Planning a trip to Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs

Calendar of Events

Below are some of the major annual events in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding area. You'll find additional events on the Internet at www.colorado.com and www.denver365.com, as well as on each city's website. We strongly recommend, however, that if a particular event is especially important to your visit, you confirm the date by telephone before you leave home. For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you’ll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Great Fruitcake Toss, Colorado Springs. This zany event, in which contestants compete to see who can throw a fruitcake the farthest, has been covered by national media and is among the most outlandish and festive spectacles of the year. It takes place in Manitou Springs’ Memorial Park, 5 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. Call tel. 800/642-2567 or 719/685-5089 for more information. Early January.

MahlerFest, Boulder. This may be the only festival celebrating the work of Gustav Mahler. Attend a full orchestra concert, free chamber concerts, or the free symposium. Call tel. 303/447-0513 or visit www.mahlerfest.org for more information. Early January.

National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, Denver. This is the world’s largest livestock show and indoor rodeo, with about two dozen rodeo performances, a trade exposition, Western food and crafts booths, and livestock auctions. Call tel. 303/297-1166 for details. Second and third weeks in January.

Boulder Bach Festival, Boulder. Local and national musicians gather to perform music of the master baroque composer. Call tel. 303/652-9101 or visit www.boulderbachfestival.org for details. Last weekend in January.

February

Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Celebration, Golden. Ceremonies and live entertainment that commemorate the life of the legendary scout and entertainer take place at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum. Call tel. 303/526-0744 or 303/526-0747 or check www.buffalobill.org for further information. Late February.

March

Colorado Springs Dance Theatre Wine Festival, Colorado Springs. Sample the best wines at this 3-day benefit for the Colorado Springs Dance Theatre. Call tel. 719/630-7434 for information. Early March.

Pow Wow, Denver. More than 1,500 American Indians (as well as 60 drum groups), representing some 85 tribes from 32 states, perform traditional music and dances. Arts and crafts are also sold. Call tel. 303/934-8045 for details. Mid-March.

Saint Patrick’s Day, Denver. Among the largest Irish holiday parades in the United States, with floats, marching bands, and more than 5,000 horses. Call tel. 303/892-1112 for further information. Saturday before March 17.

April

Easter Sunrise Service, Colorado Springs and Denver. Worshipers watch the rising sun light red sandstone formations in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. For details, call tel. 719/634-3144. Denver’s Easter Sunrise Service takes place at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, also in the midst of stunning geological formations. Call tel. 303/295-4444 or visit www.redrocksonline.com for further information. Easter Sunday.

May

Cinco de Mayo, Denver and Colorado Springs. More than 250,000 people from around the Denver metro area celebrate this annual Hispanic event, centered on north Federal Boulevard. It features mariachi bands, dancers, Mexican food, and other activities. Call tel. 303/534-8342 for information. Memorial Park is the site for the Colorado Springs celebration. Call tel. 719/635-5001 for information. May 5.

Plant and Book Sale, Denver. The largest volunteer-run plant and book sale in the nation, this event at Denver Botanic Gardens offers more than 250,000 plants, thousands of new and used books, and free gardening advice. Call tel. 720/865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org for details. Early May.

Boulder Kinetic Fest, Boulder. This is a wacky event that’s a real crowd pleaser. Most years an average of 70 teams race over land and water at Boulder Reservoir in a variety of imaginative, human-powered conveyances. Activities include the kinetic parade, kinetic concerts, the kinetic ball, and a hot-air balloon launch. Call tel. 303/444-5600 for details. Early May.

Bolder Boulder, Boulder. This footrace attracts some 40,000 entrants each year, plus numerous spectators. Participants walk, jog, or run the 10K course. Call tel. 303/444-RACE [444-7223] or visit www.bolderboulder.com for details. Memorial Day.

June

International Buskerfest, Denver. An international street performers' festival featuring amazing shows by world-class jugglers, sword swallowers, magicians, tightrope artists, mimes, and acrobats! Call tel. 303/478-7878 for more information. Mid-June.

Wool Market, Estes Park. This huge natural-fiber show boasts contests, demonstrations, a children's tent, and sale of animals as well as products made from their wool. Kids love it. Call tel. 970/586-5800 or go to www.estesnet.com for details. Mid-June.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Boulder. This is considered among the top Shakespeare festivals in the country, with most performances in an outdoor theater. Call tel. 303/492-0554 for details. Late June through late August.

Garden Concerts, Denver. Jazz, blues, and folk concerts take place in the outdoor amphitheater at Denver Botanic Gardens. Call tel. 720/865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org for information. June through September.

