One Of America's Best College Towns Lies In The Foothills Of Colorado's Rocky Mountains

The United States is often criticized for not having a distinct culture of its own, but college towns across the country might be the exception. Throughout the history of the U.S., universities have served as incubators for new ideas and springboards for counter-culture movements. Whether you're an American citizen looking to discover gems outside your hometown or an international traveler visiting this massive country for the very first time, you should definitely plan on visiting some college towns. Boulder, Colorado, is one of the best.

The city of Boulder is nestled within the foothills of the Rockies, at the point where the Great Plains collide with the majestic mountains. From all around town, you can see views of the stunning peaks in the distance. It's home to the University of Colorado Boulder campus, which is attended by about 37,000 students. The public university is known for academic excellence, and it attracts top students from around the world.

The university and its students definitely contribute to the overall energy, but it isn't just students who call the city home. Boulder is very affluent, and people who are able to live there adore the natural beauty and thriving arts scene. It has a unique bohemian vibe, and the locals are committed to sustainability.  There are music venues, hiking trails, breweries, and delicious restaurants to enjoy. If you're looking for a jumping-off point to explore the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is the perfect choice.

Boulder is located about 40 minutes from Denver International Airport and 35 minutes away from the city of Denver. Denver International Airport is the third busiest airport in the country and is serviced by most major airlines. You can easily fly there from all over the world. Once you arrive, you can take a public bus for around $3. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also available. An Uber ride from Denver International Airport will cost you around $63 or more depending on the time of day. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself. Car rental options start at about $50 per day in Denver. There are plenty of accommodation options in town, including chain hotels, quaint inns, short-term vacation rentals, and lodges. Hotel rooms usually cost around $100-200 per night on average. Airbnbs range from around $70-160 per night.

Boulder is a gorgeous place to visit year-round, but be prepared for snow during the winter since the average annual snowfall is 89 inches. Winter is the perfect time to visit if you plan on checking out some of the best Western U.S. ski resorts around Colorado. Late spring, summer, and early fall offer the most pleasant temperatures.

Pearl Street, located in Boulder's historic downtown area, is a must-visit spot. The lively pedestrian-only area stretches for several blocks and offers excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife. Spend the day visiting unique boutiques, cafes, restaurants, breweries, and bars where you can soak up the Boulder vibes. Take a tour of the Celestial Seasonings tea factory, relax at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, or hit up the Boulder Farmers Market for picnic supplies and head to a park. The Boulder Theater is a great place to catch live music when you're in town.

Boulder is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and you don't even have to leave town to feel immersed in nature. Boulder has 46,000 acres of open space for residents and visitors to enjoy and 300 miles of hiking trails. The Flatirons are one of the most iconic natural landmarks and a must-see during your trip to Boulder. You can take in their rugged beauty from several trails around town. The Chautauqua Trailhead offers the most iconic views. The easy Flatirons Vista trail has views of the entire mountain range. A few miles outside of town, you'll find Boulder Falls along the scenic Boulder Canyon Drive. It's the perfect adventure for a warm summer day, and you'll see plenty of locals perched on the rocks enjoying the cool spray from the plummeting 70-foot waterfall. Before you visit, check for local closures, as the area will sometimes prohibit entrance due to trail conditions.

When you're not hiking, try out other outdoor sports like kayaking. Boulder Creek runs right through town and is an ideal place to cool off during the summer. Tubing and kayaking on the leisurely steam is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. For unmatched thrills, try whitewater rafting on the Cache La Poudre River. Clear Creek is another popular spot nearby for rafting and kayaking.

Boulder is less than an hour away from Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most popular parks in the United States and encompasses over 265,000 acres. There are around 355 miles of trails to explore. The park is home to hundreds of species, including moose, mountain lions, and bears. You can take in epic views along the scenic Continental Divide, hike to alpine lakes, and camp amongst the pines. Arapaho National Forest offers a wilderness escape under 30 minutes from town.