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Briar Rose Bed & Breakfast
2151 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, Colorado  80302 | 303-442-3007
Your sanctuary in the heart of Boulder. Green hotel. WIFI internet. Private Baths. Organic breakfast. 

Elevation & Size: 5,430 feet (Denver is 5,280 feet); City of Boulder is 27.8 square miles.

Population: 98,000 (there are also an additional 25,000 students at the University of Colorado).

Weather: Four distinct seasons and over 300 sunny days a year.  (More than San Diego or Miami!) Average 83.3 inches of snowfall a year.  Average temperature in the summer is in the 80's and in the winter, 40's.

Average temperature highs/lows:

• Spring (March-May) …. 63/35˚ F
• Summer (June-August)…..83/55˚ F
• Fall (Sept.-Oct.) ……… 72/45˚ F
• Winter (Nov.-February)…. 45/23˚ F

Recreation: Recently rated the "#1 Sports Town in America" by Outside Magazine, offering countless year-round recreational activities. Take advantage of the 200 miles of public hiking and biking trails, approximately 30,000 acres of open space or the Boulder Creek Path, which runs through the middle of town.

Boulder Trivia:

• Among 14 comparable cities, Boulder ranks number 1 in people who walk to work, work at home and drive with more than one person in the car. It ranks second among those who bike.
• Bicycling is so highly regarded in Boulder that sometimes the city plows the Boulder Creek bike path before they plow the streets!
• Baseline Road is a significant east-west route to both Boulderites & cartographers, for it marks the 40th parallel on world maps.
• Boulder's Third Flatiron towers 1,400 feet high, a few hundred feet higher than the Empire State Building, and has been climbed by people without using their hands, on roller skates, naked and in 8 minutes (by separate climbers). 
• The Hotel Boulderado was named by combining Boulder and Colorado in hopes that no visitor would ever forget where they had stayed.
• A Colorado Daily poll found that seven out of ten Boulderites own bicycles. Another guidebook states that Boulder’s bicycle count is approximately 93,000 – almost equal to the total population!
• The Chautauqua Auditorium is an all-wood structure built in 1898. In the evening, when the Colorado Music Festival musicians stop playing, you can often hear the rafters-dwelling owls hooting along with the music.
• The Flatiron Mountains got their name by pioneer women who said they looked like flat, metal irons used to iron their clothes.
• Flagstaff Mountain was named for the flagpole that sits on top of the summit, which was visible when Boulder was first settled, as it was a completely treeless plain. 
• Scott Carpenter, a NASA astronaut, grew up in Boulder. He named his space capsule after his home on Aurora and 7th. The capsule was Aurora 7.
• The University of Colorado at Boulder’s buildings are built with red sandstone, quarried in nearby Lyons.
• With Coors, Anheuser-Busch and local microbreweries, this area has become the largest beer-producing triangle in the world.
• Robert Redford was a janitor at The Sink, before moving on to become famous!
• Boulder's going to the dogs! Recent visitor counts to Boulder Mountain Parks found a ratio of 1 dog to every 5 visitors.
• Every year, Boulder Mountain Parks core area receives 1.8 million visits. If that many people made a human chain, it would stretch from Boulder, Colorado to New York City! 
• In the past, Chautauqua Meadow has served as a cattle pasture, golf course, backdrop for the "Mork & Mindy" television show and a ski area with rope tow, all before it was protected as a natural grassland. 
• In 1967, Boulder became the first city in the United States to tax itself for funds to be used specifically for the acquisition, management and maintenance of Open Space.
• The Denver Post once described Boulder as "The little town nestled between the mountains and reality."

Local Attractions

Boulder offers a variety of interesting and entertaining attractions year-round, and many are free or almost-free. There is something for everyone in Boulder, and after spending some time here, it’s easy to see why Boulder sets itself apart from most cities its size. 

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse 303.442.4993

"This is a gift to the people of Boulder to make their souls happy..." The Teahouse, which officially opened May 15, 1998, is a gift from Boulder’s sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan and is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Handcrafted by over 40 Tajik artisans, the Teahouse is a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, patterns and furnishings. The Teahouse features an eclectic, international menu and teas from all over the world. 

Celestial Seasonings Tea Company 303.581.1202 

Welcome to the world of tea. Take a free, 45-minute factory tour of Celestial's tea making process, from package design to production, and sample the newest flavors to hit the market. Be sure to stop by the unforgettable “Mint Room” for a sinus-clearing sniff and the Art Gallery, displaying Celestial’s original paintings and teapot collection. The tour ends in the Celestial Gift Shop. Located at 4600 Sleepytime Drive. Tour times: Monday through Saturday on the hour from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday on the hour from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art 303.581.2100

Boasting the largest, privately-held collection of western art in the country, Leanin' Tree offers a wide selection of fine art including cowboy, Native-American and wildlife subjects, desert and mountain landscapes, and bronze sculptures. Each painting and sculpture in the collection has detailed information about the particular piece, the artist and how the work was acquired. Leanin' Tree is also one of the largest publishers of western, wildlife and regional interest greeting cards, which are all available in the gift shop. Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. -  4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.

