Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian college in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.

CCU Campus

The CCU website includes a virtual campus tour.

The CCU website offers a virtual campus tour.

Local Weather

Denver & area features a continental semi-arid climate with generally low humidity. Summers range from warm to hot with occasional, sometimes severe, afternoon thunderstorms and an average high of 89.9 °F (32.2 °C) (Wikipedia).

• Hourly Forecast
• 10-Day Forecast

CCU has a July daily average of 89.9 °F (32.2 °C) with generally low humidity.

Current Conditions

If you are travelling from outside of the country,

• Ensure you have the appropriate travel documents to enter the USA (passport, visa, etc.).
• Most visitors to the United States need a visa for entry. Nationals from Visa Waiver Program countries and territories may visit without getting a visa prior to arrival. To find out more about your specific needs for U.S. Visas visit the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
• Ensure you have travel health insurance.
• Remember to check your cell phone plan to determine if any additional coverage is needed during your trip. If you have a compatible smartphone, you can add a short-trem USA line to your phone using an eSIM. E.g., US Mobile offers affordable, short-term plans that use the Verizon network.

As ASA members, we believe our carbon footprint matters. Please consider low-emission transportation.

As ASA members, we believe our carbon footprint matters. Please consider transportation options that reduce carbon emissions. If you plan to drive, please consider ride sharing, which will save you energy and money. Before you leave, you can request a ride or offer a ride to ASA colleagues using our Ride-Sharing Forums.

Values for CO2 emissions per passenger have been reported in various places, but they vary widely depending on assumptions. Nevertheless, the ranking is consistent: from low to high they are as follows:

• Train
• Electric car
• Plug-in hybrid car
• Coach
• Gas car
• Plane flight

Please choose a method of travel below for information and advice about that form of travel:

Please choose an option above.

Train

Amtrack has routes all over North America.

Amtrak's system of routes brings travelers to Union Station (DEN), which is about 8 miles from CCU. A tourist attraction in itself, Denver Union Station is the city’s destination for enriching, memorable, and one-of-a-kind events: live music, local festivals, farmers’ markets, fitness classes, and much more (More info).

Amtrak also offers a number of discounts for seniors, students, kids, military groups, and more.

Info. & Booking

Union Station (DEN) is 8 miles from CCU.

Once you have arrived at Union Station, follow the instructions below to reach CCU.

Coach

Modern coaches are much more comfortable than municipal buses.

Long-distance coaches stop at Union Station in Denver. Modern coaches are often equipped with larger, more comfortable seats than buses. Though they differ between makes and models, coaches commonly include features such as a toilet, TV, air conditioning, and wifi.

Coach rates are often cheaper if purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased on website such as:

• busbud
• wanderu

Car

By car, CCU is about 15 hours from Los Angeles and Chicago.

CCU campus is a fifteen hour drive from Los Angeles and Chicago. It takes about thirteen hours coming from Dallas. However, keep in mind to add time for border crossings and that not every border crossing is open twenty-four hours.

If you're thinking about driving to the conference, please see our Ride-Sharing options as soon as possible.

More generally, Google Maps is useful for planning a route, and GasBuddy has a helpful Trip Cost Calculator for both estimating the cost of fuel and locating the least expensive fill-up locations en route. Also, ChatGPT can be very helpful for suggesting road trip itinerary ideas! (But be sure to double-check, as AI can make mistakes.)

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming a more viable option for long-distance travel in recent years. A map of EV charging stations in North America is available here.

You might be surprised at the number of EV charging stations across North America.

Post-Conference Departure

Before you leave the ASA meeting, please help others by using our ride-sharing forums.

Air

Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 30 miles from CCU.

Note!

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID compliant driver's license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, to board commercial flights and access certain federal facilities. Non-REAL ID compliant licenses will no longer be accepted by the TSA for these purposes.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 30 miles from CCU. The best prices for air travel can often be determined using services such as Google Flights or Skyscanner.

DEN to CCU by Commuter Rail

Traveling from DEN to CCU via commuter rail takes about 1.25 hrs and costs $10.50 (as of 6 Feb 2025).

