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Eldo Shuttle

Eldo Shuttle GraphicFree Summer Weekend
Hiker Shuttle

May 27-Sept.4, 2023

Eldorado Canyon State Park (or "Eldo" to locals) is a hiking, fishing, picnicking and rock climbing heaven, just minutes from Boulder. However, parking is limited, so timed-entry reservations are required on summer weekends and holidays. Instead, take the free* summer weekend shuttle from Boulder to the park.

By riding the Eldo Shuttle into Eldorado Canyon State Park, you get to bypass the weekend reservation system and have guaranteed entrance to the park that day. All guests, including those arriving by shuttle, are required to pay a fee or hold a valid pass to enter the state park.

Pick up the shuttle from the University of Colorado Regent Lot (Broadway and Regent), or six other stops, and ride in comfort to the state park. The shuttle and shuttle parking are free; there is a fee to enter the state park.

Shuttle to South Boulder Trails, Too! In addition to Eldo State Park, the shuttle services three city trailheads in South Boulder: Marshall MesaDoudy Draw and South Mesa trailheads. There are no fees for visiting these trails.

*Park fee required for visiting Eldorado Canyon State Park. 

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Insider Tip

Visitors who ride the Eldo Shuttle into Eldorado Canyon State Park don't need to make timed-entry reservations for the state park! Score!

How the Shuttle Works
  • Free
  • Runs May 27 through Sept. 4, 2023
  • Approximately every 20 minutes
  • Saturdays and Sundays, 8am–7pm
  • Holidays (May 29, June 19, July 4, and Sept. 4), 8am-7pm
  • Gear is welcome aboard:
    • Climbing gear, crash pads 
    • Leashed, well-behaved dogs
    • Strollers
    • Capacity for 3 bikes per shuttle
  • Approximately 25-minute ride
  • A valid state park pass is required, which can be purchased at the park entrance, for those 16 and older to enter the state park. (National Parks Passes/America the Beautiful Passes are not valid for entry into Colorado State Parks.) You will need to do one of the following:
    • Bring your annual Colorado State Parks Pass
    • Purchase a day pass ahead of time at cpwshop.com
    • Bring a picture of your Keep Colorado Wild Pass vehicle registration
    • Bring $4 exact cash for a day pass (if paying by credit card, will need to exit the shuttle at the Visitor Center)
  • Wondering when your bus is coming? See bus locations in real-time in the Transit app.

Accessibility Info

All Eldo shuttles are ADA-compliant, have a lift and space for two passengers in wheelchairs. All the parking lots for the shuttle have designated ADA parking except the lot at CO 93 and 170, which is an unstriped dirt lot.

Shuttle Route and Stops

(Click here or on image to enlarge)

Eldo Shuttle Map 2023

Shuttle Stops and Parking Options

There are several stops along the shuttle route where you can catch the free shuttle. All offer free* day parking.

US 36 & McCaslin Park-N-Ride*/Superior (south side of US 36)
Buses depart at the FlexRide bus stop (Gate C at the south end of the pedestrian bridge).

CU Boulder/Regent parking lot
Lot 306 on Regent Dr, just east of Broadway. Shuttle stops in the parking lot.

Broadway & 27th Way: RTD Park-N-Ride* on the east side of Broadway
Catch the shuttle on the opposite side of Broadway at the southbound RTD bus stop.

Broadway & Dartmouth: RTD Park-N-Ride* on the east side of Broadway
Catch the shuttle on the opposite side of Broadway at the southbound RTD bus stop.

Table Mesa and 39th St.: RTD Park-N-Ride is on the south side of Table Mesa*
Stop is on the same side of the street as the Park-N-Ride.

Table Mesa and US 36 Park-N-Ride*
Park in the garage. Cross US 36 using the pedestrian bridge to the Eldo Shuttle stop (same stop as Denver-bound RTD route FF1).

CO 93 & CO 170: Park in the dirt lot on the east side of CO 93.
There is no shuttle parking at the gas station or in the Marshall Mesa Trailhead parking lot. Catch the shuttle on the east side of CO 93. Parking here is very limited, so if you're coming from Denver, it's best to park at the US 36 & McCaslin Park-N-Ride*.

*If your car is registered outside of the RTD District and you park at an RTD Park-N-Ride, you will need to pay for parking.