About this Location

Facility Overview

Lot 384 is a university surface parking lot situated on the northern perimeter of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) main campus, near University Avenue and 18th Street. Operating primarily under the management of CU Boulder Parking and Transportation Services (PTS), this open-air parking facility caters to permit holders, university staff, students, and campus visitors. Because it is a level, open-air asphalt facility without vertical overhead restrictions, Lot 384 can accommodate standard passenger sedans, crossover utility vehicles, large pickup trucks, and full-sized SUVs with rooftop gear or ski racks. Maneuvering through the lot is direct, featuring clearly marked parking bays and distinct pedestrian pathways connecting to university walkways.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Lot 384 boasts an enviable location for anyone accessing the historic northern quadrant of the CU Boulder campus and the adjacent Hill neighborhood. Key nearby destinations within direct walking distance include:

Macky Auditorium Concert Hall: Located less than a 3-minute walk (0.1 miles) south, making this an ideal spot for classical concerts, academic lectures, and theater performances.
Old Main & Norlin Quadrangle: Approximately a 4 to 5-minute walk, placing visitors right at the historic heart of the campus and the Norlin Library.
Sewall Hall & Residence Facilities: Just steps away, ideal for parents, visitors, and guest arrivals.
The Hill District (University Hill): A short 5 to 7-minute stroll west across Broadway, offering a vibrant cluster of coffee shops, college eateries, live music at the Fox Theatre, and indie retail shops.
Downtown Boulder & Pearl Street Mall: Roughly a 15-minute walk (or a quick 5-minute ride on the HOP transit line) directly north, connecting drivers with world-class dining, pedestrian shopping, and cultural festivals.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Access to Lot 384 is typically gained via University Avenue or 18th Street, providing seamless connections from Broadway to the west and 28th Street (US-36) via Colorado Avenue or Canyon Boulevard to the east. Egress following evening shows at Macky Auditorium is straightforward, although drivers should be mindful of pedestrian foot traffic along University Avenue and Broadway. For public transit users, major RTD and local bus lines—including the Skip, HOP, and regional Flatiron Flyer (FF1/FF2) routes connecting directly to Denver—stop within a five-minute walk along Broadway.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Headroom: Generous outdoor clearance accommodates tall vehicles, rooftop equipment, and adventure gear without overhead barriers.
Digital Payment Integration: Easy mobile payment enforcement via the ParkMobile app, allowing drivers to start, stop, or extend sessions remotely.
Campus Security & Illumination: Monitored by the University of Colorado Police Department (CUPD) and equipped with outdoor night lighting and proximity to campus Blue Light emergency phones.
Designated Accessibility: Features dedicated ADA-accessible parking spaces situated on flat asphalt with paved, curb-cut ramp routes leading to campus buildings.

Ideal For

Auditorium Attendees: Patrons visiting the Macky Auditorium for symphony concerts, speaker series, and university commencement events.
Campus Guests & Academic Visitors: Prospective students and families touring historic Old Main, Norlin Quad, or visiting Sewall Hall.
Hill & Downtown Diners: Visitors looking for convenient daytime or evening parking within walking distance of Broadway and the Hill\'s culinary scene.

Visitor & Driver Tips

CU Boulder parking enforcement rules are strict; always verify posted zone signage and lot regulations before walking away from your vehicle. During standard business hours (typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM), parts of this facility may be restricted solely to specific campus permit categories. For evening performances at Macky Auditorium, arrive 30–45 minutes ahead of curtain time, as nearby surface spaces fill quickly. Download and configure the ParkMobile smartphone app in advance to streamline pay-by-plate registration immediately upon parking.