1. Take the A Line from DEN to Union Station
• Departure Location: DEN Transit Center, located at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal, Level 1 (follow signs for “Train to the City”).
• Board the RTD A Line (Commuter Rail) from the airport.
• Destination: Union Station (Downtown Denver).
• Travel Time to Union Station: ~37 minutes.
• Cost: $10.50 (airport fare).
2. Transfer to the W Line at Union Station
• From Union Station, transfer to the W Line (Light Rail).
• Board a westbound W Line toward Jefferson County Government Center – Golden.
• Travel Time to Lakewood-Wadsworth Station: ~17 minutes.
• Cost: Covered under the airport fare.
3. Get Off at Lakewood-Wadsworth Station
4. Take a Short Bus Ride or Walk to CCU
• Option 1: RTD Bus (Shorter Walk)
1. Board Bus #76 (Southbound) at Lakewood-Wadsworth Station.
2. Exit at Alameda Ave & Cody St (about a 5-minute ride).
3. Walk ~5 minutes west on Alameda Ave to reach CCU.
• Option 2: Walk (~50 Minutes)
1. Walk south on Wadsworth Blvd.
2. Turn right on Alameda Ave.
3. Walk west to CCU (~1 mile).

DEN to CCU by Car

ASA Ridesharing

• First, please take note of ASA's ride-sharing forums which can be especially helpful for coordinating a shared ride from the airport.

Rideshare Apps

• Drivers Co-Op Colorado (a local, nonprofit competitor to Uber and Lyft), Uber, and Lyft service this location.
• For rides departing Denver International Airport, customers should use their smartphone to request a ride and confirm their pickup location.
• Pickup zones are located at Level 5, Island 5, outside Jeppesen Terminal.
  • East Terminal Pickup: Doors 505-507
  • West Terminal Pickup: Doors 510-512
• Look for signage designating rideshare pickup areas on Island 5.

Taxi Service

• A DEN Taxi Dispatcher is available at designated taxi stands to assist passengers in securing a taxi.
• Taxi pickup zones are located at Level 5, Island 1, outside Jeppesen Terminal.
  • East Terminal Pickup: Doors 505, 507, 511
  • West Terminal Pickup: Doors 506, 510, 512
• Authorized taxis are clearly marked and accept cash and credit cards.
• Fares vary by destination. A taxi ride to CCU typically costs $75–$90, depending on traffic.

Rental Car

• Rental car shuttles can be boarded at Level 5, Island 4, outside Jeppesen Terminal.
  • East Terminal Pickup: Doors 505-507
  • West Terminal Pickup: Doors 510-512
• All rental car companies at DEN operate off-site, requiring a shuttle ride to their respective facilities.
• Major rental companies provide free shuttle service to their rental locations.
• Rental car shuttles run approximately every 5-10 minutes and are clearly marked with the company's logo. The shuttle ride to the rental car lots takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
• For more details on rental car options and pickup locations, visit the official DEN Ground Transportation page: Rental Car Information.

Destination Address

• Before 5pm on Friday: Yetter Hall 8755 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Lobby)
• After 6:30pm on Friday: Armstrong Center 8787 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Atrium)
• Follow our ASA signs for ASA registration.

Return Trip

• At the conference, there will be a way to exchange information with other attendees about sharing rides back to the airport(s).

Using Public Transit

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Light Rail is a convenient way to travel around the Denver metro area, including Lakewood.

The RTD Light Rail system connects Denver International Airport, downtown Denver, and surrounding areas, including Lakewood.

Arrival: Denver International Airport (DEN) to CCU

• Take the A Line commuter rail from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Union Station in downtown Denver (37 minutes).
• At Union Station, transfer to the W Line light rail toward Golden. Ride to Lakewood-Wadsworth Station (17 minutes).
• From Lakewood-Wadsworth Station, take RTD Bus Route 76 (Southbound) to Alameda Ave & Cody St (5 minutes) or walk (~50 minutes).
• Destination:
• Before 5pm on Friday: Yetter Hall 8755 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Lobby)
• After 6:30pm on Friday: Armstrong Center 8787 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Atrium)
• Follow our ASA signs for ASA registration.

