3 Days in Denver area- want to hike and bike, stay in Boulder or Denver?
 

I will be in the Denver area for work (working in Broomfiled). We would like to bike (trails, not moutain bike) and hike. Should we stay in Boulder or Denver? Any suggestions for areas to go for dinner/walk around, music? Thanks

When? I would stay in Denver. Boulder is very nice but limited. The Denver area has about five hundred miles of bike trails, most separated from traffic and paved. What do you want to eat and your price range? A little more information would be helpful.

I will be there next week. Can you suggest an area to stay in Denver? good healthy food...not too expensive but we would pay for something fabulous. any day hikes out of the Denver area you could suggest? We are fit, so strenuous is ok. thanks again

If staying in Broomfield and wanting bike trails and hiking venues, I think Boulder is your best option. Boulder has over 300 miles of dedicated bike ways including the Boulder Bike Trail. Hiking trails are numerous and can be found inside and just outside of the city limits. And Boulder, being Boulder, has a plethora of restaurants offering healthy food. Plenty of music too. It is really more convenient if staying in Broomfield. I live in Denver and love it but for your purposes I think Boulder a better choice. For hiking in Denver you'll need to drive into the foothills. In Boulder you are actually in the foothills/on the front range. If you do decide on Denver the Cherry Creek bike trail which also runs into the Platte River trail will be your best (only option) for biking.

"We are fit."

I am sure you are but keep in mind that the altitude out here can make you feel less than fit. Drink lots of water and know what the signs of altitude sickness.

My vote goes to Boulder for the reasons given by historytraveler. Stay toward the south end of town to shorten the Broomfield commute, or near the Pearl Street mall to maximize your walking-distance nightlife options.

If you are coming from sea level you'll feel the altitude but you should not be in danger at the Boulder / Denver levels. But do pay attention to that. Also, visitors often get scalding sunburns if they are outside in the middle of the day for even just an hour or two without using sunscreen.

Long term forecast showing wind and cooler temperatures next week, so be ready for that. Have a great trip!

How much off time will you have if working? Hiking, especially in the mountains will be limited at this time. While the lower levels might be snow free, they will not be dry. From now through late May is often referred to as the mud season. As the melt lines advances up the mountain, the water flows down.

While Pearl Street Mall is very nice in Boulder it is also very short - about five blocks. And nothing either side of it. You will have a wider range of options in the downtown area from museums to restaurants.

The Cherry Creek Bike is hardily your best or ONLY option. That opinion has to be coming from a non-biker especially the ONLY part. If you have legs you can bike all the way to Golden or Chatfield Dam. And then there is the Highline Canal which, in it's day, was an engineering marvel. My personal opinion is that the Cherry Creek trail is one of the more boring trails.

Depends on your age, too. Boulder has a younger vibe. You really can't go wrong either place, but I'd prefer Boulder because it's unique.

Since you're working in Broomfield, I also agree with historytraveler about staying in Boulder.

I am very much a cyclist as opposed to a biker which usually refers to one who rides a motorcycle. My post mentioned the Cherry Creek trail and the Platte River trail. As you well know the Cherry Creek trail runs into the Platte River trail at the Confluence. In order to get to either Golden or Chatfield Dam, one has to initially start with the Platte River trail assuming you are starting from downtown Denver. Certainly a number of trails exist and most connect with the Cherry Creek trail or the Platte River trail outside of central Denver but they can be picked up at various points.I just think it's a bit more complicated to access these trails from Broomfield.

Most of the Highline Canal that I've been on is dirt and as I understand the OP's post they wanted road bike terrain. The Highline Canal is great for walking but I wouldn't ride my road bike on it.

Boulder is bike-friendly, and if you Google you can find maps of the bike trails. Some are in the city, some on the plains, some in the foothills. Depends on what you like.

Because Boulder is so compact, I think it makes a good place for a short stay. If you want historic, the Hotel Boulderado is very cool, and somewhat pricey. For expensive, the St Julien Hotel and Spa. Go there for drinks, at least.

There are lower-priced places, too, which you can find by going to the CU-Boulder website and see what lodging they recommend for parents.

I forgot Chautauqua Park. Awesome hiking and wonderful food at the restaurant.