Chautauqua Park Historic District 303.442.3282

At the base of the Flatiron Mountains lies a 100-year-old tradition. Chautauqua Park offers a playground, hiking trails, breathtaking views, delicious meals at the historic Dining Hall and entertainment, including lectures and performances at the Community House. Chautauqua is also home to the Chautauqua Summer Festival and the esteemed Colorado Music Festival, which are held in the Chautauqua Auditorium. 

Farmer's Market 303.910.2236

Offering fresh fruit, flowers, veggies and delicious edibles, the Farmer’s Market provides a place for locals to sell their products in a friendly, fun environment. Twice a week, residents and visitors can fill their bags with goodies. Saturdays 8:00 – 2:00 and Wednesdays 4:00 –  8:00 (April thought October)

Pearl Street Mall (Downtown) 303.449.3774 

Stroll along our popular pedestrian mall and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, bookstores, boutiques and sidewalk cafés. Also popular are the seasonal art shows, craft fairs, musical presentations and street performers who entertain enthusiastic crowds with their antics. Let Bongo the Balloon Man make an animal creation out of his colorful supply of balloons, challenge the Zip Code Man to guess your hometown just by telling him your zip code, or watch the unusually flexible contortionist fold his body into a small box. 

E-Town 303.443.8696

Artists like James Taylor combined with interviewees like Jimmy Carter create a one of a kind, live radio show, which gives the “E-chievement Award” to an individual or organization around the country who has found positive solutions to challenges in their communities. E-town airs on 110 radio stations around the country and usually tapes on Sunday evenings at the Boulder Theatre.

National Center for Atmospheric Research 303.497.1174 

NCAR's work focuses on weather phenomena, storms, climate, atmospheric chemistry and the sun. The world famous architect I.M. Pei designed the building that houses NCAR. Free, guided-tours of the facility are available Mon-Wed, noon, year-round, as well as a scientific store featuring weather related educational items. 

National Institute of Standards and Technology 303.497.3000

Come for a tour of this facility and view the Atomic Clock, the clock that sets standard time nationwide. Tours are available on Thursday's at 1pm, by reservation only. Reservations must be made TWO WEEKS prior to arrival. No Drop-Ins. Tours take approximately 1 1/2 hours.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 303.497.3333

Take a tour of the NOAA facilities and find out how weather patterns are predicted and affect our lives. Public tours are offered once a week on Tuesday at 1 p.m. and last about one hour. Admission is free and reservations are not needed. 

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art 303.443.2122

Enjoy contemporary art exhibits featuring local and visiting artists. During the summer months take advantage of the Outdoor Cinema program! Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. 

Dairy Center for the Arts 303.440.7826

Representatives from various local art groups are exhibited and housed in this multi-media complex. For art lovers of all kinds, this multidisciplinary art center is worth the visit. Enjoy the many exhibits or participate in one of the several dance, theater or music classes offered. www.dairy.org

Boulder Museum of History 303.449.3464

This museum captures Boulder's history from the conquest of the American West to the present day. Look through photographs, artifacts and a costume gallery showing how Boulder became the town it is today. Open 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday through Friday, and noon - 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Columbia Cemetery

History buffs will delight in the array of colorful western characters that are laid to rest here, such as the infamous gunslinger, Tom Horn. It's the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, anytime of year. Located near downtown Boulder, between 9th and College Streets. www.findagrave.com

Gateway Park Fun Center 303.442.4FUN 

Fun for all ages, Gateway Park offers go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf and more.
Activities are just a few dollars each and provide entertainment for the whole family.

Mapleton Historic District 303.444.5192

View the exterior of homes dating back to the late 1800's located near the Downtown area. Take a self-guided walking tour for free, or inquire about a guided tour with "Historic Boulder." Guided tours are offered May through August. 

"Mork & Mindy" House

Feel like testing your TV trivia? The exterior of this Mapleton Hill home was used in the well-known TV show, “Mork & Mindy,” starring Robin Williams.