July

Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb, Colorado Springs. This “race to the clouds,” held annually since 1916, takes drivers to the top of 14,110-foot Pikes Peak. Call tel. 719/685-4400 for additional information. Usually the Saturday before or after July 4th.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver. This 3-day celebration of visual arts, which takes place in the chic Cherry Creek neighborhood, brings over 200 artists and 300,000 visitors. Call tel. 303/355-2787 or visit www.cherryarts.org for information. Early July.

Rooftop Rodeo & Parade, Estes Park. Features award-winning rodeos Tuesday through Sunday evenings. A grand parade kicks it all off on Tuesday morning. Call tel. 970/586-5800 or visit www.estesnet.com for details. Mid-July.

ArtFair, Boulder. Some 150 local and regional artists display their works in downtown Boulder, offering “fine art to fun art” plus live musical performances. Call tel. 303/449-3774 or visit www.boulderdowntown.com for more information. Third weekend in July.

Buffalo Bill Days, Golden. A parade, kids' rides, a burro race, arts and crafts displays, a petting zoo, a car show, and a pancake breakfast mark Golden's largest event. Call tel. 303/384-0003 or visit www.buffalobilldays.com for more information. Late July.

August

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, Colorado Springs. Colorado's largest outdoor rodeo is a popular stop on the professional rodeo circuit. Call tel. 719/635-3547 or visit www.coloradospringsrodeo.com for details. Early August.

Colorado State Fair, Pueblo. National professional rodeo, carnival rides, food booths, industrial displays, horse shows, animal exhibits, and entertainment by top-name performers. Call tel. 800/876-4567, ext. 2028, or visit www.coloradostatefair.com for additional information. Mid-August through Labor Day.

September

Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, Colorado Springs. More than 100 colorful hot-air balloons launch from Memorial Park, making this one of the largest balloon rallies in the country. Call tel. 719/471-4833 or visit www.balloonclassic.com for more information. Labor Day weekend.

A Taste of Colorado, Denver. This is Denver’s largest celebration, with an annual attendance of about 400,000. Local restaurants serve house specialties; there are also crafts exhibits and free concerts. Call tel. 303/295-6330 or visit www.atasteofcolorado.com for details. Labor Day weekend.

Fall Festival, Boulder. An Oktoberfest celebration in downtown Boulder, this festival includes polka bands, food, carnival rides, and an art fair. Call tel. 303/449-3774 or visit www.boulderdowntown.com for more information. Late September or early October.

October

Great American Beer Festival, Denver. Hundreds of American beers are available for sampling, and seminars are presented at what is considered the largest and most prestigious beer event in the United States. Call tel. 303/447-0816 or visit www.beertown.org for information. Early October.

Pumpkin Festival, Denver. This family event, sponsored by Denver Botanic Gardens and held at Chatfield Nature Preserve southwest of town, includes pumpkin picking, food, crafts, hayrides, and other activities. Call tel. 720/865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org for details. Mid-October.

November

Holiday Sale, Denver. Handmade Christmas ornaments, gifts, dried-flower arrangements, and food items are among the unique merchandise at this annual sale at Denver Botanic Gardens. Call tel. 720/865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org for information. Mid-November.

December

World’s Largest Christmas Lighting Display, Denver. Some 40,000 colored floodlights illuminate the Denver City and County Building. All month.

Trail of Light, Denver. More than 12,000 sparkling lights cascade through the Botanic Gardens. Grand topiaries, nightly entertainment, "kissing spots," whimsical displays, and warm treats make for an unforgettable winter evening. Call tel. 303/865-3500 or visit www.botanicgardens.org for information. All month.

Parade of Lights, Denver. A holiday parade winds through downtown Denver, with floats, balloons, and marching bands. Call tel. 303/478-7878 or visit www.denverparadeoflights.com for information. Early December.

Festival of Lights Parade, Colorado Springs. A nighttime parade kicks off this month-long celebration of the holidays. Features include decorated live trees and holiday scenes from cultures around the world. Call tel. 719/649-9111 or visit www.coloradospringsfestivaloflights.org for information. Early December.

Christmas with Cody, Golden. Buffalo Bill Cody playing Santa? He sure did, and a reenactor continues the tradition, with gifts for the kids at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum. Call tel. 303/526-0744 or 303/526-0747 or check www.buffalobill.org for further information. First Sunday in December.

Pikes Peak Summit Fireworks, Colorado Springs. A wondrous fireworks display to ring in the New Year. Call tel. 800/888-4748 or 719/635-7506 or visit www.experiencecoloradosprings.com. December 31.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Many Colorado hotels and motels offer special rates to seniors, and an increasing number of restaurants, attractions, and public transportation systems offer discounts as well, some for "oldsters" as young as 55.

Members of AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (tel. 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone over 50 can join.

