r/lists • Posted by Sarah Reynolds🏕️ Outdoors

Best Dark Sky Parks in Colorado for Stargazing

Best Dark Sky Parks in Colorado for StargazingHey fellow star-gazers! Colorado is truly a gem when it comes to experiencing the magic of the night sky, and as someone who lives for National Parks, I've sought out the absolute darkest spots. These International Dark Sky Parks and communities offer views of the Milky Way that will absolutely take your breath away.
13 items0 reactions0 followers

Thread

  1. 1

    Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

    11999 CO-150, Mosca, CO 81146
    nps.gov
    Imagine looking up at an endless blanket of stars while sitting on giant sand dunes – it's an otherworldly experience you won't forget! The park frequently hosts ranger-led night sky programs, making it even more special.
  2. 2

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (South Rim)

    9800 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401
    nps.gov
    This place offers some of the most dramatic stargazing in Colorado, with the deep canyon walls framing incredible views of the cosmos. The South Rim Visitor Center is a fantastic starting point for exploring the park's exceptional night skies.
  3. 3

    Dinosaur National Monument (Canyon Visitor Center)

    4545 U.S. 40, Dinosaur, CO 81610
    recreation.gov
    Beyond its incredible fossils, Dinosaur National Monument boasts some of the darkest skies in the United States. You can see the Milky Way with stunning clarity from spots near the Canyon Visitor Center on the Colorado side.
  4. 4

    Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    15807 Teller County Road 1, Florissant, CO 80816
    nps.gov
    This unique park, famous for its ancient fossils, transforms into a haven for stargazers after dark. The Hornbek Homestead area is a prime spot to set up your telescope and enjoy the celestial show.
  5. 5

    Jackson Lake State Park

    26363 WCR 3 & 4, Orchard, CO 80649
    cpw.state.co.us
    As Colorado's first state park to earn Dark Sky Park certification, Jackson Lake is perfect for a truly accessible stargazing adventure. The calm waters often reflect the stunning night sky, creating a breathtaking mirrored effect.
  6. 6

    Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center (Lake City)

    Lake City, CO 81235
    lakecity.com
    Lake City is an officially designated Dark Sky Community, and the Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center is at the heart of their efforts to preserve the night sky. The high elevation and remote location make for incredible naked-eye views of the Milky Way.
  7. 7

    Smokey Jack Observatory (Westcliffe)

    100 S Adams Blvd, Westcliffe, CO 81252
    darkskiescolorado.org
    In the world's highest International Dark Sky Community, Westcliffe, the Smokey Jack Observatory offers public star parties with powerful telescopes. It's truly one of the best places to get an up-close look at distant galaxies and nebulae.
  8. 8

    Mesa Verde National Park (Visitor & Research Center)

    Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
    nps.gov
    Known for its ancient cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde also offers spectacular night sky viewing, especially from higher elevations like Park Point. Stop by the Visitor & Research Center for tips on the best stargazing spots within the park.
  9. 9

    Curecanti National Recreation Area (Elk Creek Campground)

    10243 US-50, Gunnison, CO 81230
    recreation.gov
    With its vast reservoirs and surrounding mountains, Curecanti provides a peaceful, dark setting for camping under the stars. The Elk Creek Campground often hosts ranger-led astronomy programs during the summer.
  10. 10

    Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

    27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323
    blm.gov
    This incredible cultural site also serves as a gateway to stunning dark skies in Southwest Colorado. The area around the visitor center is perfect for contemplating ancient history under a canopy of stars.
  11. 11

    Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center

    Montezuma Creek, UT 84534
    nps.gov
    Though technically just across the border in Utah, Hovenweep is easily accessible from Colorado and offers unbelievably dark skies perfect for viewing ancient Puebloan ruins bathed in moonlight. The Visitor Center is the best starting point for your celestial adventure.
  12. 12

    Browns Canyon National Monument (Ruby Mountain Campground)

    Co Rd 179, Salida, CO 81201
    brownscanyon.org
    This monument along the Arkansas River offers a wild and rugged setting for incredible stargazing. Camping at Ruby Mountain provides a fantastic opportunity to see the Milky Way shimmer over the river.
  13. 13

    Rocky Mountain National Park (Beaver Meadows Visitor Center)

    1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517
    nps.gov
    While not officially a Dark Sky Park, Rocky Mountain National Park's high elevation and vastness offer some truly breathtaking stargazing experiences. The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is a great place to start your night sky exploration on the east side.

Comments (0)

Log in to join the discussion

✍️More by Sarah Reynolds

View profile →

🏕️More in Outdoors

Discover more in Outdoors