The past 12 months have been an exciting time for skywatchers and stargazers.
In October 2023, the path of a “ring of fire” eclipse clipped southern Colorado, visible from Mesa Verde National Park and its neighbors.
Next came the April solar eclipse, which revved up enthusiasm for astrotourism even more despite Colorado not being among the 15 lucky states in the path of totality.
Now that the sky has your attention, there’s a lot more to marvel at in Colorado’s celestial theater: Helped by recent legislation to turn off the lights and make night skies as dark as possible, the Centennial State is vying to become a top astrotourism destination.
In 2022, the state legislature signed a law awarding communities grants to help them darken their night skies.
Colorado is home to 10 International Dark Sky Parks and five communities, many of which have been awarded designations in recent years.
Sections of the state that are high elevation with low humidity have a natural edge regarding stellar stargazing. However, coalitions are working even more to obscure artificial city lights further and promote the idea that the park system stretches beyond land and into the sky.
Colorado may soon be home to the planet’s largest dark sky preserve. The proposed Sangre de Cristo International Dark Sky Reserve, a swath of 4,200 square miles along the eponymous mountain range, would cover Salida down to the New Mexico border and stretch from Alamosa to LaVeta.
Many small communities with star status celebrate with public stargazing parties throughout the summer.
Here are seven staycation ideas for aspiring and expert stargazers alike.
Westcliff and Silver Cliff
In south-central Colorado, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are early pioneers in the dark skies movement, earning the International Dark Sky Community designation nearly a decade ago.
“The Cliffs,” as they’re collectively known, are likely the highest-altitude dark sky communities. They are perched at 7,867 feet and nestled between the Wet Mountain and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.
Stargazers come here to visit the Smokey Jack Observatory, which has a retractable roof and a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, one of the most powerful telescopes in Colorado.
The observatory hosts several free public star parties and events throughout the summer, during which visitors can see the Big Dipper, zodiac constellations, and the Milky Way.
There are daytime parties, too, like solar observations, when you can safely view the sun with special solar filters and potentially witness solar flares.
When you are in town, visit the new Planet Walk, a 4 billion-to-1 true-to-scale true-to-scale interpretive walk through the solar system that will give you a sense of how small the planets compare to the vast space between them.
More information: While events at the observatory are free, donations help keep the nonprofit running. To see a schedule of events or reserve a star party, visit: darkskiescolorado.org/events
Lake City
Really want to get away this summer?
With 96% public lands and a population under 500, Lake City, tucked in a valley in the San Juan mountains, is considered the most remote city in the lower 48 states.
The 58-acre Slumgullion Center, which was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2020, is a popular spot for stargazing, along with the area’s campgrounds.
Lake City hosts weekly stargazing events every Wednesday evening at Windy Point Overlook during the summer.
The Lake City Star Fest, a free stargazing event, will be held on June 7-8. Stargazing will take place at the town park and Slumgullion Pass, which is the future site of an observatory.
The weekend kicks off with a mixer at Packer’s Saloon & Cannibal Grill (Colorado History 101: Rumor has it, notorious cannibal Alfred Packer murdered his travel companion in these parts).
More information: lakecitystarfest.com
Ridgway
Ridgway already had some star power of the Hollywood variety.
John Wayne’s “True Grit” was filmed here, and the town’s True Grit Cafe pays tribute to the Academy Award-winning Western classic.
Ridgway became Colorado’s third Dark Sky Community in 2020. Top of the Pines, a recreation area at the foot of the Mt. Sneffels Range, is also a Dark Sky Park.
Stargazing while soaking in a hot spring is the most Colorado way to see the night sky, though, something that you can do from Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway.
When the sun is up, explore the arts.
Ridgway FUSE is among the state’s first “Certified Colorado Creative Districts,” packed with historic theaters, art galleries, studios, First Friday art walks, and an independent film festival.
More information: ridgwaycolorado.com
La Veta and Cuchara
Down in southern Colorado in Huerfano County, La Veta and Cuchara in Spanish Peaks Country offer perfect stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution, high elevations and low humidity.
Some favorite spots to set up a telescope include Bear Lake Campground, Cordova Pass, Cuchara Mountain Park, and La Veta Pass.
About an hour away, Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to North America’s tallest dunes, earned its International Dark Sky Park designation in 2019.
Stargazing here engages all the senses: Listen for hoots and howls from the owls and coyotes that call the park home and take in the scents of pinon pines and juniper on summer nights.
The area is also a great base camp for the state’s most epic star party: The Rocky Mountain Star Stare, sponsored by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society and takes place June 5-9 just outside of Gardner, between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountain ranges.
The event brings together over 300 amateur and professional astronomers for speakers, stargazing, and children’s activities — registration is required.
More information: rmss.org/event-information
Durango
Dark sky destinations dot the Western Slope, including Norwood, Naturita, Ridgway, Mesa Verde National Park, and Jackson Lake State Park in Mancos.
Durango is working on getting its official Dark Sky-certified designation, a rigorous process that requires lighting restrictions and robust community support for dark sky protection.
Lion’s Den and Animas Overlook are great star-viewing areas in Durango.
About an hour outside of Durango, Chimney Rock National Monument is great for stargazing and hosts full-moon parties.
Visitors can rent dark sky kits from Visit Durango.
The kits come with binoculars, clamps for smartphones so you can take photos through the binoculars, a star finder, a red light, and activities for children.
Make Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa your base for a summer stargazing vacation.
The wellness destination has 19 family-friendly mineral pools, including creek-style pools and a cold plunge.
Then, tucked in the pines, is a private, adults-only section with 13 hot springs pools, five cedar wood tubs, a second cold plunge, and a full-service spa.
Or, finish summer in Mesa Verde National Park, viewing a partial lunar eclipse on Sept. 17.
Visibility in the park will begin around 8 p.m. and it will reach its max around 8:45 p.m.
Book a campsite at Morefield Campground or a room at the Far View Lodge.
More information: durango.org/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/stargazing/
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