The fall semester is just around the corner and with it comes football games, new friends, and a host of interesting classes. Fortunately for CU students, Boulder lies only a short drive or flight from some of the most epic travel destinations in the country. If you crave one last trip to soak up the last of summer, mark your calendar for an epic trip to one of these destinations.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Drive or fly to this northern New Mexico town and experience a total immersion in southwestern culture, cuisine, and adventure. Santa Fe is about a six hour drive from Boulder, and as the capital city of New Mexico, has a convenient mid-size airport with inexpensive flight options. Spend a long weekend visiting the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, hiking petroglyph-laden trails, or visiting the internationally-acclaimed, interactive art exhibit, Meow Wolf.
Santa Fe offers everything from luxury lodging at elegant boutique hotels to off-the-beaten path camping just outside of town. The vibrant art scene, delicious northern New Mexico fare, and pueblo-style buildings transport visitors a world away from the ordinary, making this charming city more than memorable.
Bozeman, Montana
This bustling mountain town continues to gain popularity, and for good reason. Bozeman is home to a thriving university, gorgeous mountain scenery, and epic adventure. Spend the morning hiking the College “M” Trail and take in sweeping views of the surrounding foothills and mountains. You’ll likely work up an appetite on this uphill climb so head down to Main Street and explore the various cafes, restaurants, and breweries. During the summer months, enjoy live music during Thursday evening’s Music on Main event.
Fly or drive to enjoy all that this city has to offer. Those opting for a road trip can take an extended vacation by adding Yellowstone to their itinerary. Pass through this famous national park and keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, bison, and wolves.
Telluride, Colorado
This gorgeous Colorado mountain town makes the list because it is so often overlooked by our state’s residents. The drive to Telluride can be prohibitive for many, taking almost seven hours of mountain travel and not achievable for much of the winter. However, those willing to work a little get to enjoy the hard-earned treasure – vacationing in one of the most beautiful cities in America, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Don’t just take their word for it, load up your car, grab some friends, and enjoy a day traveling through some of our state’s most breathtaking landscapes. Stay the night in Gunnison to break up the trip and get the added benefit of experiencing another one of Colorado’s lesser-traveled mountain towns. Eat at fine-dining restaurants throughout Telluride’s historic downtown, take the gondola up to the ski valley, and jump in the San Miguel River to cool off.
You don’t have to break the bank or plan a far-flung vacation to get away and reset. Our city is close to so much beautiful scenery, awesome activities, and unique cultures. Hop in the car or buy a last minute plane ticket and soak up the last drops of summer vacation.