The U.S. National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful--National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass--Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Passport), which gives seniors 62 years or older lifetime entrance to all properties administered by the National Park Service--national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges--for a one-time processing fee of $10. The pass must be purchased in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. Besides free entry, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass also offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issues the passes, at tel. 888/275-8747.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

The residents on Colorado's Front Range have become increasingly ecoconscious in recent years, especially in Boulder and Golden. The former has been called “the 50-yard line of the organic foods industry” and the latter is home of the National Laboratory for Renewable Energy (NREL) and its ultraefficient visitor center. Following suit, the clean energy industry has formed numerous clusters along the Front Range, with several standout solar companies and carbon-focused startups.

But while some of Colorado's green reputation is deserved, it's noteworthy that the state has one of the lowest recycling rates in the nation (in part due to its remoteness to large-scale facilities). And water is an increasingly big issue, with strong population growth straining aquifers and reservoirs in recent years. Visitors to the Rocky Mountains will also be struck by vast swaths of dead lodgepole pines, killed by pine beetles. While the trees have been harvested for a number of purposes, many observers find the fire danger (and the carbon emissions from all that deadwood) to be quite troubling. And anyone who's seen Denver's “brown cloud” knows that air quality is a serious issue.

Regardless, the tourism industry has emerged as a leader in the greening of Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs in more ways than one. Numerous hotels have adopted green policies and utilized green construction techniques and materials. A burgeoning farm-to-table movement has also taken all three cities' culinary scenes by storm, and the emphasis on healthful, local, and sustainable ingredients has never been stronger. Third, transportation options have gotten broader and greener, especially in Denver, and those looking to limit their impact have several means of doing so.

Lodgings adopting eco-friendly practices include the Queen Anne Bed & Breakfast Inn in Denver, with local ingredients in its breakfasts and green cleaning supplies; the Boulder Outlook, one of the greenest motels in the country; and the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, which installed beehives on its roof to fight colony collapse disorder--as well as source honey for high tea!

Among the restaurants that have impressed me with their commitment to sustainable, local, and organic farmers are Salt, Black Cat, the Kitchen, and Colterra in and around Boulder; Denver's Root Down, housed in a recycled gas station and powered entirely by wind, as well as Fruition and the vegetarian WaterCourse Foods; and Colorado Springs' beloved Blue Star.

Denver has an impressive public transportation portfolio, with a nice network of trains and buses. Boulder has a good bus system, and a FasTracks train will connect it to Denver in about 5 years. Colorado Springs is the weakest of the three, and cut back its public transit in the face of a recent budget crisis.

In Denver--especially around the city center--it has become easy to explore without a car. I would not even recommend a rental car to those who want to spend all their time in the city limits. Why? Besides foot, train, and bus, in 2010 the city installed numerous B-Cycle kiosks (http://denver.b-cycle.com) with short-term rental bicycles available for a $5 daily fee plus fees for how long you use the bike before returning it to another kiosk. Check on the website for the kiosks' locations--they are often right in front of prominent attractions, making this a viable means of getting from point A to point B in the city. And you could do it for $5 a day, because there's no fee for rides that last less than 30 minutes.

General Resources for Responsible Travel

In addition to the resources for Denver, Boulder & Colorado Springs listed above, the following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel.

• Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.
• Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and Cool Climate (http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu) provide info on “carbon offsetting,” or offsetting the greenhouse gas emitted during flights.
• Greenhotels (www.greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company’s stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodations ratings.
• Volunteer International (www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org.

Tips on Accommodations

Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs offer a variety of lodging options, from typical American chain motels to luxury hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts to inexpensive mom-and-pop independent motels, cabins to magnificent grande dame hotels.

The chains here are the same ones you see everywhere else in America: Best Western, Comfort, Days Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Motel 6, Quality Inn, Sheraton, Super 8, Travelodge, and so on. They look just about the same as those found elsewhere, and have the same levels of service. In most cases their rooms are little more than boring boxes of various sizes, with beds and the appropriate plumbing and heating fixtures, and, if you're lucky, a decent view out the window. These chains, even the high-end ones like Hilton and Sheraton, are fine if you just want a place to sleep, and plan to take advantage of their swimming pools, exercise rooms, and other facilities. However, they do little to enhance your vacation experience or even to let you know you're in Colorado.

To make your lodging an integral part of your Colorado experience, we suggest choosing a historic property. We discuss numerous historic bed-and-breakfast inns in this guide, and--especially when you take into consideration the wonderful breakfasts most of them serve--the rates are fairly reasonable. Why spend $90 for a generic motel room, and then another $10 to $15 for breakfast, when for just a bit more you can sleep in a handsome, antique-decorated Victorian home and enjoy a home-cooked morning meal?

