm a Los Angeles native who hates the heat and loves the seasons! Last year, I was in Santa Fe in Nov. and the Aspens were lovely. It rained quite a bit so I didn't get to sit outside much. I'm choosing Boulder because I love nature and smaller cities. I'm very low key, just content with sitting outside with a view, or watching people pass by. I like to walk, not hike or anything more intense. I think Denver would be too much for me. I have enough urban time where I live now I''ll stay at a B&B since it's my first visit.

So, Sept. or Oct? That is the question for one who wants to escape the SoCal heat...

Thank you!

[SheilaT]

1. Either month.

I've lived in Boulder and just loved it. You can generally count on clear and sunny days, although fall and spring can produce some serious wind, so be prepared for that. The worst winds are more likely to occur in the spring, but don't be too shocked to encounter really strong wind gusts, as in well above 50mph.

Have a great time there!

[smiley]

2. Boulder is a great place to visit and stay.

But don't miss an opportunity to visit Denver for the day if you have time. It's a great city.

Not a lot of great mountain views in boulder since they are tucked up against the foothills. But not a long drive if you want to head into the mountains.

If you're a music lover, try to plan a day at Red Rocks. Spectacular place to see a concert and some awesome views of the front range.

Have fun!

[mountain grammy]

3. Either month is beautiful in Colorado

Sure, there is the occasional severe weather outbreak, but, usually, best time of the year!

[PasadenaTrudy]

4. Thx for the advice!

Still doing my research. Rooms are a bit more pricier than I was expecting.

[locks]

5. Our weather in Boulder

is not predictable. Usually the aspen turn in late Sept. or in Oct. but if we get a wind or snowstorm the leaves will be gone soon after. Sept. is usually warm and summerlike but we are always grateful that nights are cool no matter the day temps. You'll want to "acclimate" by staying in Boulder for a day or two if you plan to head to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (to see the elk bugling and the bighorns), the narrow gauge train that runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume, or even Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs. There's lots to do in Denver too: the Art Museum, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the great Nature and Science Museum and Zoo, and the Rockies will be still be trying to at least win the West Division.

In Boulder you may want to see the University of Colorado campus, the rock climbers in Eldorado Canyon, Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua (our wonderful music festival happens between June and August), Boulder and Left Hand Canyons to Nederland, Jamestown, Gold Hill, Peak to Peak Highway, or just walk or bike the many trails which are in and around the city and foothills.

I'm sorry Boulder is no longer the small town it was when I came to Colorado in 1975; we don't enjoy the development and traffic but it's still a great place to live and visit, especially in the fall.

[PasadenaTrudy]

6. Sounds nice

I'd have to stay a month to do all of those things! Due to health issues, I don't do a lot when I travel. I like to sit and look at a view and read, take short walks. The elevation is another concern. We'll see, I don't know if I'll have the energy or the $$ to travel this year

[locks]

7. You might enjoy

a small cabin at our historic Chautauqua (in town). Beautiful view, some interesting programs, meeting some lovely people and cooking your own meals. There are day bus trips if you want to see the aspen or the Park. Not too expensive. Go to Chautauqua Boulder online.

[PasadenaTrudy]

8. Thanks!

I'll look into it

[fizzgig]

9. locks has some great advice

and is right about the weather, but i think you'd enjoy estes park. there are some very short and very beautiful walks in the rocky mountain national park and plenty of places to just sit and look at the view.

i know you're concerned with elevation, but estes is only 400 feet higher than santa fe. i wouldn't endorse going over trail ridge road (12k feet at the top), but i think you'd be fine if you can handle santa fe. or, depending on how long you're traveling, do a couple nights in boulder and a couple nights in estes.

[CrispyQ]

10. October is the most beautiful month here, followed by May, imo.

You are more likely to get snow in Oct than Sept, but the color will be better in Oct. The trails are great! Avoid Chautauqua - unless you walk or bus there - it's really popular but there's not a lot of parking. You can access the same network of trails from NCAR with tons of parking & you get to see where they filmed some of "Sleeper." Also the drive up there is lovely. There are lots of great patio bars for crisp Oct nights in Boulder. Also, you can get around the city pretty good with RTD & a bike. There are lots of ped/bike trails, like along Boulder Creek, that go under the streets, so you can walk/ride without interruption, for the most part. They also keep them plowed in the winter.

Boulder is such a beautiful city. I moved here, then moved away & then moved back & been here almost 30 years.

[pinebox]

11. Skip Boulder & go to Estes Park

if you truly want to experience Fall in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is there and the Elk will be bugling and the color will be awesome. Last week in September or first week of October are best bets