All Things Gophers at Colorado Road Trip Thread

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I'm hoping to go to the game. I have a friend who wants to go with, and we just have to commit to dates. I'm looking forward to a drive in the Rockies. The last time I was there, we were up at around 12,500 feet above sea level and it was hard to breathe when walking around. I started walking more slowly than I normally do, and I was OK.
 

RodentRampage said:
I'm hoping to go to the game. I have a friend who wants to go with, and we just have to commit to dates. I'm looking forward to a drive in the Rockies. The last time I was there, we were up at around 12,500 feet above sea level and it was hard to breathe when walking around. I started walking more slowly than I normally do, and I was OK.
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This is a good reminder. Some people really struggle with the altitude (even in Denver or Boulder, which are 5,280+ feet above sea level) when they come here. A few things to remember and that can help:

-- Your first day or two will generally be when you are acclimating and you may feel the altitude the most. So if you're concerned about this - or you start feeling light-headed, nauseous or get headaches - limit your strenuous activities and/or alcohol intake.

-- Drink LOTS of water while you're here. This definitely helps a lot, but over-hydrating (especially if you're drinking alcohol) is a very good idea.

-- If you're coming from sea level and not used to the altitude, you will get drunk quite a bit quicker here (maybe at a 2x rate). If you go into the mountains and you're at 8-9K feet and above, this goes up to 3-4x.

-- We get a lot of sun in Colorado (more than San Diego actually, for example) and it's a lot stronger UV rays due to the elevation. So even if the temperature doesn't seem hot, a day full of sun can definitely work you over here. With an 11am kickoff to this game, a lot of the seats will be in direct sun exposure for the full game. Strongly recommend sunscreen and/or a hat for the game (and while you're out walking around).

-- Worst-case if the altitude is really affecting you, hit up an oxygen bar. There is one on Pearl Street in Boulder, but they def have them sprinkled around Boulder and Denver. This pulled one of our friends out of a nasty bout with altitude sickness a couple weeks ago within about 15-20 minutes.
 

TNGophfan said:
Ok. Thanks. They are a reseller like StubHub or Vivid, who also have tickets available. Just wanted to see what the University itself was going to offer. Will be fun. More fun if we win!!
Writer-is bar/restaurant scene near stadium fun after a game?
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For after the game, there are a few options:

-- The Hill is the closest to the stadium (basically walk straight west across campus and you'll run into the Hill as soon as you cross Broadway). This is the bar area closest to where most students live, so you will have a mix of students and non-students. "The Sink" is the classic spot where a lot of people will go before and after the game; it's been around for decades. Other than that, there should be a few more bars around that area, but I don't know the names off the top of my head (the neighborhood has changed a lot in the last 10-20 years).

-- Your better bet if you want more variety of bars and restaurants would be to go down to Pearl Street (maybe like a 20-25 minute walk down Broadway from campus). Tons of spots down there along the very nice pedestrian mall. Some higher end and then maybe a couple dives too. But definitely your best spot to barhop and find some good food.

-- If you just want more of a sports bar/brewhouse environment, go to BJs on 28th. It's in the 29th Street Mall lot. They have a ton of TVs, lots of good beers and solid food. Large spot, but it's a bit more of a chain feel. Not super close to a bunch of other bars though, so if you go there, that's probably your destination. If you're staying at the Marriott, Harvest House, Hilton Garden Inn, this is your closest bar outside of those hotels.
 

Got the tickets ordered. Ended up goin through the U, even though I'm sure I'll be watching part of the game on my phone if I'm stuck in 101. Thinking about possibly doing a double dip & hitting up the Air Force game that early evening, but may just take it easy & soak in the gameday in Boulder.
 

FireDaveLee said:
Got the tickets ordered. Ended up goin through the U, even though I'm sure I'll be watching part of the game on my phone if I'm stuck in 101. Thinking about possibly doing a double dip & hitting up the Air Force game that early evening, but may just take it easy & soak in the gameday in Boulder.
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With the Gophers game likely wrapping around 2:30pm and Air Force kicking off at 5:30pm, you'd be cutting it really, really close to make that work. It's a bit less than a 2-hour drive from Boulder to Colorado Springs with no traffic. But when you factor in all the people trying to get out of Boulder on Highway 36 after the game and then the fact that the road into Falcon Stadium is basically a single-lane after you get off I-25, you're basically dealing with gameday traffic at both ends of your trip. Definitely would be playing with fire time-wise and risking spending a Saturday afternoon in stressful traffic, IMO.
 


