Local Information

Travel

Flights are typically booked to Denver International Airport, from which it is about a one-hour bus ride to downtown Boulder. When arriving at the airport, go out the south end of the terminal (a main exit) and down the long escalator, purchase a ticket for $10.50 at a kiosk, and catch either the AB1 or AB2 bus that comes every hour until 11pm.

International travelers are responsible for complying with COVID-19 rules in both the U.S. and the country/ies they fly from. For U.S. rules, we suggest beginning with the CDC website, including travelers prohibited from entry. For visitors seeking COVID-19 tests, we can recommend these links:

Accommodations

Because August 15-19 overlaps with the university students' move-in week, we recommend booking accommodation in advance. Unfortunately, hotel prices will be higher than normal. AirBnB is also a common option in Boulder.

We have negotiated group rates with the following hotels.

Millennium Harvest House Boulder
  • Group rate sold out. You can still book at the regular rate.
  • Address: 1345 Twenty-Eighth Street, Boulder, CO 80302-6899
  • Phone: (303) 443-3850
  • Reservations: link
  • Arrival Date*: Sunday, August 15, 2021
  • Departure Date*: Friday, August 20, 2021
  • Free wifi, parking
  • Group Rates: $105 (King or 2 Double Beds)
  • *Contact Achara Baker (phone: (303) 998-3803) if extended arrival/departure dates not available online
Basecamp
  • Very limited!
  • Address: 2020 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302
  • Phone: (303) 449-7550
  • Reservations: link
  • Arrival Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021
  • Departure Date: Friday, August 20, 2021
  • Free wifi, parking
  • Group Rates: $179.00 (King Bed ADA); $199.00 (Great Indoors Four Twin Beds); $189.00 (King with Kitchenette)
  • Contact Kaitlyn Gullixson
Best Western Plus Boulder Inn
  • Address: 770 28th St, Boulder, CO 80303
  • Phone: (303) 449-3800
  • Reservations: link, or call 800-233-8469 and use the reference code "COLT"
  • Arrival Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021
  • Departure Date: Friday, August 20, 2021
  • Free wifi, parking, breakfast
  • Group Rates: $274 (King)

Other local hotels include the following.

Hilton Garden Inn Boulder
Embassy Suites by Hilton Boulder

Local Tips

  • Altitude. Boulder, Colorado is about 5400 feet (1650 meters) above sea level, a moderate but noticeable elevation. You can minimize the impact by staying hydrated; more information here.
  • Weather. Boulder in the summer generally has cool nights (50F - 65F; 10C - 18C) and dry, hot days (75F - 95F; 24C - 34C), with very strong sun (due to the altitude) and common but short-lived afternoon rain storms. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for spending significant time outdoors not under cover. (The conference will have a tent for our outdoor activities to provide shade and rain protection.)
  • Outdoor activities. Boulder is known for its beautiful hikes, accessible within only a couple miles from the university campus. The city also has many biking and running paths; venture a few miles from downtown and you will encounter herds of cows and colonies of prairie dogs.
  • Other activities. Boulder and the Denver area also have fun and COVID-safe opportunities such as music and outdoor restaurants. Denver is accessible by a bus ride of an hour each way.