Stunning Aerial Photo of Boulder Features CU Red Roofs, NCAR Mesa Lab, and Reservoir

Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day captures Boulder, Colorado, from an epic aerial perspective. Looking east from the mountains, the view spans the red-roofed heart of the University of Colorado Boulder, the bold architecture of NCARperched on the mesa to the right, and the sparkling expanse of the Boulder Reservoir glinting in the distance.

This single photograph brings together the story of a city grounded in nature, learning, and forward-thinking vision.

The Mesa Lab: NCAR’s View from the Top

Sitting high above town on Table Mesa, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has shaped global climate science since the 1960s. Designed by the legendary architect I.M. Pei, the NCAR Mesa Laboratory was built to harmonize with Boulder’s surrounding geology and has become a destination in its own right. The research done here impacts weather prediction and atmospheric modeling across the world.

Visitors can explore exhibits and walk the scenic trails around the facility, all while enjoying views that match today’s photograph. You can learn more about NCAR’s mission and architecture through the UCAR website.

CU Boulder: A Campus in Harmony with the Land

To the left of the frame, the iconic red tile roofs of CU Boulder stand as a symbol of academic heritage and architectural elegance. The university adopted its signature Tuscan Vernacular Revival style in the early 20th century, giving the campus a distinctive and unified aesthetic. The design reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability, beauty, and a sense of permanence.

Today, CU Boulder is one of the top public research universities in the country, known for its innovation in science, environmental studies, and entrepreneurship. The school’s legacy and design are detailed further through CU Boulder’s official overview.

A Boulder Built on Elevation

From the gleaming Boulder Reservoir in the far left to the red rooftops and sandstone mesas below, this photograph offers more than a panoramic view—it tells the story of a town where design, science, and nature all coexist.

To discover more views, local stories, and insider insights, explore this guide to Boulder’s most iconic places and moments—where every day offers a new angle on beauty and meaning.

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