Whether you're looking for adventure, or places to kick back and relax, here are some getaway tips for your spring break, without leaving the state.
The great outdoors
Located just outsideÌýbeautiful Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most breathtaking locations in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ. At more than 400 square miles, the park offers a bounty of outdoor recreation opportunities. There are over 300Ìýmiles of hiking trails, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities.
If you do intend to try your hand at snowshoeing or other winter sports, remember the park does not rent gear; this must be obtained beforehand either in the town of Estes Park or back in Boulder. (Don't forget:ÌýYou can rent gear from the Rec Center.)Ìý
The tallest sand dunes in North America are one of the more unique experiences Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ has to offer. LocatedÌý, the great sand dunes are literallyÌýa huge collection of sand dunes that facilitate many different outdoor options. Things to do range from hiking and backpacking to sandboarding and even horseback riding.
Do be aware that spring in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ can create unpredictable and potentially tumultuous weather conditions, so some facilities are currently closed.ÌýThis is also more likely to be a multi-day visit, so plan your stay and resources accordingly. Campsites and other lodging information can be .
Located on the west side of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Springs and at the foot of the snow-capped Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods is a dramatic representation of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ’s diverse beauty. If you simply want to explore nature without the hassle of major physical exertion, Garden of the Gods is your go-to nature experience, where 300-foot sandstone rock formations accompany the dramatic backdrop of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ’s Front Range.
If the weather holds out, this day trip can be one of your most memorable spring break excursions.
Museums, galleries and tours
WhileÌýmuseums may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they do offer a rich experience for many. The Air and Space Museum has an extensive collection of both aircraft and military exhibits that educate and inspire people of all ages to discover the wonders of past and present aviation endeavors.
Campus museums and galleriesÌý
Maybe you've always wanted to check out the campus museums, galleries and other attractionsÌýbut haven't gotten around to it. Now's your chance!
- The Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Art Museum, centrally located in the state-of-the-art Visual Arts Complex, organizes year-round exhibitions of major international, national and regional art in addition to showing contemporary exhibits by Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder graduate students.
- Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Heritage Center, home to the Hit the Bricks exhibitÌý(a Lego model of campus) among others, is the campus history museum. The collection includes Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ in space, Ralphie and Glenn Miller memorabilia, and more.
- Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Museum of Natural History, just steps from the UMC, houses the largest natural history collection in the Rocky Mountains.ÌýThe collections includeÌýancient dinosaur fossils, the world's oldest documented Navajo textile, the Aiken bird collectionÌýand Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ's largest collection of bees.
Check out the and find your inner creativity by exploring significant art of our time. There are several unique exhibits on display, such as Grasslands, Mastering the Art of French Cooking and The Migrant Series.
Celestial Seasonings, one of Boulder’s most renowned businesses, offers free factory tours. If you are looking for something to occupy your time in BoulderÌýbut don’t want to overspend or don’t have the resources to travel too far, this is a great opportunity to spend your time exploring the business and products of one of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ’s most successful startups.
Tours last 45 minutes and take place from 10 a.m. toÌý4 p.m. Monday through SaturdayÌýandÌýfrom 11 a.m.Ìýto 3 p.m. on Sundays.Ìý
You may not realize it, but Denver has a very storied and interesting past. From underground tunnels to a haunted Capitol Hill, this two-hour tour will detail all of Denver’s history in an accessible and enjoyable format. Multiple types of tours can be arranged;Ìýsimply organize and reserve your spot through .
Be aware that Denver, like any city, has a rich cultural history. As such, some tours highlight the darker side of Denver, possibly not appropriate if you are taking young children. The website’s descriptions offer insight into the content of the tours, so be sure to read up before you book.
Other things to do
In this seasonalÌýtalk series, Fiske Planetarium explore the stars, planets, constellationsÌýand deep-sky objects using theirÌýanalog star projector, which produces a stunning night sky with 10 million stars. On March 23, leave withÌýthe tools to go outside, look upÌýand enjoy our amazing Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ skies.
The Connection hasÌýspecial hours over spring break. Stop by for bowling, billiards and more!
The Rec's got you covered with plenty of free fitness classes and free activities from Saturday, March 23,Ìýto Sunday, March 31.
Show your Buff pride and head on over to Kittredge Field for two home games.
Eat local
Hungry? Go check out some favorites on The Hill, and take advantage of the short lines and waits with fewer students around.