Abortion Travel Guide: Glenwood Springs to Boulder, CO
If you are traveling from Glenwood Springs or the Roaring Fork Valley, Boulder Valley Health Center (BVHC) provides a safe, confidential path to abortion care and reproductive health.
Many patients from the mountain communities choose to travel for abortion care, and our team is experienced in supporting you every step of the way. We understand that in mountain communities, privacy is often a top priority. Our Boulder clinic offers a professional and anonymous environment, combined with the convenience of single-visit care.
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 the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valley who are looking for experienced providers, efficient scheduling, and supportive care.
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 Glenwood Springs to Boulder
While this guide focuses on Glenwood Springs, we provide dedicated support for patients across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys, including Aspen, Carbondale, Basalt, New Castle, and Rifle.
Single-Visit, In-Clinic Care for Western Slope 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.
Flying to Denver (GJT to DEN)
For patients in the upper valley (Aspen/Snowmass), flying can be a faster alternative:
- Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE): Offers multiple daily 1-hour flights to Denver International (DEN).
- Airlines: United and SkyWest
- Flight Time: Typically 1-1.5 hours
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Located 30 miles east of Glenwood, this is another convenient option for direct flights to Denver.
- Airlines: United and American
- Flight Time: Typically 1-1.5 hours
- Ground Transit: Once you land at DEN, Boulder is a 45-minute trip and you have several options for transportation including:
- RTD SkyRide Bus (AB Route): This direct bus service runs frequently between DEN and Boulder, offering an affordable and convenient option.
- Ride-sharing Services/Taxis: Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at the airport.
- Rental Car: Several car rental agencies operate at DEN if you prefer personal transportation.
Bustang West Line
Glenwood Springs is one of the most transit-connected mountain towns in Colorado, making it easy to reach us without a car. The Bustang offers a reliable, low-cost bus transit option with significantly lower costs than driving or flying.
- Route: The “big purple bus” runs multiple times daily from the West Glenwood Park & Ride. It arrives at Denver Union Station in approximately 4 hours.
- Schedule: Morning departures from Glenwood Springs typically arrive in Denver by early afternoon.
- Connection: From Union Station, you can easily catch the Flatiron Flyer (FF1) bus, which runs every 15-30 minutes directly into Boulder in under an hour.
Amtrak California Zephyr
For an even more comfortable trip, the daily Amtrak California Zephyr service runs from the historic Glenwood Springs station directly to Denver Union Station.
- Schedule: The train travels once daily, typically taking about 6 hours and 45 minutes. The train generally departs Glenwood Springs in the mid-morning, and arrives in Denver in the early evening.
- Connection: From Union Station, you can easily catch the Flatiron Flyer (FF1) bus, which runs every 15-30 minutes directly into Boulder in under an hour.
Driving the I-70 Corridor
The drive from Glenwood Springs to Boulder is approximately 150 miles and typically takes 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on weather and tunnel traffic.
- The Route: ake I-70 East through Gypsum and Georgetown. Exit onto I-40 East/US-6 near Golden, then take Hwy 93 North directly into Boulder. This route is often faster and less stressful than driving through downtown Denver.
- Winter Travel: If traveling between October and May, ensure your vehicle is compliant with the Colorado Traction Law (I-70 requirements for snow tires or chains).
- Summer Travel: Afternoon thunderstorms and construction delays are common along I-70. Building in extra travel time is recommended.
- Parking: Our clinic offers private, free parking for all patients, ensuring you have a discreet and easy arrival.
If you are unsure which travel option is best for you, our patient navigators can help.
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.