This area of Colorado also has several magnificent but pricey historic hotels, including the absolutely wonderful Brown Palace in Denver and the family-friendly Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. These hotels are as much attractions as they are lodgings. Other accommodations choices here include cabins and a handful of small independent motels. Both are usually fairly inexpensive, although they often lack the facilities, such as pools, spas, and exercise equipment, that you'll find in most chains. We still prefer the cabins and independents, though, because they're often a very good value and the rooms usually have at least some personality; and the cabins, although sometimes a bit primitive, are often in beautiful settings.

House-Swapping

House-swapping is becoming a more popular and viable means of travel; you stay in their place, they stay in yours, and you both get an authentic and personal view of the area, the opposite of the escapist retreat that many hotels offer. Try HomeLink International (Homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with over 11,000 listings worldwide ($75 for a yearly membership). HomeExchange.org ($50 for 6,000 listings) and InterVac.com ($69 for over 10,000 listings) are also reliable. Many travelers find great housing swaps on Craigslist (www.craigslist.org), too, though the offerings cannot be vetted or vouched for. Swap at your own risk.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

In general, gay and lesbian travelers will find they are treated just like any other travelers in Colorado. Even cities such as Colorado Springs, home of Focus on the Family and other conservative groups, have become somewhat more open-minded about alternative lifestyles recently. Those with specific concerns can contact Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Colorado, aka “The Center” (tel. 303/733-7743; www.glbtcolorado.org), in Denver; the organization can also provide information on events and venues of interest to gay and lesbian visitors.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; tel. 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses; go to its website and click on “Members.”

Tips for Student Travelers

A valid student ID will often qualify students for discounts on airfare, accommodations, and admission to museums, cultural events, movies, and more on Colorado’s Front Range.

Check out the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC; www.istc.org) website for comprehensive travel services information and details on how to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which qualifies students for substantial savings on rail passes, plane tickets, entrance fees, and more. It also provides students with basic health and life insurance and a 24-hour help line. The card is valid for a maximum of 18 months. You can apply for the card online or in person at STA Travel (tel. 800/781-4040 in North America, 132-782 in Australia, or 0871/2300-040 in the U.K.; www.statravel.com), the biggest student travel agency in the world; check out the website to locate STA Travel offices worldwide. If you’re no longer a student but are still under 26, you can get an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) from the same people, which entitles you to some discounts.

Escorted & Package Tours

Special-Interest Trips

Hikers, bikers, and other outdoor recreationists can head into the mountains with the World Outdoors, 2840 Wilderness Place, Suite F, Boulder, CO 80301 (tel. 800/488-8483 or 303/413-0938; fax 303/413-0926; www.theworldoutdoors.com), which leads hiking and multisport adventures throughout the West, including trips into Rocky Mountain National Park. Most trips last 6 days and include transportation, lodging, and dining.

Escorted General-Interest Tours

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation. Below are some of the better companies that offer escorted tours in the Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs areas.

Gray Line, 5855 E. 56th Ave. (P.O. Box 646), Denver, CO 80217 (tel. 303/289-2841; www.ograyline.com), provides traditional bus and van tours to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and historic sites of Denver.

When to Go

Colorado has two tourist seasons: warm and cold. Those who want to see the state’s parks and other scenic wonders, hike, mountain-bike, or raft will usually visit from May to October; those who prefer skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling will obviously have to wait for winter, usually from late November to March or April, depending on snow levels. Although you can visit most major museums year-round, some, especially in smaller communities, close in winter. The best way to avoid crowds at the more popular destinations is to try to visit March through May and October through mid-December.

To hear Coloradans tell it, the state has perfect weather all the time. Although they may be exaggerating just a bit, the weather is usually quite pleasant, with an abundance of sun and relatively mild temperatures in most places--just avoid those winter snowstorms that come sweeping out of the mountains.

Along the Front Range, including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, summers are hot and dry, with mild evenings and cool nights. Humidity is low, and temperatures seldom rise into the 100s. Evenings start to get cooler by mid-September, but even as late as November the days are often sunny and warm. Surprisingly, winters are milder and less snowy than those in the Great Lakes region or New England; many golf courses remain open year-round.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Travelers with Disabilities Most disabilities shouldn’t stop anyone from traveling in the U.S. Thanks to provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places are required to comply with disability-friendly regulations. Almost all public establishments (including hotels, restaurants, museums, and so on, but not including certain National Historic Landmarks), and at least some modes of public transportation provide accessible entrances and other facilities for those with disabilities. The America the Beautiful--National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass--Access Pass (formerly the Golden Access Passport) gives visually impaired or permanently disabled persons (regardless of age) free lifetime entrance to federal recreation sites administered by the National Park Service, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. This may include national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges.