If I stay Friday night in Denver or elsewhere, how bad is the drive into Boulder and the parking situation on a gameday ?
 

Who all is going to Boulder, CO for the Gopher game on September 18th?
I am going along with 6 others. Hear the area is beautiful, can't wait to go.

Be great to meet up before the game. Do some pregaming or tailgating.
Anybody doing anything or know of places?
 






tikited said:
Our flight, hotel, and car were booked so long ago that I don't remember any of the details. Can't wait though.
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My guess is your United flight was cancelled & you were booked onto Delta, you're at the Boulder Base Camp & have a mid-size economy reserved. ;)
 

CoMn said:
Depends on your budget. There are places you can stay in Boulder and walk to the game.
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eker0016 said:
I moved to Denver in 2008 after grad school at the U.
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WriterGoph said:
I live here and graduated from CU - but still all Gophers.
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Any of you Colorado residents have suggestions for a single day visit to RMNP? We will be starting and ending the day in Boulder. Tentative plan is to start out early and make 1-3 of the shorter hikes from the Bear Lake Trailhead and then drive Trail Ridge Road from east to west and hit the scenic stops along the way. Maybe do short portions of another trail or two as we go if time allows. It will be our first full day at altitude, so we don't want to over do it and thought this would be better than a longer hike. Seem like a good plan? Any particular "can't miss" spots you'd recommend?

Also wondering whether making the southern loop through Granby, Winter Park, Idaho Springs and back to Boulder is worth the time or if we'd be better off reversing course and heading back through the park.
 

2nd Degree Gopher said:
Any of you Colorado residents have suggestions for a single day visit to RMNP? We will be starting and ending the day in Boulder. Tentative plan is to start out early and make 1-3 of the shorter hikes from the Bear Lake Trailhead and then drive Trail Ridge Road from east to west and hit the scenic stops along the way. Maybe do short portions of another trail or two as we go if time allows. It will be our first full day at altitude, so we don't want to over do it and thought this would be better than a longer hike. Seem like a good plan? Any particular "can't miss" spots you'd recommend?

Also wondering whether making the southern loop through Granby, Winter Park, Idaho Springs and back to Boulder is worth the time or if we'd be better off reversing course and heading back through the park.
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If you have, it is worth the trip. Greater opportunity to see moose on that side of the park. Grand Lake is a great little town with a beautiful lake
 



2nd Degree Gopher said:
Any of you Colorado residents have suggestions for a single day visit to RMNP? We will be starting and ending the day in Boulder. Tentative plan is to start out early and make 1-3 of the shorter hikes from the Bear Lake Trailhead and then drive Trail Ridge Road from east to west and hit the scenic stops along the way. Maybe do short portions of another trail or two as we go if time allows. It will be our first full day at altitude, so we don't want to over do it and thought this would be better than a longer hike. Seem like a good plan? Any particular "can't miss" spots you'd recommend?

Also wondering whether making the southern loop through Granby, Winter Park, Idaho Springs and back to Boulder is worth the time or if we'd be better off reversing course and heading back through the park.
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It's probably worth doing the full loop and going through Grand Lake, etc. As far as hiking, if it's going to be your first full day - not sure what elevation you're coming from? - but you're going to be at 10,000+ feet, so I'd be extremely aware of how your bodies are feeling. Drink a ton of water. Don't drink alcohol the night before. I've seen A LOT of people from sea level totally crumble when they get up that high, especially when it's the first or second day in Colorado. I'd plan the drive and get out and walk as you feel good enough to do so.

NOTE: I'm almost certain you have to reserve a time slot online ahead of time to drive into RMNP these days. You used to be able to drive in whenever, but parks have been slammed post-COVID lockdown. Not sure if you are aware of that, but that will likely dictate what time you can get in.
 


