Travel Information and Resources

COSMIC is located in UCAR's Foothills Lab 4 (FL-4), in Boulder, Colorado. If you require any travel assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Kim Prinzi Kimbro or Sara Frank Bristow.

UCAR Travel Policies

Please note that as of April 2008, in cases where UCAR accounts will be used to purchase airfare for our international visitors, UCAR must purchase these plane tickets through our own travel agent. Visitors from all other countries, including Canada and Mexico, are affected by this rather stringent policy. Regrettably, there can be no exceptions.

Also note that, in cases where UCAR is covering the cost of your rental car, it is preferable that we make your reservation for you. UCAR has a corporate agreement with Hertz which provides both complementary insurance coverage and a discounted rate, but we must use our own travel agency to secure these benefits on your behalf.

Ground Transportation

Denver International Airport is located approximately 50 miles from Boulder, and is accessible by shuttle, public buses and automobile.

The SuperShuttle will take you directly from the airport to your hotel or residence in Boulder. No reservations are required for those arriving at DIA. The ticket counter is located on the west side of the main terminal (baggage pickup level), across from the Hertz counter. Click the DIA link at the SuperShuttle web site for details.

Economical public buses (called SkyRide) are also available from DIA to Boulder with RTD. Check the RTD web site for schedules and fares.

Click here to read more about transportation to and around Boulder.

Driving Directions

The following are two ways to drive, depending on whether you prefer freeways or country roads. Country roads are recommended if you arrive during rush hour.

Freeway

You are on Pena Blvd when you leave the airport. Exit Pena Blvd at I-70 West, then take the I-270 exit. I-270 will end at I-76 West and then you will begin seeing signs for I-25 and Route 36. Follow the signs for Route 36 (Boulder). Take 36 into Boulder (approximately 10 miles). Route 36 will turn North and merge with 28th Street in Boulder. Continue North on 28th Street all the way to Valmont Street (past Pearl Street). Turn right, East, onto Valmont and continue past Foothills Parkway, then take first left, North, onto 47th Street. Go about a 1/4 of a mile to Mitchell Lane and turn right. Foothills Lab 4, 3300 Mitchell Lane, is the first building on your right. Parking and the entrance are on the South side of the Building. The COSMIC Project Office is located on the third floor.

Country Roads

After you go through the toll booth, exit at Tower Road (not far from the airport). Turn right onto Tower Road. Turn left onto 104th Avenue (second traffic light) and stay on it all the way to Route 36 (you will be on 104th Ave. for about 16 miles). Go west (right) on Route 36 to Boulder (approximately 10 miles). Route 36 will turn North and merge with 28th Street in Boulder. Continue North on 28th Street all the way to Valmont Street (past Pearl Street). Turn right, East, onto Valmont and continue past Foothills Parkway, then take first left, North, onto 47th Street. Go about a 1/4 of a mile to Mitchell Lane and turn right. Foothills Lab 4, 3300 Mitchell Lane, is the first building on your right. Parking and the entrance are on the South side of the Building. The COSMIC Project Office is located on the third floor.

Maps (Links)

Map of Metro Denver area, including DIA and Boulder

Map of UCAR/NCAR Locations

Clickable Map of Boulder, CO

Regular Map of Boulder, CO

Lodging (Links)

Click this link for a clickable map of hotels in Boulder.

Best Western Golden Buff Lodge (recommended)

Best Western Boulder Inn

Visas (Links)

US Embassies

Visa Waiver Program