Money

Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency-exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

In general, Colorado is not particularly expensive, especially compared with destinations on the East and West coasts. In Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, you’ll find a wide range of prices for lodging and dining; admission to most attractions is less than $10 (it’s sometimes free, especially in Boulder). Those traveling away from the major cities will discover prices in small towns are usually quite reasonable, but ski resorts such as Vail and Aspen can be rather pricey, especially during winter holidays. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions, plus many grocery stores.

Hotel rooms in the area are typically $100 to $200, but there are exceptions that are lower and higher--particularly higher when it comes to peak seasons. You’ll find main courses for dinner typically running $10 to $25 up and down the Front Range.

In the United States, the most common bills are the $1 (a “buck”), $5, $10, and $20 denominations. There are also $2 bills (seldom encountered), $50 bills, and $100 bills (the last two are usually not welcome as payment for small purchases).

Coins come in seven denominations: 1¢ (1 cent, or a penny); 5¢ (5 cents, or a nickel); 10¢ (10 cents, or a dime); 25¢ (25 cents, or a quarter); 50¢ (50 cents, or a half dollar); the gold-colored Sacagawea coin, worth $1; and the rare silver dollar.

The easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine). Look at the back of your bank card to see which network you’re on; then call or check online for ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your personal identification number (PIN) and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Also, if you have a five- or six-digit PIN, change it to a four-digit PIN before coming to Colorado.

Remember that many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank’s ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions (up to $5 or more) than for domestic ones (where they’re rarely more than $2). In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee.

Beware of hidden credit card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country--even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

Health & Safety

Colorado’s Front Range has its fair share of regional health concerns to be aware of before your trip, most of them relating to the altitude and the wildlife, but these can easily be avoided in most cases.

Regional Health Concerns

Altitude Sickness -- About two-thirds of Colorado is more than a mile above sea level, which means there is less oxygen and lower humidity than many travelers are accustomed to. This creates a unique set of problems for short-term visitors, such as the possibility of shortness of breath, fatigue, and other physical concerns.

Those not used to higher elevations should get sufficient rest, avoid large meals, and drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids, especially water. Individuals with heart or respiratory problems should consult their personal physicians before planning a trip to the Colorado mountains. Those in generally good health need not take any special precautions, but it is best to ease the transition to high elevations by changing altitude gradually. For instance, spend a night or two in Denver (elevation 5,280 ft.) or Colorado Springs (elevation 6,035 ft.) before driving or taking the cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak (elevation 14,110 ft.).

Lowlanders can also help their bodies adjust to higher elevations by taking it easy for their first few days in the mountains, cutting down on cigarettes and alcohol, and avoiding sleeping pills and other drugs. Your doctor can provide prescription drugs to help prevent and relieve symptoms of altitude sickness.

Because the sun’s rays are more direct in the thinner atmosphere, they cause sunburn more quickly. The potential for skin damage increases when the sun reflects off snow or water. A good sunblock is strongly recommended, as are good-quality ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses. Remember that children need more protection than adults.

Hantavirus -- State health officials warn outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against the Hantavirus, a rare but often fatal respiratory disease first recognized in 1993. About half of the country’s confirmed cases have been reported in the Four Corners states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The disease is usually spread by the urine and droppings of deer mice and other rodents, and health officials recommend that campers avoid areas with signs of rodent droppings. Symptoms of Hantavirus are similar to flu and lead to breathing difficulties and shock.

West Nile Virus -- Colorado has also had its share of cases of the West Nile virus illness. The best prevention is mosquito repellent. Though it’s typically not fatal, the virus can cause death in some cases. Symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches.

Crime & Safety

While there are many reasons to visit Colorado and its major cities, two of the reasons most often cited are its historic sites and its magnificent outdoor activities. However, visiting historic sites and participating in outdoor activities can lead to accidents.

When visiting such historic sites as ghost towns, gold mines, and railroads, remember that they were probably built more than 100 years ago, when safety standards were extremely lax, if they existed at all. Never enter abandoned buildings, mines, or railroad equipment on your own. When you’re visiting commercially operated historic tourist attractions, use common sense and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Walkways in mines are often uneven and poorly lit, and are sometimes slippery due to seeping groundwater that can also stain your clothing with its high iron content. When entering old buildings, be prepared for steep, narrow stairways, creaky floors, and low ceilings and doorways. Steam trains are a wonderful experience as long as you remember that steam is very hot, and that oil and grease can ruin your clothing.

When heading to the great outdoors, remember that injuries often occur when people fail to follow instructions. Pay attention when the experts tell you to stay on established ski trails, hike only in designated areas, carry rain gear, and wear a life jacket when rafting. Mountain weather can be fickle, and many of the most beautiful spots are in remote areas. Be prepared for extreme changes in temperature at any time of year, and watch out for sudden summer-afternoon thunderstorms that can leave you drenched and shivering.

