NCAR Building from the back

Boulder, Colorado — Some views stop you in your tracks, and today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day delivers exactly that. Captured from the backside of Boulder’s iconic NCAR Mesa Laboratory, this stunning image reveals a perspective that many visitors never see.

From this vantage point, the building’s dramatic geometric towers rise from the mesa against a backdrop of open space, foothills, and Colorado sky. Away from the main entrance, the rear of the structure showcases the sculptural qualities that have made NCAR one of Boulder’s most celebrated landmarks. Deep shadows, textured concrete, and bold architectural forms create a scene that feels both timeless and uniquely Boulder.

It’s a reminder that some of the city’s most impressive views are often found just around the corner from the places we think we know best.

An Architectural Landmark Inspired by the Landscape

Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1967, the NCAR Mesa Laboratory is widely regarded as one of the most significant architectural achievements in Colorado.

Pei drew inspiration from the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, creating a structure that would complement rather than compete with the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape. Instead of designing a traditional office building, he envisioned a collection of interconnected towers and forms that appear to emerge naturally from the mesa itself.

The building’s distinctive concrete incorporates local sandstone aggregate and was bush-hammered to create a rough texture that echoes the appearance of the nearby Flatirons. More than half a century later, the design remains as striking and relevant as ever.

Today, the laboratory sits amid hundreds of acres of protected open space, creating a seamless connection between world-class scientific research and Boulder’s outdoor lifestyle.

Fun Facts About NCAR

Architectural Icon

The NCAR Mesa Laboratory helped establish I.M. Pei as one of the world’s leading architects. Decades later, it remains one of Boulder’s most photographed and admired buildings.

Inspired by the Southwest

The design was influenced by the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde and other ancient Southwestern structures, helping the building blend naturally into the surrounding landscape.

Built for Boulder’s Weather

The laboratory was engineered to withstand Boulder’s powerful winds and changing mountain weather conditions while taking advantage of incredible views of the Front Range.

A Scientific Powerhouse

NCAR researchers have played a major role in advancing our understanding of weather, climate, atmospheric science, and Earth systems.

Gateway to Adventure

The NCAR trailhead provides access to some of Boulder’s most popular hiking routes, including the Mesa Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, and paths leading toward Bear Peak.

A Different Perspective on a Boulder Favorite

Most visitors experience NCAR from the front entrance or parking area, but the backside reveals an entirely different personality. The building’s towers, angles, and textured surfaces create dramatic patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, making it a favorite subject for photographers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

This hidden viewpoint perfectly captures what makes Boulder special: a place where groundbreaking science, remarkable design, and stunning natural beauty exist side by side.

Whether you’re heading out for a hike, exploring Boulder’s architectural treasures, or simply searching for a new perspective on a familiar landmark, the NCAR Mesa Laboratory remains one of the city’s most extraordinary destinations.

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