Abortion Travel Guide: Sterling to Boulder, CO
If you are traveling from Sterling or Northeastern Colorado, Boulder Valley Health Center (BVHC) provides a safe, confidential path to reproductive healthcare.
We understand that in rural and small-town communities like Sterling, privacy is often a top priority. Traveling to Boulder allows you to access care in a discreet, professional environment outside your immediate area.
At BVHC, we have been providing compassionate, confidential abortion care for more than 50 years. Located in Boulder, we regularly care for patients traveling from Northeastern Colorado and our team is experienced in supporting patients every step of the way. From experienced providers to efficient scheduling to supportive care – we’re here to help.
For more information about Colorado’s legal protections, telehealth eligibility, and statewide resources, please visit our Colorado Abortion Care resources page.
Planning Your Travel from Sterling to Boulder
While this guide focuses on Sterling, we regularly support patients from across Northeastern Colorado, including Fort Morgan, Brush, Akron, Holyoke, and Julesburg.
Single-Visit, In-Clinic Care for Southern Colorado Patients
To minimize your time away from home, most patients are able to complete all counseling and abortion care during a single visit to our Boulder clinic.
- Same-Day In-Clinic Care: Intake, consent, and abortion care can all be completed during your scheduled appointment. No prior visit or telehealth appointment is required.
- Optional Telehealth Support: Some patients choose to speak with our team by phone or video before traveling to ask questions or discuss their options. This is completely optional and based on your preferences
Important: You must be physically located in Colorado during your telehealth appointment. All abortion procedures and medication abortions are provided in person at our Boulder clinic.
Driving from Sterling to Boulder
Driving is the most common option for patients traveling from the Sterling area. The trip is approximately 150 miles and typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on weather and traffic.
- The Route: Take I-76 West toward Fort Morgan, then connect to CO-66 or CO-52 toward Longmont. From there, continue to Boulder via CO-119 or US-287. This route avoids central Denver traffic and is typically the most efficient.
- Weather Considerations: High Plains weather can include strong winds, slick roads, and reduced visibility – especially in winter months. Check conditions and allow extra travel time when needed.
- Timing: Morning departures often help avoid afternoon winds and Front Range congestion.
- Parking: Our clinic offers private, free parking for all patients, ensuring you have a discreet and easy arrival.
Bustang Outrider (Northeast Line)
The Bustang offers a reliable, low-cost bus transit option with lower costs than driving.
- Route: The Bustang Outrider provides regional service connecting Sterling to larger transit hubs such as Fort Morgan or Denver.
- Schedule: Daily trips taking approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on the specific stop. The bus typically departs from the Logan County Courthouse before 6am and arrives at Denver Union Station around 10:30am. Return trips usually depart Denver after 2:00pm.
- Connection: From Union Station, you can easily catch the Flatiron Flyer (FF1) bus, which runs every 15-30 minutes directly to Boulder in about 45 minutes.
Because of limited schedules and multiple connections, many patients prefer to drive.
Packing for Your Trip
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Phone, earbuds, and charger
- A book or quiet activity
- Pads and extra underwear
- Personal comfort items for rest or travel
Patient Support: Need help planning your travel? Our patient navigators can guide you on the best options for your visit.
Local Support for Coloradans
You do not have to navigate the costs or logistics of this journey alone.
Colorado Support Organizations:
- Cobalt Abortion Fund: Provides financial assistance to patients traveling to or within Colorado for care.
- Colorado Doula Project: If you are traveling from the Denver metro area, this group can provide “practical support,” which may include assistance with gas money, Bustang tickets, or lodging in Boulder.
- National Abortion Federation (NAF): We are a NAF-member clinic, and we can help you apply for national funding if you meet eligibility requirements.
- BVHC Financial Navigators: When you call to schedule, let us know you are traveling from the Denver area. We can discuss Abortion Cost & Financial Support, and help coordinate in-state funding to ensure care is affordable.
Why Choose Boulder Valley Health Center?
While there are other options on the Front Range, BVHC is a preferred destination for Western Slope residents for several reasons:
- Specialized Care: We have over 50 years of experience as an independent, non-profit provider. We specialize in personalized, non-judgmental care that other providers often cannot match.
- Maximum Privacy: Traveling to a different city like Boulder provides a level of anonymity for your visit.
- No Mandatory Waiting Periods: Colorado protects your right to efficient care. We typically offer appointments within 7 days, allowing you to resolve your healthcare needs quickly.
- Accredited & Safe: We are a fully accredited facility with board-certified medical professionals, ensuring the highest standard of safety for both medication and procedural abortions.
Contact Boulder Valley Health Center
If you’re considering traveling to Boulder for abortion services, please call us to discuss and schedule an appointment. Unfortunately, we can NOT schedule abortion appointments online.
We’re here to answer your questions and provide high-quality, affordable, supportive, and respectful healthcare to all our patients.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:00 pm MT
Location: 2855 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301
Additional Questions?
We understand that traveling for healthcare is a big decision. For detailed answers regarding medical safety, what to expect during your procedure, and aftercare, please visit our Abortion Services Overview.
