We stopped in Boulder on the way home from Estes Park, to visit the National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory. This is a lab and museum partway up a mountain outside of town, designed by I.M. Pei, and with a bunch of hiking trails out back that continue up into the Flatiron Mountains. We hiked about, then visited the museum before continuing home. Here are some pictures from our hike:
On the trail to the Flatirons 
The NCAR Mesa Laboratory 
Boulder area, seen from the NCAR Trail 
Kyle and Emmi 
The Flatiron Mountains 
Flatiron Mountains 
The Flatirons as seen from the trail 
The NCAR Mesa Laboratory, seen from higher up the hill 
Trail Scene 
Boulder and Environs
What beautiful country. Good soul food.
Now you REALLY know Denver. You have experienced her essence.
Yes, we had a great time exploring the area.