WriterGoph said:
It's probably worth doing the full loop and going through Grand Lake, etc. As far as hiking, if it's going to be your first full day - not sure what elevation you're coming from? - but you're going to be at 10,000+ feet, so I'd be extremely aware of how your bodies are feeling. Drink a ton of water. Don't drink alcohol the night before. I've seen A LOT of people from sea level totally crumble when they get up that high, especially when it's the first or second day in Colorado. I'd plan the drive and get out and walk as you feel good enough to do so.

NOTE: I'm almost certain you have to reserve a time slot online ahead of time to drive into RMNP these days. You used to be able to drive in whenever, but parks have been slammed post-COVID lockdown. Not sure if you are aware of that, but that will likely dictate what time you can get in.
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Thanks for the advice. You do need to reserve an entry time and indicate whether you want access to Bear Lake Road.
 

I just got back from RMNP. Bear Lake has many great hikes with many lakes. The alpine stop at the top of Trail Ridge Road is worth it. Trail Ridge Road at dusk is great for seeing wildlife, but some of the turns are interesting in low light. Take it slow. The reservation system is from 9am - 3pm, so if you enter the park and/or Bear Lake Road before 9 or after 3, you don't need a reservation.
 


Clark W. Griswold said:
I just got back from RMNP. Bear Lake has many great hikes with many lakes. The alpine stop at the top of Trail Ridge Road is worth it. Trail Ridge Road at dusk is great for seeing wildlife, but some of the turns are interesting in low light. Take it slow. The reservation system is from 9am - 3pm, so if you enter the park and/or Bear Lake Road before 9 or after 3, you don't need a reservation.
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Clark W. Griswold said:
the reservation system has 2 options, general park entry and park entry with bear lake.
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Thanks!
 

2nd Degree Gopher said:
Any of you Colorado residents have suggestions for a single day visit to RMNP? We will be starting and ending the day in Boulder. Tentative plan is to start out early and make 1-3 of the shorter hikes from the Bear Lake Trailhead and then drive Trail Ridge Road from east to west and hit the scenic stops along the way. Maybe do short portions of another trail or two as we go if time allows. It will be our first full day at altitude, so we don't want to over do it and thought this would be better than a longer hike. Seem like a good plan? Any particular "can't miss" spots you'd recommend?

Also wondering whether making the southern loop through Granby, Winter Park, Idaho Springs and back to Boulder is worth the time or if we'd be better off reversing course and heading back through the park.
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My family just drove thru RMNP a week ago. Need a reservation to enter between 9-3. After 3 anyone can go in. We came from Vail so entered via Granby and Grand Lake. There is nothing in Granby. Grand Lake is pretty but maybe not a huge destination. We didn't have a reservation so we couldn't enter til 3 so we didn't have much time for hikes (we had to get to SE Denver that night). The western part of the park is definitely prettier and where we saw moose and elk. At the highest point you are at 12,000ft which is pretty cool. Lots of places to park and take pictures. Our whole drive with a few quick stops took 1.5 hours.
 

Word said:
My family just drove thru RMNP a week ago. Need a reservation to enter between 9-3. After 3 anyone can go in. We came from Vail so entered via Granby and Grand Lake. There is nothing in Granby. Grand Lake is pretty but maybe not a huge destination. We didn't have a reservation so we couldn't enter til 3 so we didn't have much time for hikes (we had to get to SE Denver that night). The western part of the park is definitely prettier and where we saw moose and elk. At the highest point you are at 12,000ft which is pretty cool. Lots of places to park and take pictures. Our whole drive with a few quick stops took 1.5 hours.
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Thanks for your help!
 

Alright, I will admit that I am too lazy to read this entire thread.

Where are people pre gaming before the game?

Got a group of 7 of us, willing to pitch in and help out as well.
 

Has anybody received their tickets for the CU game yet??

Nothing here, leaving in a week soooo...
 


Just booked my flight and hotel. Staying downtown Denver. Flying in Friday around noon. Interested for people to post where gopher fans are gathering in Denver. Also, still figuring out transportation to and from Boulder on Saturday so any tips appreciated.
 

