Longmont Visitors Guide

Scenic Byways

If you like the wild life (whether it's urban nightlife, professional sports or horseback riding with the mountain goats in the Rockies), or if you like the mild life (gourmet dining, cultural events such as the ballet and the symphony), you can find something to tempt you either in Longmont or within an easy day trip of town.

About 30 miles from Longmont, the town of Estes Park is nestled among some of the most spectacular mountains in the area The town offers a variety of shopping, galleries, restaurants, a microbrewery, and historic hotels and lodges. You can listen to folk musicians, eat haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), listen to a string quartet, or celebrate midsummer at the Scandinavian festival. You can find comprehensive info about Estes Park at www.coloradoinfo.com/estespark

Within minutes of the town of Estes Park, the spectacular scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park beckons, with world class hiking (both easy and extreme), climbing and fishing in the many high mountain lakes and creeks. Pack a picnic, sit along the river's edge, or enjoy the wildlife, from elk, deer, big horn sheep, to hummingbirds and mountain blue jays.

The town of Boulder is in a small valley about 15 miles southwest of Longmont; the home of the University of Colorado. Its signature location marked by the Flatirons mountains, well worth visiting for a hike or simply to watch the sunset (or sunrise). You can get a history lesson on the area as well as a few laughs if you take Banjo Billy's Tour (about 90 minutes).

Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder is well known throughout the country as an area with unique boutiques, restaurants, specialty stores, and unusual entertainment on the mall, such as jugglers, street musicians and fire-eaters, who are sure to entertain you. The children's climbing rocks may give you a preview of the options available nearby for climbing (slightly larger) rocks.

On your way back to Longmont, stop by Celestial Seasonings in Gunbarrel to tour their manufacturing plant, or have lunch or brunch in their café, and check out the unique gifts in the shop.

Denver is a vibrant city with many days of annual sunshine, year-round adventure and the breathtaking Rocky Mountains in the city's backyard. From a thriving arts and culture scene, world class attractions and endless shopping possibilities, to nationally recognized chefs, exciting nightlife and abundant outdoor recreation, Denver welcomes you to experience, explore and discover how the Mile High City will awaken your senses like nowhere else.

From wild to mild, there are plenty of options in Denver! Explore the Denver Zoo's Primate Panorama, take in a major league sports game, or travel through space and time at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Several other towns located within 40 miles or less of Longmont are well worth a visit. Fort Collins, home of Colorado State University
and the Budweiser Brewery. Lyons, home of Rockygrass, Rocky Mountain Folk Fest and the sculpture trail, is a true Colorado delight.
Loveland is well know for its sculptures and several foundries draw sculptors from around the world.