Getting There

By Place

Those flying to Colorado will probably land at Denver International Airport or Colorado Springs Airport. Each airport is on the fringe of its respective city, so, depending on your itinerary, it can be a tossup as to which is best. Denver certainly has the better average airfares. Both offer car rentals and shuttle services to their city’s hotels.

Denver International Airport (DIA) is 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver, about a 35- to 45-minute drive. It is the sixth-busiest airport in the nation, with six runways and 93 gates. An information line (tel. 800/AIR-2-DEN [247-2336] or 303/342-2000; www.flydenver.com) provides data on flight schedules and connections, parking, ground transportation, current weather conditions, and local accommodations. The local airport information and paging number is tel. 303/342-2300. Most major airlines fly to DIA.

Colorado Springs Airport (COS; tel. 719/550-1900), located in the southeast corner of Colorado Springs, has nearly 100 flights each day, with connections to most major U.S. cities on many major airlines.

Getting into Town from the Airport -- Bus, taxi, and limousine services shuttle travelers between the airport and downtown, and most major car-rental companies have outlets at the airport. Many major hotels are some distance from the airport, so travelers should check on the availability and cost of hotel shuttle services when making reservations.

The cost of a city bus ride from the airport to downtown Denver is $10; from the airport to Boulder and suburban Park-n-Ride lots, it is about $12. The SuperShuttle (tel. 800/525-3177 or 303/370-1300; www.supershuttle.com) provides transportation to and from a number of hotels downtown and in the Denver Tech Center. The SuperShuttle has frequent scheduled service between the airport and downtown hotels for $19 each way; door-to-door service is also available. Taxi companies are another option, with fares generally in the $30-to-$50 range, and you can often share a cab and split the fare by calling the cab company ahead of time. For instance, Yellow Cab (tel. 303/777-7777) will take up to five people from DIA to most downtown hotels for a flat rate of $45. Metro Taxi (tel. 303/333-3333) and Union Taxi (tel. 303/321-9000) are the other services in Denver.

By Car

An excellent road system, connecting to interstate highways heading in all directions, makes driving a good and economical choice. This is especially true for those planning excursions out of the Denver, Boulder, or Colorado Springs city limits. Although these cities have good public transportation within their boundaries, a car (either your own or a rental) is practically mandatory for those intent on getting out into the country.

Most major car-rental companies have locations in all three cities; metro Denver has the lion’s share of them.

International visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.

Some 1,000 miles of interstate highways form a star on the map of Colorado, with its center at Denver. I-25 crosses the state from south to north, extending from New Mexico to Wyoming; over its 300 miles, it goes through nearly every major city of the Front Range, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Fort Collins. I-70 crosses from west to east, extending from Utah to Baltimore, Maryland. It enters Colorado near Grand Junction, passes through Glenwood Springs, Vail, and Denver, and exits just east of Burlington, a distance of about 450 miles. I-76 is an additional 190-mile spur that begins in Denver and extends northeast to Nebraska, joining I-80 just beyond Julesburg.

Denver is about 1,025 miles from Los Angeles, 780 miles from Dallas, 600 miles from Kansas City, 510 miles from Salt Lake City, 440 miles from Albuquerque, 750 miles from Las Vegas, 820 miles from Phoenix, 1,010 miles from Chicago, and 1,800 miles from New York City.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com) has two routes through Colorado. The California Zephyr, which links San Francisco and Chicago, passes through Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Granby, Winter Park, Denver, and Fort Morgan en route to Omaha, Nebraska. The Southwest Chief, which runs between Los Angeles and Chicago, travels from Albuquerque, New Mexico, via Trinidad, La Junta, and Lamar before crossing the southeastern Colorado border into Kansas.

By Bus

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain information about the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass. The pass can be obtained from foreign travel agents or through their website (www.discoverypass.com) for unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada.

Staying Connected

Mobile Phones

All major U.S. cellular networks work fine on the Front Range, but things quickly get spotty outside the urban cores. If you’re not from the U.S., you’ll be appalled at the poor reach of the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) wireless network, which is used by much of the rest of the world. Your phone will probably work in most major U.S. cities; it definitely won’t work in many rural areas. To see where GSM phones work in the U.S., check out www.t-mobile.com/coverage. And you may or may not be able to send SMS (text messaging) home.

Internet & E-Mail

With Your Own Computer -- Wi-Fi is readily available at hotels, cafes, and some public places in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, including Denver’s 16th Street Mall. For specific spots, check out the website www.jiwire.com. 

Without Your Own Computer -- Most major airports have Internet kiosks that provide basic Web access for a per-minute fee that’s usually higher than cybercafe prices. Check out copy shops such as FedEx Office (http://www.fedex.com/us/customersupport/officeprint/faq/general.html), which offers computer stations with fully loaded software.

