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NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center

4.4 (40 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center Photos

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Matt C.

Beautiful destination for local trails! While in Boulder, you have many great choices for outdoor foot adventures. Chautauqua Park further north offers famous flatirons, Mt. Sanitas is an approachable first summit, and flagstaff offers a road to drive up. NCAR is great for many reasons! 1. Parking- you never have to worry about finding a spot! There's a huge lot. 2.Easy views- there are wide open overlook views if you scout around the parking lot 3. Varieties of trails- you can hike a little bit on the nature trail and get amazed by views! Or, enjoy longer loop hikes to meadows and forests! 4.Challenges- NCAR is home to Boulder's toughest hike, Bear Peak. Similar treks to Mallory Cave and Woods Quarry still gain a thousand feet. Due to these tough destinations, there are fewer tourists and more hiking purists than other parks. Enjoy this gem of a mountain park!

David G.

Took a Naviagtion/Survival course hiking around NCAR and it was a blast. Plenty of dogs and people on the trails. Amazing views. Great parking lot Well maintained and marked trails.

Scott L.

Plenty of parking! Easy 0.4 mile loop allows almost anyone to introduce themselves to the Front Range. Fantastic photo ops!

Jason Z.

A great public museum and resource for the area. A beautifully designed architectural piece as well as an awesome workplace. Located right below the Flatiron hills of Boulder. Free to the public and free parking for visitors and hikers.

View of the flatirons from NCAR
Christian Y.

If you like science and touching things, NCAR is great! There is a cloud machine, tornado machine, and a kinetic pendulum and you can play with them all! There's science and facts and all that jazz too if you're into learning. The building is also adjacent to a few hiking trails so it's a great starting point for an active day.

Trailhead
Cecile H.

The Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail is a 0.5 mile loop located behind the National Center of Atmospheric Research. As you hike the trail, you learn about a variety of weather and climate features and how they affect Colorado's Front Range. An educational hike with stunning views.

Annette M.

Great spot to check out with the kids and family from out of town. Bring a picnic lunch, take a hike and enjoy the views. Just up Table Mesa Drive. Feel like you are in the mountains without hitting I-70

View from the Walter Orr Roberts Trail and Mesa looking north at the Flatirons
Zachary E.

The .4 mile walk through the woods is just the ticket for a nature refresher, and if you have the inspiration, you can connect to the Mesa Trail which will take you just about anywhere along the trail system around western Boulder from Eldorado Canyon into Chautauqua Park and beyond. Don't forget there's also an interactive science area open to the public which is open even on Sundays (with a restroom!).

Library
Christian B.

Part science museum with interactive displays and part live and functioning research center. This place is really fun if you are into learning about the science of the weather and atmosphere. The NCAR building is an iconic landmark in the city of Boulder and is celebrating its 50th year anniversary. The NCAR building is also a popular destination for hikers since it features many different trails within its property. The road that leads up to the building is a steep 710 ft climb that is also a sort of makeshift proving ground for cyclists. I enjoyed the many wonderful and memorable displays such as the one that makes clouds and you can touch and run your hands through, the one with the plunger bulb on top to simulate mainstream wind patterns and the crazy pendulum one by the stairs. Guided tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon, but check their website to confirm. Our tour guide was monotone and droned on and on. but the tour is free. There is also a cafeteria to grab some lunch.

Touching a cloud.

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Emma H.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit, Jason!

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9 years ago

If you are interested in science this place is a must see. Very fun educational stuff inside and it's completely free!

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11 years ago

The exhibits were cool and interactive. The front desk staff were grumpy and unhelpful.

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NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center - tours - Updated May 2026

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