Looking to catch a glimpse of the stars? Look no further than here for the best places for stargazing in Colorado!
Whether you’re looking for a fun date idea, a cool night out for the kids, or an unexpected experience for some visiting relatives, stargazing in Colorado is guaranteed to be a showstopper. It’s a common misconception that you have to go waaaay out into the mountains, completely off the beaten path, to find a good stargazing location. Luckily for you, this isn’t true! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most beautiful and most accessible stargazing locations in Colorado. Pack up a picnic, take a power nap the afternoon before, and head to any of these spots in the wee hours of the morning. These spots are the best for a front-row seat to the spectacular light show put on by Mother Nature herself.
UFO Watchtower - San Luis Valley
The watchtower is the perfect place for stargazing in Colorado. Locals claim that this valley is a hotspot for extraterrestrial activity! The tower is pretty secluded out in the valley away from any lights, so it’s just you, the stars, and any aliens who decide to stop by. The tower also has some information about past encounters and theories on what the sightings might be, which is pretty interesting if you’re into that sort of stuff. Be sure to check it out - you may be one of the lucky ones to see a UFO amidst the constellations!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Stargazing in Colorado doesn’t get much better than the secluded, beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park. The view from Bear Lake is gorgeous and very accessible. The view from the Trail Ridge Road is also beautiful, weather permitting. If you’re up for a real treat, get to the Bear Lake trailhead about an hour before sunrise and hike past Nymph Lake to a rock wall you can climb. Hang around until sunrise too - it’s so worth it!
(Psst… want to see some other great views in the Rocky Mountain National Park? Click Here!)
Grand Lake
Not only is the town of Grand Lake the absolute epitome of charming, but it may also be one of the best places for stargazing in Colorado. The town gives off very little light, leaving you free to gaze without leaving all signs of civilization far behind. Bring a picnic dinner and relax next to the lake, or come in the winter and ice skate under the stars! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you could also try night skiing at Ski Granby Ranch. You’ll get an amazing view of the stars on the lift ride up the mountain.
Red Rocks Park
This natural amphitheater is one of the most amazing concert venues in the country, but it’s also an amazing place for stargazing in Colorado. It offers a beautiful panoramic view of Denver, combined with the solitude of a mountain setting. To add to the experience, come catch a concert or movie under the stars! Bring a blanket, relax with friends and/or family, and enjoy the live show. Then, when it’s over, hang out and enjoy the amazing show nature puts on too.
Paint Mines Interactive Park
This park has beautiful deposits of colorful clay, that our native tribes used to use for pottery. The park is free and is full of amazing overhangs, spires, carved walls, and chasms, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. It’s also far enough away from Colorado Springs to allow some spectacular views of constellations and the occasional shooting star! Come prepared with your camera, as the park and the night sky are both too beautiful not to capture.
Lookout Mountain Road
Lookout Mountain Park is the perfect place for stargazing in Colorado. It’s secluded, quiet, and far enough away from the city to allow for some beautiful views of the night sky. Leave your car in the park and walk to the overlook. You can park in any of the designated parking areas along the road. Face west, and you’re sure to have a beautifully open view.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti is another gorgeous area for stargazing in Colorado. It’s a series of three reservoirs along the Gunnison River. Weather permitting, the drives through this nationally-owned land are gorgeous in their own right. The area itself is far enough away from the city to provide an uninterrupted view of the sky. Find a secluded pull-off along one of the three scenic highways through the area, park, and enjoy the view - it’s guaranteed to be spectacular!
