Visiting ESRL

IMPORTANT: The Visitor Center Security can no longer accept IDs from some US states for site access. Please see the security procedures below for details.

Weekly tours are available to the public.

Directions David Skaggs Research Center

ESRL is located in the David Skaggs Research Center (DSRC) at 325 Broadway, in Boulder, Colorado, next to the Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) building.

Map of driving route from DIA to Boulder and NOAA.

Driving Directions from DIA

Toll Free:

  • Exit Denver International Airport via Peña Boulevard.
  • Take Peña Boulevard to I-70 West.
  • Split right on I-270 North (Exit 279), toward Ft. Collins and follow across I-25 to US-36 toward Boulder.
  • Take US-36 (Boulder Turnpike) West.
  • Exit US-36 at Baseline Road (University of Colorado Main Campus exit).
  • Keep left and turn left (West) onto Baseline.
  • Keep left and turn left at the first light onto 27th Way.
  • Stay in the middle lane and turn left onto Broadway.
  • Take the second right at the light onto Rayleigh Rd. and bear right into the Visitors Center parking lot.

Toll Road:

  • Exit Peña Boulevard at E-470 and follow to US-36. Current toll information can be found at: www.expresstoll.com/.

By Bus

Regional bus service to Boulder is available through the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The AB bus provides service between Boulder and the Denver International Airport. The FF buses provide regional service between Denver and Boulder from the Broadway & Baseline and Broadway & Dartmouth stops. Broadway & Rayleigh Road is the closest stop to the Visitors Center and is served by the Skip and Dash bus routes. The Flatiron Park-n-Ride (Broadway & 27th Way) is nearby and additionally served by the Bound route.

By Airport Shuttle

SuperShuttle, 303-227-0000, provides service from the airport to locations in Boulder.

Security Procedures for Visitors

  • Visitors are required to sign in and receive a visitor badge from the Visitors Center.
  • Visitors to the site who are U.S. citizens must present a U.S. photo ID, such as a current state driver's license (exceptions below).
  • Foreign Nationals must present a valid passport or a permanent resident ID ("green card").
  • All IDs must be originals only – no photocopies accepted.
  • Effective July 21, 2014, under the REAL ID Act of 2005, federal agencies can only accept a state-issued driver's license or identification card for access to federal facilities if issued by states that are REAL ID compliant or have an extension. You can find additional details on the DHS web site.
    • The Visitors Center will not accept drivers' licenses from these states:
      • American Samoa
      • Minnesota
      • Missouri
      • Washington
    • The Visitors Center will, however, accept Enhanced IDs from the following states:
      • Minnesota
      • Washington
    • If a visitor presents an ID from one of the non-compliant states on the list, they will have to present another form of ID (below) or they will be denied access to the site. There will be no exceptions made to this policy.
    • Other accepted forms of ID include:
      • Passport
      • Passport card
      • DOD CAC card
      • Federal Agency HSPD-12 IDs
      • Veterans ID
      • Military ID
      • Military Dependents ID
      • Trusted Traveler card - Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS
      • Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • To receive a visitor badge, all visitors are required to park next to the Visitors Center and enter. Security personnel will make a badge and conduct screening. Security personnel will also inspect vehicles prior to entrance of the site.
  • These are our requirements as per Homeland Security regardless of security threat level. If you have any questions, please contact Matthew Snyder, Deputy Chief of Police, 303-497-5236.

Lodging Information

Area Restaurants

Boulder Weather

Please check the National Weather Service forecast for Boulder, Colorado before your trip. If there is a chance that severe weather may close the campus, check the Boulder Labs Site Status website or call 303-497-4000.