NCAR Trailhead & Walter Orr Roberts Trail
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Recreation Trails NCAR Trailhead & Weather Loop
NCAR scientists work on research topics in atmospheric chemistry, climate, cloud physics and storms, weather hazards to aviation, and interactions between the sun and Earth.
The NCAR facility is also the trailhead for a great system of trails in the Boulder foothills. The small Weather Loop trail, Walter Orr Roberts Nature Trail at NCAR features a system of signs describing weather phenomena along with a great view of the foothills and of Boulder itself. It's also a great spot to sight some of the local deer as well as a good variety of birds.
At the far end of Weather Trail is a trail that forms a junction to Mesa Trail and the trail system in the foothills behind NCAR. This is a popular walking/hiking area for Boulder residents. Mountain bikes are prohibited here and one should be mindful of both deer and bike riders on the road up to the NCAR parking area.
- Visit the NCAR Weather Trail website
- Visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Website
- Trail Stats
- Connections
- Photos
- Directions
Distance |
0.2 Weather Trail |
Miles |
Physical Difficulty Technical Difficulty Elevation Gain Starting Elevation Max. Elevation Facilities Fees Wheelchair Use Mountain Bikes Dogs Horses Fishing Snowshoe X-Country Ski Agency Trail Map |
Easy Easy 51 6000 6051 None None Easy No Yes No None NA / Unknown NA / Unknown |
Feet Feet Feet
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Highlights |
Great view of the Flatirons and plains. Deer are common. Informative weather signs. Great spot to connect to Mesa Trail, Bear Peak, and other trails. |
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Comments |
The road to the trailhead is shared with residents and there are often bicyclists (and deer) on the road as it is a popular road to train on. Stick to the speed limit. |
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Dakota Trail |
Short trail segment connecting to Mesa Trail Via the small connecting Dakota trail, the extensive Mesa Trail is easily accessed from NCAR. |
NCAR: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Looking southeast from Weather Trail at NCAR
Deer are very common near the NCAR facility
Connecting trail segment between NCAR and Mesa Trail
Photos courtesy of J. Thomas Colorado Photographer - All Rights Reserved©
Directions to the NCAR Trailhead
NCAR is at the west end of Table Mesa Dr. Table Mesa is easily accessed from Broadway/CO 93. Drive slowly on the road in as it often has bicyclists and deer on it.
