The 7 Most Gorgeous Places For Stargazing in Colorado

Colorado has no shortage of breathtaking views in national and state parks. Although mostly known for the state’s incredible hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, Colorado is also an excellent state to visit if you love stargazing. There are plenty of places dark enough even to view the Milky Way! Follow along to discover the 7 most gorgeous places for stargazing in Colorado.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Starting our list is probably the most well-known spot in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park. This beautiful mountainous park is just as stunning at night. Visitors can easily pitch a tent in this lovely park and use a telescope to peer at the night sky. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers plenty of events and guided tours at night. Some of these opportunities include Astronomy in the Park and Stories of the Moon & Stars. Dates vary, so you’ll need to check the Night Sky & Astronomy Program website for more information.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir also provides scenic views and gorgeous stargazing opportunities. This reservoir is in southern Larimer County and spans about 6.5 miles. It’s a great spot to go stargazing when looking near Fort Collins. Although it is a great place to go stargazing, the sky isn’t as dark as other spots on our list. You may need to venture even farther out into Colorado to see the Milky Way. During the day, though, this reservoir is a great fishing lake for walleye, trout, smallmouth bass, and largemouth bass. 

Mesa Verde National Park

Another must-visit park in Colorado, if you like seeing stars, is Mesa Verde National Park. This lovely national park has a lot to do and see. It’s in Montezuma County. This national park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects one of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the world. Imagine spending a day exploring these archaeological sites and stargazing at night. As of 2021, Mesa Verde National Park is an International Dark Sky Park.

Chimney Rock National Monument

Also in Colorado is the Chimney Rock National Monument. This national monument is in San Juan National Forest in Archuleta County. It features stunning archaeological sites. Chimney Rock National Monument has a surface area of 4,726 acres. At night, guests can join a Night Sky tour to view stars for a fee. There are two programs, the Our Solar System Program and the Stars & Galaxies Program. Dates and times vary, so check the website to view the times and purchase tickets.

Dinosaur National Monument

Colorado really does have a little bit of everything. Dinosaur National Monument is a great place to stargaze, but it also features dinosaur fossils. There are over 1,500 fossils on the cliff face inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall alone. This national monument is between the border of Utah and Colorado. Its surface area is about 210,844 acres. While here, guests can camp at one of six campgrounds. Camping is a great way to stay stargaze for hours. It’s recommended to give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness when stargazing.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

One of the best places to go stargazing in the state (and country) is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You can find this gorgeous national park in Montrose County, Colorado. It has a surface area of 30,750 acres. The park was established on October 21, 1999. The main feature of this unique national park is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, which part of runs through the park. While visiting, there is no shortage of things to do. You can hike, fish, bird watch, and take a scenic drive. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is also an excellent place to view stars. Each year, the park hosts an astronomy festival on select days.

Garden of the Gods

Last but not least is the Garden of the Gods. The Garden of the Gods is an unforgettable experience in Colorado Springs. This beautiful park is a National Natural Landmark and has a surface area of 1,341.3 acres. Previously it was called the Red Rock Corral. This lovely park has over 21 miles of great hiking trails. Daily guided nature walks are also available but for a fee and reservation. Stargazing events are hosted throughout the year, including a Stay Party, often taking place in the Garden of the Gods’ parking lot.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © AstroStar/Shutterstock.com