NCAR Ramble Trail

The NCAR Ramble Trail is a charming nature walk through the verdant wilderness that sits in the shadows of the Flatirons and Dinosaur Mountain. Exhibiting the diversity of the Colorado ecosystems, the path tours through arid meadowlands and ponderosa pine forests while revealing sights of the sandstone blades that protrude out of the landscape. Undoubtedly interesting, this hike will keep you on your toes. However, be mindful of the odd loose rock on the trail and keep an eye and ear out for rattlesnakes as you walk. If you venture this lovely route in the winter months, be sure to wear snowshoes or crampons to help navigate the snow-packed and likely icy terrain.

Versatile and open year-round, the NCAR Ramble Hike packs a punch. Perfect for hikers of all skill levels, adults and children alike, this route presents the perfect opportunity to get the whole crew away from their screens and into the wilderness. Let the fresh air fill your lungs and appreciate the grandeur of the flanking cliffs. Also informative, the NCAR has lined the lovely path with interpretive signs explaining the area’s vegetation, wildlife, weather, and geology. How cool! Learn more about the environment surrounding you as you get in your daily step count! Don’t forget to explore the grounds or take a tour of the National Center for Atmospheric Research before you leave!

Embark on your adventure along the NCAR Ramble Trail from the parking lot. From here, find the trailhead on the northwestern side of the lot and keep right along the NCAR-Table Mesa Trail. Now atop Table Mountain, you will begin descending northeast down the mesa. As you travel down the grassy mesa, you will be rewarded with sights of Boulder. Eventually, you will have to cross over Table Mesa Drive. Once you cross the intersection, you will be diverted onto the NCAR-Skunk Canyon Trail. Now trekking northwest, the path will merge onto the Skunk Canyon Service Road. The path will become increasingly forested as you near the base of the Flatirons. Enjoy the sights of the sandstone blades that loom above before you are completely engulfed in ponderosa pines.

Now intersecting with Skunk Creek, the route will divert you onto the Skunk Canyon Trail. Navigate a few sets of switchbacks beneath the timberline. At the next junction, keep left, and you will be diverted onto the Mesa Trail. Trek along the forested ridge beneath the sparse tree coverage, enjoying cityscape sights peeking through the tree breaks. You will once again cross over Skunk Creek, where you will take the Mesa Connector Trail before merging onto the NCAR Trail. This path will guide you out of the forestlands and through lush grasslands before delivering you back to the NCAR buildings and the parking lot, marking the end of your walk. ​

Trail Highlights

National Center for Atmospheric Research

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is a federally funded research and development center that sits atop Table Mountain near Boulder, CO. The NCAR is a research and scientific facility that investigates atmospheric topics of weather, water, climate, atmospheric chemistry, and more! Be sure to explore the impressive grounds and check if they are offering tours!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you park at NCAR?

When NCAR is closed, there is plenty of parking at the trailhead off Deer Valley Road.

Are dogs permitted on the NCAR Ramble Trail?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the NCAR Ramble Trail but must remain on-leash.