Mark in Indy said:
Just booked my flight and hotel. Staying downtown Denver. Flying in Friday around noon. Interested for people to post where gopher fans are gathering in Denver. Also, still figuring out transportation to and from Boulder on Saturday so any tips appreciated.
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I haven't heard anything about any Gopher meetups in Denver, but I also am hosting my parents 50th anniversary on Friday at our house in Golden that night, so haven't been looking.

As far as getting to Boulder, you have a couple options. You can check the RTD schedule - https://www.rtd-denver.com/app/route/FF1/schedule?day=saturday&direction=westbound - and take a nice bus from Union Station in Downtown Denver to the Baseline & Broadway stop in Boulder. That will drop you at the south edge of campus and the walk to the stadium is probably 10 minutes through campus to Folsom Field. You will walk past some tailgating parties on the way as well. You could also take that bus back down to Denver in the evening - https://www.rtd-denver.com/app/route/FF1/schedule?day=saturday&direction=eastbound - Last bus leaves from Downtown Boulder (where Pearl Street and most of the bars and restaurants are) at 11:30pm or Broadway and Baseline at 11:36pm.

If you're not worried about money as much, I'd just take a Lyft or Uber from Denver up to the game. You'll probably spend anywhere from $30-$50 each way depending on how busy it is. Beware though, the later you stay in Boulder it might be harder to get a ride back down to Denver. Meaning if you stay til 11:30 or later, it sometimes is harder to get Lyfts/Ubers in Boulder.
 

WriterGoph said:
I haven't heard anything about any Gopher meetups in Denver, but I also am hosting my parents 50th anniversary on Friday at our house in Golden that night, so haven't been looking.

As far as getting to Boulder, you have a couple options. You can check the RTD schedule - https://www.rtd-denver.com/app/route/FF1/schedule?day=saturday&direction=westbound - and take a nice bus from Union Station in Downtown Denver to the Baseline & Broadway stop in Boulder. That will drop you at the south edge of campus and the walk to the stadium is probably 10 minutes through campus to Folsom Field. You will walk past some tailgating parties on the way as well. You could also take that bus back down to Denver in the evening - https://www.rtd-denver.com/app/route/FF1/schedule?day=saturday&direction=eastbound - Last bus leaves from Downtown Boulder (where Pearl Street and most of the bars and restaurants are) at 11:30pm or Broadway and Baseline at 11:36pm.

If you're not worried about money as much, I'd just take a Lyft or Uber from Denver up to the game. You'll probably spend anywhere from $30-$50 each way depending on how busy it is. Beware though, the later you stay in Boulder it might be harder to get a ride back down to Denver. Meaning if you stay til 11:30 or later, it sometimes is harder to get Lyfts/Ubers in Boulder.
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PS. Not sure how you are planning on getting into Denver from the airport, but it's a bit of a hike. If you're staying in downtown, you can take the Light Rail from DIA to Union Station in downtown Denver. I think it's maybe like $7 one-way, but it's very convenient. There is a station connected to the main airport terminal (on the south end) and it will take 45 minutes, but you won't deal with traffic. A Lyft or Uber to downtown will likely cost about $25-40 depending on traffic and such.
 

WriterGoph said:
PS. Not sure how you are planning on getting into Denver from the airport, but it's a bit of a hike. If you're staying in downtown, you can take the Light Rail from DIA to Union Station in downtown Denver. I think it's maybe like $7 one-way, but it's very convenient. There is a station connected to the main airport terminal (on the south end) and it will take 45 minutes, but you won't deal with traffic. A Lyft or Uber to downtown will likely cost about $25-40 depending on traffic and such.
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Thanks- I am staying at the Hilton Denver City Center so the train from the airport looks like the right choice. I really appreciate the info. Likely take the bus to Boulder and then play it by ear after the game.
 


WriterGoph said:
PS. Not sure how you are planning on getting into Denver from the airport, but it's a bit of a hike. If you're staying in downtown, you can take the Light Rail from DIA to Union Station in downtown Denver. I think it's maybe like $7 one-way, but it's very convenient. There is a station connected to the main airport terminal (on the south end) and it will take 45 minutes, but you won't deal with traffic. A Lyft or Uber to downtown will likely cost about $25-40 depending on traffic and such.
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I've done the Light Rail from the airport into Denver a few times. Super easy and cheap.
 

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