Star Gazing in Colorado
Enjoying Colorado Outdoor Spaces: Star Gazing
There is something so mysterious and humbling about looking up at the stars on a clear Colorado night. On a really clear night out camping in Colorado, it seems like you can see a million stars. Summer is a great time of year to look up, release your tension, stress and worry and be thankful for the stars. You may even be lucky enough to see a shooting star or two! Get out your telescope or binoculars and get a closer look.
5 Reasons to Stargaze
- Very relaxing hobby
- Learn about the universe you live in
- Gives us perspective
- Connects us with nature
- Easy, fun and inexpensive
Exciting things to look out for:
• Moon
• Stars
• Planets – Mars, Saturn, Pluto, Uranus
• Big and Little Dipper
• Rare occurrences like comets and lunar eclipses
Stargazing has long been linked to romance. Both are mysterious, involve a chase and end in discovery. Share your love of stars with people close to you or get outside and meet new friends who also enjoy breathtaking views of the stars and planets.
Stargazing can easily be shared with friends, family, lovers and children. More and more, you will find ‘stargazing parties’ where people can share in the magic together. There are monthly seminars, annual conventions and impromptu stargazing parties all over the world.
The best nights along the Front Range to enjoy stargazing are cool, clear nights when the sky is very dark and no cloud cover. High elevations and the black night sky are a perfect combination for stargazing. Colorado is perfect for this!
Some of our Favorite Outdoor Places to View Stars in Colorado
- Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park in Gunnison
- Horsetooth Reservoir near Ft. Collins– View from rest stops or picnic tables or at the top.
- Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs – Sit on the red rocks, take in the fresh air and let the stars captivate you.
- UFO Watchtower in San Luis Valley – There is little light here to distract your view. Forty unexplained flying object sightings are rumored to have occurred here since 2007. You might even see more than stars!
- Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison – Witness stars and distant planets from this vast and unpopulated area.
- Jackson Lake State Park – The reflection on the lake is the perfect mirror to the stars and constellations. This location is known as “the oasis in the plains”.
- Red Rocks Park in Morrison – Home to one of the most beautiful and storied music venues in the world, Red Rocks is a perfect place to sit back and look at the stars.
- Monument Lake near Trinidad – Surrounded by rugged mountains, this is the ideal location to step away from city life and enjoy the peace and quiet while stargazing.
- Grand Lake – Enjoy the lake community while relaxing under the stars.
Optional Supplies for Stargazing
- Binoculars
- Telescope
- Star chart
- Planisphere
To lose yourself in wonder for an evening, head to higher elevations this summer. Bring a blanket and your sweetie, sit back and enjoy all that the universe has to offer!