Newspapers & Magazines

After the Rocky Mountain News shut down in 2009, the Denver Post became Denver's sole daily newspaper. The Gazette is Colorado Springs' daily and the Boulder Daily Camera serves Boulder. The alt-weeklies are Westword (Denver), the Colorado Springs Independent, and the Boulder Weekly. The most prominent local magazine in Denver (and along the entire Front Range) is 5280, but you'll find many more publications focusing on local arts, dining, and business in all three cities. You can find newspapers in newspaper boxes in the street; most supermarkets and convenience stores stock both newspapers and local magazines.

Telephones

The area codes for Denver and Boulder are 303 and 720. In Colorado Springs, it’s 719. In Denver and Boulder, the full 10-digit phone number is required to make local calls, whereas the area code is not necessary in Colorado Springs. Most convenience stores and supermarkets carry calling cards for national and international calls. Pay phones still exist in the area, but their numbers have been on the decline in recent years. However, they are readily available in the downtowns of all three cities.

Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost either 25¢ or 35¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, “dating” services, and so on) can be expensive--charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance (“Information”), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Fast Facts

Area Codes--In Denver and Boulder, the telephone area codes are 303 and 720. In Colorado Springs, the area code is 719.

Business Hours--Generally, business offices are open weekdays from 9am to 5pm and government offices are open from 8am until 4:30 or 5pm. Stores are open 6 days a week, with many also open on Sunday; department stores usually stay open until 9pm at least 1 day a week. Discount stores and supermarkets are often open later than other stores, and some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day.

Banks are usually open weekdays from 9am to 5pm, occasionally a bit later on Friday, and sometimes on Saturday. There’s 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs) at most banks, plus in many shopping centers and other outlets.

Drinking Laws--The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it’s always a good idea to bring ID when you go out.

Bars legally close at 2am in Colorado, liquor stores at midnight. In 2008, Colorado retracted its “blue laws,” which had banned the sale on Sundays of liquor and beer containing more than 3.2% alcohol.

Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn’t zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. And nothing will ruin your trip faster than getting a citation for DUI (“driving under the influence”), so don’t even think about driving while intoxicated.

Electricity--Like Canada, the United States uses 110–120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220–240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220–240 volts to 110–120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.

Embassies & Consulates--All embassies are in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn’t listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212) or check www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; http://australia.visahq.com). Consulates are in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.embassyofireland.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for complete listing.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-6500; http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Emergencies--Call tel. 911. For the Colorado Poison Center, call tel. 303/739-1123. For the Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Hotline, call tel. 303/318-9989.

Gasoline (Petrol)--At press time, the cost of gasoline (also known as gas, but never petrol), was about $2.75 a gallon in Denver and vicinity. Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gallon. Fill-up locations are known as gas or service stations.

Holidays--Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents’ Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years, and next in 2012).

Insurance--Although it’s not required of travelers, health insurance is highly recommended. Most health insurance policies cover you if you get sick away from home--but check your coverage before you leave.

International visitors to the U.S. should note that unlike many European countries, the United States does not usually offer free or low-cost medical care to its citizens or visitors. Doctors and hospitals are expensive, and in most cases will require advance payment or proof of coverage before they render their services. Good policies will cover the costs of an accident, repatriation, or death.

For information on traveler’s insurance, trip-cancellation insurance, and medical insurance while traveling, please visit www.frommers.com/tips.

Internet Access--Coffee shops, libraries, and most hotels offer Internet access on Colorado’s Front Range. Also see “Staying Connected,” in chapter 3.

Legal Aid--If you are “pulled over” for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. Here the burden is on the state to prove a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. The international visitor should call his or her embassy or consulate.

Mail--At press time, domestic postage rates were 28¢ for a postcard and 44¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 98¢ (75¢ to Canada and 79¢ to Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information go to www.usps.com.

If you aren’t sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, and so on). Most post offices will hold mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don’t know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.

Police--Call tel. 911 for emergencies.

Smoking--Since 2006, smoking has been banned in all public places in Colorado, including restaurants and bars.

Taxes--Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax; local jurisdictions often add another 4% or 5%. Lodging tax is typically 10% to 15%. The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags.

Time--All of Colorado is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone. The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it’s 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it’s 7am in Honolulu (HST),10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time (summertime) is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping--In Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, tips are a very important part of certain workers’ income, and gratuities are the standard way of showing appreciation for services provided. (Tipping is certainly not compulsory if the service is poor!)

In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you’ve left a big mess for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff and bartenders 15% to 20% of the check, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cabdrivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

Toilets--You won’t find public toilets or “restrooms” on the streets in most U.S. cities but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.

