Getting to NOAA/SWPC

Directions from the Airport (DIA)

DIA to NOAA/SWPC, map image

  1. Exit Denver International Airport via Peña Boulevard. Take Peña Boulevard to I-70 westbound.

  2. Split right (north) onto I-270 (exit 279) and follow past I-25. I-270 becomes US 36 westbound just past the I-25 overpass.

  3. When you come into Boulder, exit on Baseline Road. Keep left. Turn onto Baseline westbound through the underpass.

  4. Keep left and turn onto 27th Way. Stay in the middle lane and turn left onto Broadway. Get into the right lane.

  5. Take the next right at the light onto Rayleigh Road. Bear right and park in the Visitor Center parking lot.

325 Broadway, Boulder, CO

E470 (Toll Road) Option: www.expresstoll.com

Alternate Transportation from DIA

  • RTD SkyRide Bus Service: The AB1 bus line runs directly from DIA and stops at the 27th Way & Broadway station, which is located directly across the street from the NOAA campus entrance. (Note: The AB2 line serves a different route through northern Boulder at 28th/Canyon, so the AB1 is your best direct choice for NOAA).
  • Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate freely between DIA and Boulder.
  • Airport Shuttles: Private or shared regional airport express shuttles are available by reservation.

 

Visiting SWPC

Visitors to NOAA in Boulder need a visitor's badge to enter the Department of Commerce campus and visit the David Skaggs Research Center (NOAA's building)

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to the volume of visitors arriving each morning, please plan to arrive 30 minutes early at the visitor center, as it takes some time to process each visitor.

If you are a foreign national and we have not yet reached out to you for information, please contact us immediately.

If you are a permanent resident/green card holder please be prepared to present your unexpired green card "Form I-551" at the visitor center on arrival.

NOAA/SWPC, David Skaggs Research Center, visitor center map

Security Procedures for SWPC 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.  Other accepted forms of ID are listed below.
  • Foreign Nationals must present a valid passport or a permanent resident ID ("green card") and will be subject to additional screening after registration.
  • 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 more information on the Department of Homeland Security web site.

Other accepted forms of ID:

  • 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)

When you arrive:

  • Park next to the Visitors Center, at the intersection of Rayleigh Road and Broadway
  • Inside, present a current photo ID, non US citizens must have a valid passport, and be screened by a magnetometer (like at the airport)
  • Return to your vehicle and proceed through the checkpoint, displaying your visitor's badge to the guard
  • Drive up Rayleigh Road to a large parking lot on the left (west side of the NOAA building) and park; handicapped parking is along the frontage road in front of the building
  • Enter the lobby where the flags fly in front of the building, and show your visitor's badge to the guard.

 

Local Area Information

Boulder is at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views of the famous Flatirons. The NOAA/SWPC campus is minutes from miles of hiking trails at Chautauqua Park, local dining at the Table Mesa Shopping Center, and the famous outdoor Pearl Street Mall.

Getting Around & Enjoying Boulder