Departure: CCU to Denver International Airport (DEN)

• From CCU, walk or take RTD Bus Route 76 to Lakewood-Wadsworth Station.
• Board the W Line light rail toward Union Station.
• At Union Station, transfer to the A Line commuter rail to Denver International Airport.
• If taking a car ride, use the designated drop-off zones at Jeppesen Terminal, Level 5.

Getting to CCU by Car

Destination:

• Before 5pm on Friday: Yetter Hall 8755 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Lobby)
• After 6:30pm on Friday: Armstrong Center 8787 W Alameda Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 (Atrium)
• Follow our ASA signs for ASA registration.

Getting Around in General

Lakewood, CO provides a variety of transportation options. In addition to public transit, Lakewood has a number of electric scooters that provide a great, low-cost way to get around. You may wish to download and set up the apps in advance.

• Lime
• Lyft Scooters
• Spin

Bicycle rentals are available via Denver B-cycle.

For parking in Lakewood, ParkMobile is often useful.

Begin the conversation early by ride-sharing with other attendees.

There are three ASA ride-sharing forums. Please click the corresponding below, and you can read posts. The first post in each forum explains how to participate.

Road-Trips to & from ASA 2025

Please visit this Road Trip Forum if you are:

• planning to make a road trip to Lakewood, CO (instead of flying) and you want to offer a ride to share costs, or
• if you're looking for a road-trip ride.

Riding to & from the Airport

The Airport Forum is useful if:

• you want to share a taxi ride to CCU, or
• you are driving (your own car or a rental) and you can offer a ride to CCU.
• Note: Ride sharing is not very necessary for Reagan (DCA) airport because the Metro is right there.

Daily, Off-Campus Carpooling

The Off-Campus Carpooling Forum is useful for those commuting to CCU and back each day:

• those staying in off-campus hotels, and
• those who live locally.

Once you arrive on campus, visit our Info & FAQ section for specific instructions on where to find the registration desk, what to do if you arrive after hours, etc.

ASA 2017 field trip near Denver, CO.

Metro Denver Highlights

The Lakewood Heritage Center offers frequent guided tours showcasing the area's rich history and is highly recommended.

Visit Denver’s official tourism website for a variety of attractions, events, and discounts. The official Colorado website is also worth checking out.

Other Resources

• Golden Visitor Guide
• Downtown Golden Map
• Golden Parks and Trails Map
• Denver & Colorado Visitor Guide

Some local highlights within the Denver metro area:

1. Denver Art Museum
   • Distance: ~8 mi (13 km), ~15 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: World-class art collections and interactive exhibits.
2. Denver Botanic Gardens
   • Distance: ~9 mi (14 km), ~20 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: Beautiful themed gardens and a tropical conservatory.
3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
   • Distance: ~11 mi (18 km), ~20 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: Dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and hands-on science experiences.
4. History Colorado Center
   • Distance: ~8 mi (13 km), ~15 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: Interactive exhibits covering Colorado’s diverse history.
5. Coors Brewery Tour
   • Distance: ~10 mi (16 km), ~20 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: One of the largest breweries in the world with guided tours and tastings.
6. The Golden Mill
   • Distance: ~12 mi (19 km), ~25 minutes from CCU
   • Highlights: Food hall and brewery with a scenic rooftop overlooking Clear Creek.

The stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Within an Hour Away

1. Bear Creek Lake Park
   • Distance: ~10 mi (16 km), ~20 minutes
   • Highlights: Wetlands, woodlands, and lakes attract migratory birds, eagles, and herons.
2. Chatfield State Park & Denver Audubon Center
   • Distance: ~20 mi (32 km), ~30 minutes
   • Highlights: A birding hotspot with over 300 recorded bird species, featuring wetlands, reservoirs, and grasslands.
3. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
   • Distance: ~25 mi (40 km), ~35 minutes
   • Highlights: A leading bird research and conservation organization with bird banding stations, guided birding tours, and educational programs.
4. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tour
   • Distance: ~30 mi (48 km), ~40 minutes
   • Highlights: Behind-the-scenes look at climate research, weather forecasting, and atmospheric science.
5. Celestial Seasonings Tour
   • Distance: ~35 mi (56 km), ~45 minutes
   • Highlights: Tour of a major tea production facility, with free tastings and a famous peppermint room.
6. Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (Formerly Mount Evans)
   • Distance: ~50 mi (80 km), ~1 hour
   • Highlights: One of the highest paved roads in North America, stunning alpine scenery, bighorn sheep, and incredible summit views.

Farther Away

1. Estes Park, Colorado
   • Distance: ~65 mi (105 km), ~1.5 hours
   • Highlights: Quaint mountain town, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and home of The Stanley Hotel.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park
   • Distance: ~70 mi (113 km), ~1.5 hours
   • Highlights: Stunning alpine scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
3. Garden of the Gods
   • Distance: ~75 mi (121 km), ~1.5 hours
   • Highlights: Stunning red rock formations, hiking, and rock climbing.
4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway
   • Distance: ~90 mi (145 km), ~2 hours
   • Highlights: Scenic train ride to the summit of Pikes Peak with breathtaking views.

Road Trip Stops

North

1. Wind Cave National Park
   • Distance: ~340 mi (547 km), ~6 hours north
   • Highlights: One of the world's longest caves, unique boxwork cave formations, and roaming bison herds.
2. Badlands National Park
   • Distance: ~370 mi (595 km), ~6.5 hours north
   • Highlights: Rugged, eroded rock formations, dramatic landscapes, and abundant fossil beds.
3. Jewel Cave National Monument
   • Distance: ~350 mi (563 km), ~6.5 hours north
   • Highlights: One of the longest caves in the world, featuring dazzling calcite crystals, underground tours, and scenic hiking trails.

South

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park
   • Distance: ~230 mi (370 km), ~3.5 hours south
   • Highlights: The tallest sand dunes in North America, stunning mountain backdrops, hiking, sandboarding, and stargazing.
2. White Sands National Park
   • Distance: ~460 mi (740 km), ~7.5 hours south
   • Highlights: The world's largest gypsum sand dune field, surreal landscapes, and sand sledding.
3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
   • Distance: ~530 mi (853 km), ~8 hours south
   • Highlights: Massive underground caves, stalactites and stalagmites, and the famous bat flight at sunset.

East

1. Fort Larned National Historic Site
   • Distance: ~290 mi (467 km), ~4.5 hours east
   • Highlights: Well-preserved frontier military fort, exhibits on westward expansion and Native American history.
2. Monument Rocks National Landmark
   • Distance: ~320 mi (515 km), ~5 hours east
   • Highlights: Striking chalk formations rising from the Kansas prairie, one of the state’s first National Natural Landmarks.
3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
   • Distance: ~350 mi (563 km), ~6 hours east
   • Highlights: One of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America, with scenic trails, bison viewing, and historic ranch tours.

West

1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
   • Distance: ~280 mi (450 km), ~5 hours west
   • Highlights: Sheer cliffs plunging into the Gunnison River, incredible viewpoints, and scenic hikes.
2. Arches National Park
   • Distance: ~350 mi (563 km), ~6 hours west
   • Highlights: Over 2,000 natural stone arches, stunning red rock landscapes, and iconic Delicate Arch.
3. Canyonlands National Park
   • Distance: ~360 mi (579 km), ~6 hours west
   • Highlights: Dramatic canyons, mesas, and the breathtaking Island in the Sky district.
4. Mesa Verde National Park
   • Distance: ~380 mi (612 km), ~6.5 hours west
   • Highlights: Ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, scenic overlooks, and guided archaeological tours.
5. Painted Desert & Petrified Forest National Park
   • Distance: ~550 mi (885 km), ~8.5 hours southwest
   • Highlights: Vibrant, multi-colored badlands, ancient petrified wood, and unique geological formations.