My boyfreind and I are visiting a friend in Bouoder this wkend fr 3 days. They just moved there and don't know much about the place. We are very active and want to get everything out of our short trip. Suggestion? I have RMNP as a must. Help please. We are willing to drive up to 3 hrs if you recommend to visit somewhere near.
Thanks!

Consider your visit to Rocky Mountain N. P. (including the ride up and back) to probably be an all day affair. This website is loaded with posts about what to do in Boulder and the park - do a search. If Trail Ridge Road is still open over the top to the other side of the park, do it - at least up to the Alpine Visitor Center.

In Boulder you can tour the Celestial Seasonings Tea Co. factory: http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/index.html

Friday night, starting at 7 p.m. in front of the Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street, the University of Colorado football team and marching band will hold a pep rally and parade to fire up the faithful for this weekends game against Kansas State. The parade will only be about 4 blocks long (west on Pearl Street to the parking lot of the Boulder Daily Camera Building), but the band will stop several places along the way to blast some fight songs to the crowd. In the Daily Camera's parking lot, the University's mascot (a real, live Buffalo named Ralphie) should be present for an up close and personal experience with the crowd.

It is Parent's Weekend with a 5pm game. It will be packed. Plan accordingly.

The most important things are:
avoid Broadway in Boulder on Sat. (Google Map other paths) and get out of the car!!

Colorado is terrific this time of year. Put on those hiking boots or sneakers, some layers to add or subtract, a water bottle and snack bar and go on any trail in RMNP or any trail near Boulder. If you haven't seen it, Red Rocks Park/Ampitheater at Morrison, CO (45mins S) is unique and there are dino tracks nearby. Go W to Breckenridge, Go SW to Leadville & the Collegiate Peaks, but wherever you go, get out of the car!

I would probably spend my time in and near Boulder.

1) RMNP, of course, and Trail Ridge Road if it's open.Go north to Lyons on H36 but take H7 to Estes Park.Hike in RMNP

2) Pearl Street Mall. Not really a mall but a pedestriaan street with a variety of shops, pubs, restaurants and an eclectic mix of people.

3)Celestial Seasonings

4) Walk,run,roller blade or bike along Boulder Creek.

5) Any number of hikes in the Flatirons.

Weather should be good.

Good suggestions so far, here's a couple more.
Chautauqua has great hiking trails and the dining hall is fabulous for meals. If you're up that way, continue up Mt. Flagstaff for the views from the top.

I spent one rainy morning at NCAR, National Center for Atmospheric Reasearch (or something like that). Some interesting exhibits and the building and surroundings are georgeous! Also access to lots of hiking trails from NCAR.

Boulder's a great town, enjoy!