Will have a few days in Boulder (Denver, Aurora: apartments, hotels)

[mackinback]

So I'm planning a trip to the Denver area for the end of August, my first stop will be Aurora area for a couple days to scope out some apartments. I'm planning a move later this year. I then wanted to turn the rest of my trip into something enjoyable.
And that's where Boulder comes into play. I plan on staying here for a couple/few days. Not looking to spend a lot of this trip, considering I'm traveling solo.
What are some must see things I should do? I would like to get into the mountains, but I might want to stick to just driving and hold off on hiking this time.
I'm not really big on taking pictures, but would like to see some scenery. Open to any suggestions.

Thanks,
Steve

[WhereTheSidewalkEnds]

Are you planning on staying in Boulder? Depending on when you are coming, be aware school starts back up here towards the end of August so it's a crowded time in Boulder with parents moving in their students. You might want to check in to hotels sooner than later.

If you've never been to Rocky Mountain Park then head up there. Plenty of scenery there. Drive over Trail Ridge Road and check out Grand Lake.

[reed303]

If you go to RMNP/Estes Park, do not take the direct US 36 route. It's not all that scenic, (maybe come back that way)

Take Hwy 119 W to Nederland, Hwy 72 N to Allenspark, Hwy 7 N to Estes Park/RMNP. There is a stretch of hwy N of Nederland where the view of the Continental Divide to the west is fairly spectacular.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=C...=h&mra=ls&z=10

[Neditate]

Originally Posted by reed303

If you go to RMNP/Estes Park, do not take the direct US 36 route. It's not all that scenic, (maybe come back that way)
Take Hwy 119 W to Nederland, Hwy 72 N to Allenspark, Hwy 7 N to Estes Park/RMNP. There is a stretch of hwy N of Nederland where the view of the Continental Divide to the west is fairly spectacular.

A good reason to avoid US 36 from Lyons to Estes Park is the road repair/construction which will still be going on then. (I disagree that it is "not all that scenic".)

Definitely take the above route known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway | Colorado Scenic Drives on myscenicdrives.com
Boulder canyon (hwy 119) is beautiful. When you get to Nederland go to the right around the traffic circle. (People seem to get messed up there and find themselves going south.)

Lots of good info on things to see and do in Boulder here: http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/

[mackinback]

Oh yea, I never thought about school.. Well if it does cause me issues finding a cheap place to stay, I can always look outside the area.
I appreciate all the input and links everybody. I'm sure there are a million things to do, and that's what can be overwhelming.
I think I can fill up my trip with some great drives by what you have given me.

Thanks again! =)
Steve

[Hipchik]

You might look at https://www.airbnb.com/s/Boulder--CO
Also check hotels in the nearby towns of Louisville and Longmont.

[brown_dog_us]

If you are in good shape and like to hike, climb Bear Peak in South Boulder. It has a great 360 view with the Continental Divide to the West and the Great Plains to the East.

[mackinback]

I am in fairly good shape brown dog.. I currently run 2-3miles daily.. But I do have a smidget of asthma... And I remember my last visit to Denver with a small amount of hiking got rough for me. So just because I will be alone this trip, I think I'll just stick to driving. Though you are tempting me with a nice 360 degree view.. Haha

Well folks, flight and car are booked.. Now it's time to nail down a place to stay!