Hotel at a Glance: Basecamp Hotel Boulder

This recently renovated hotel is centrally located in Boulder, making it easy to take advantage of the town’s scenic as well as manmade offerings. The Pearl Street Mall and Colorado University are both steps away, and you can access some of the best hiking and bicycling paths nearby as well.

• Recently renovated rooms feature a contemporary-meets-western design scheme.
• Relax at the indoor hot tub and dry sauna.
• Stay connected with free WiFi.
• Perk up with a visit to the coffee bar in the lobby.

Boulder, Colorado: Artsy College Town in the Foothills of the Rockies

Boulder sits at the base of the Flatirons, craggy sandstone mountains that give way to the majestic Rockies. They’re interspersed by lakes, reservoirs, and pine forests, creating a rugged landscape that’s ideal for outdoor adventure. Rent a mountain bike or strap on a hiking backpack to explore the exhilarating Royal Arch Trail, which winds through 3.2 miles of red-rock outcroppings and huge boulders. You’ll be rewarded at the end with a landmark rock arch and distant views of Denver’s skyline. In winter, you can head to Eldora Mountain Resort for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Boulder’s sprawling wilderness complements the city’s eco-conscious attitude—think farm-to-table fare with lots of local produce. The restaurants and brewpubs draw in a lot of traffic from the University of Colorado, which has its main campus in town. You’re sure to find live music and open mics nearly every night of the week; visit on a weekend in autumn and you might be able to catch a Colorado Buffaloes football game at Folsom Field. A brisk walk from the stadium brings you to pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall, where you can browse art galleries and quirky boutiques (85% of the shops here are locally owned and operated).

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