Rockies Brewing Company 303.444.8448

Ever wonder how beer is made? Come see the process from start to finish in the country's oldest operating microbrewery and sample a few of the brews! Try the award-winning Singletrack Copper Ale or Buffalo Gold. Free tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Redstone Meadery 720.406.215

Mountain Honey Wine - The spirit behind human's first fermented beverage is alive and well in Boulder, Colorado. Mead or honey wine, wine fermented from honey, is now officially being made in Boulder. The mead can be purchased to-go from the Meadery and at local liquor stores and restaurants. Tasting Room Hours: Wednesdays-Fridays 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm (With a 1/2 hour tour each Wednesday-Friday at 3:00 pm); Saturdays 1 pm - 4 pm (With a 1/2 hour tour each Saturday at 12:30 pm). 4700 Pearl Street, #2A. 

Boulder Creek Path

Take a walk, bike or in-line skate along this local, scenic path. Located parallel to Boulder Creek, between Arapahoe Avenue and Canyon Boulevard, the path is great for both recreation and people watching. The west end of the path winds out of the city and up through Boulder Canyon for four miles.

Boulder Falls

See where North Boulder Creek drops 70 feet into Middle Boulder Creek, a short distance up Boulder Canyon. Look for the “Boulder Falls” sign and parking will be to your left. It is a short hike to the falls, ideal for all ages. 

Boulder Reservoir 303.441.3456

Want to go for a quick swim? Boulder Reservoir is the choice of Boulderites and visitors alike for boating, swimming or sunbathing. Located in northeast Boulder. Call ahead for boat and equipment rentals and admission rates. 

City of Boulder Open Space 303.441.3440

Looking for a hike with a view of the back range? Boulder's open space trails will reveal flower-filled meadows in the summer and snow-capped vistas in the winter. Local favorites include the Bobolink Trail and the Marshall Mesa Trail. For the cyclist, there are many trails with varying levels of difficulty. All trails are well marked for hikers and cyclists alike. 

Flagstaff Mountain

A drive up Flagstaff Mountain offers spectacular views of Boulder, the Front Range and the Continental Divide. Follow Baseline Road west as it winds upward. There is a parking permit required for out-of-county cars and rental cars.

Fly-Fishing on Boulder Creek

Toss in a line for a chance at a granddaddy brown or rainbow trout, all within minutes of Downtown Boulder. 

Mountain Biking

If you have a hankering for some outdoor adventure, Boulder offers a variety of biking trails throughout the area, suitable for all abilities. Favorites include the Boulder Creek Path, Walker Ranch and the Switzerland Trail. Bike rentals are available through local area bike shops.

Tubing on Boulder Creek

Grab an inner tube and hop on in! Cool off by taking a float down Boulder Creek on those hot, summer days. Tubes are available from local gas stations for around $10.

Rocky Mountain National Park 970.586.1206

A scenic 45-minute drive away, Rocky Mountain National Park preserves over 250,000 acres of wilderness area, boasts over 355 miles of trails, stunning mountain vistas, elk herds, wildflowers and pristine alpine lakes. Both hiking trails and paved roads make this park accessible for all visitors to enjoy. 

University of Colorado at Boulder:

Campus Tour 303.492.7884

With close to 25,000 students, CU Boulder is one of the West's largest and most prestigious public universities. Guided tours take place Monday-Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and again on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., beginning at the University Memorial Center. Self-guided tour information is also available from the University. 

The University of Colorado Natural History Museum 303.492.6892

Located on campus, this museum allows visitors to see a diverse selection of specimen and artifacts—a must-see for children. Gaze at dinosaur bones and experience a hands-on exhibit of animal tracks. Open 9 am. - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4 pm on Saturday, and 10 am - 4 pm on Sunday. Admission is free and donations are gladly accepted. 

The Heritage Center 303.492.6329

Located on the 3rd floor of Old Main, the first building on the CU campus, the Heritage Center is a museum devoted to presenting and preserving the history of the University. Exhibits include a space room, featuring 17 astronauts who studied at the University, and a moon rock on permanent loan from NASA. The Center boasts other exhibits featuring athletics, architecture and distinguished alumni. Open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm. Admission is free.

Fiske Planetarium/Sommers-Bausch Observatory 303.492.5001

Expand your horizons. Travel the solar system. Search for distant worlds. Try a different kind of entertainment and enjoy a laser show set to the tunes of Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Bob Marley, the Dave Matthews Band or an All Request show, where the audience chooses the play list. Take a class, learn about the formation of our solar system, galaxies, black holes and even extra-terrestrials. Classes, observation sessions, and laser shows take place on Friday evenings, Saturdays and select Tuesdays. The Observatory is open for telescope viewing on most Friday evenings, depending on weather. Located on the University of Colorado Campus. 

Information and photos submitted by:

Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau
2440 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO  80302
800-444-0447 | www.bouldercoloradousa.com | visitor@bouldercvb.com

Boulder Colorado - Eldora Ski Mountain

A look into Eldora Ski Mountain located just outside of Boulder, Colorado.
A great place for skiers and boards of all skill level.