Useful Phone Numbers--City of Denver (nonemergency): tel. 311; Colorado Road Conditions: tel. 303/639-1111; U.S. Dept. of State Travel Advisory: tel. 202/647-5225 (staffed 24 hr.); U.S. Passport Agency: tel. 202/647-0518; U.S. Centers for Disease Control International Traveler’s Hotline: tel. 404/332-4559.

Visitor Information--Start by contacting the Colorado Tourism Office, 1625 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 (tel. 800/COLORADO [265-6573]; www.colorado.com), for a free copy of the official state vacation guide, which includes a state map and describes attractions, activities, and lodgings throughout Colorado. Another good source for Colorado information is the website of the Denver Post, the state’s major daily newspaper, at www.denverpost.com. 

The Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association, 999 18th St., Suite 1240, Denver, CO 80202 (tel. 303/297-8335; www.coloradolodging.com), offers a free guide to lodging across the state. The nonprofit Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado, P.O. Box 38416, Colorado Springs, CO 80937 (tel. 800/265-7696; www.innsofcolorado.org), distributes a free directory describing about 100 B&Bs across the state, including a number of historic inns in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.

Water--The tap water here is potable and safe to drink, but don't drink out of any creeks, rivers, or streams, no matter how clear the water.

Tips for Families

Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are loaded with family attractions, although their downtown dining and nightlife tends to focus more on adult pursuits. Nonetheless, such kids' landmarks as Tiny Town, Casa Bonita, Elitch Gardens, and Giuseppe’s continue to thrive.

If your travels are taking you to Rocky Mountain National Park, Frommer’s National Parks with Kids is a good resource.

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U. S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; see www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship.

It is advised to always have at least one or two consecutive blank pages in your passport to allow space for visas and stamps that need to appear together. It is also important to note when your passport expires. Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before its expiration in order to allow you into the destination.

For other information, contact the following agencies:

For Residents of Australia Contact the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232, or visit www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada Contact the central Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

For Residents of Ireland Contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).

For Residents of New Zealand Contact the Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St., Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand, or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).

For Residents of the United Kingdom Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq., London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).

Visas

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.)

Even though a visa isn’t necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is no fee for the online application. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa.

Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn’t have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone; or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas, but will need to show passports and proof of residence.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S.; and (2) a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on “Visas.” Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600) or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission’s website at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 0891/200-290) or by visiting the “Visas to the U.S.” section of the American Embassy London’s website at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the U.S. Embassy Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (tel. 353/1-668-8777; http://dublin.usembassy.gov).

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/472-2068; http://newzealand.usembassy.gov). 

Customs

What You Can Bring Into the U.S. -- Every visitor 21 years of age or older may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 U.S. quart of alcohol; (2) 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bouillon, soup mixes, and so on). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, pickled goods, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruit and vegetables is prohibited since they may harbor pests or disease. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).

What You Can Take Home From the U.S. -- For information on what you’re allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L8 (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise, Crownhill Court, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BZ (tel. 0845/010-9000, or 020/8929-0152 from outside the U.K.; www.hmce.gov.uk).

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service, Customs House, 5 Constitution Ave., Canberra City, ACT 2601 (tel. 1300/363-263, or 612/6275-6666 from outside Australia; www.customs.gov.au).

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17–21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington, 6140 (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

Unless you’re arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

Getting Around

Since most visitors to Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs will probably be traveling between cities and also into surrounding areas, you will most likely want to rent a car. However, you can save a bit of cash by doing your downtown city exploring, which can be done quite conveniently using public transportation, at either the beginning or the end of your stay, and only renting a car when you plan to leave town.

Each of the individual city guides contain information on car rentals and public transportation.

By Plane

Although you can fly between Denver and Colorado Springs, it’s not nearly as economical as driving the 70 miles.

Some large airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at very low prices. Unavailable in the U.S., these discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare. This system is the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to see the country.

By Car

In Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, the most cost-effective way to travel is by car, but all three have pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly routes and at least decent public transportation.

When you're looking for a rental, shop around and visit sites like Orbitz, Hotwire.com, Travelocity, and Priceline.com, all of which offer competitive online car-rental rates.

If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you may want to consider obtaining an international driver’s license.

By Train

Although you can catch an Amtrak train from Union Station in Denver, it’s not a particularly good method of travel between Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs--not until a light-rail build-out takes place in the next decade, at least. In Denver, existing light rail is useful for navigating certain attractions.

International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak’s website for the cost of travel within the western, eastern, or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it’s certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates).

The Front Range Express (tel. 719/636-3739; www.frontrangeexpress.com) offered service between Colorado Springs and Denver at press time, but was threatened by potential upcoming budget cuts. Call or check the website for current information.

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain information about the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass. The pass, which offers unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada, can be obtained from foreign travel agents or through www.discoverypass.com.