Colorado’s Celestial Wonders: Best Stargazing Spots Across the State

Welcome to the star-studded skies of Colorado! Colorado's diverse landscape offers some of the best celestial viewing in the country. From the high elevations of mountain passes to the serene expanses of state parks, let's explore the top spots for stargazing across the Centennial State.

1. Loveland Pass: A High Altitude Haven

Elevated at over 11,000 feet, Loveland Pass provides a breathtaking view of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders. Its high altitude and distance from city lights make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Don’t forget to dress warmly, as temperatures can drop significantly at this elevation.

2. Barr Lake State Park: A Stargazer’s Oasis

Located just northeast of Denver, Barr Lake State Park offers a peaceful retreat for stargazing. The park's minimal light pollution allows for clear night skies, perfect for observing constellations, planets, and meteor showers. It’s a great option for those seeking a quick escape from the urban glow.

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park: A Cosmic Canvas

The Great Sand Dunes National Park isn't just known for its towering dunes; it's also a sanctuary for stargazers. The park’s remote location and dark skies provide a stunning backdrop for celestial events. The Milky Way stretches brilliantly across the sky on clear nights, offering a sight to remember.

4. AstroTours.org Locations: City Park in Denver

For those in the heart of Denver, our AstroTours location at City Park offers a unique urban astronomy experience. We've selected spots within the park that provide surprisingly dark skies, considering the city location, making it an accessible option for Denver residents.

5. AstroTours.org in Boulder: A Stone’s Throw from Denver

Just a 30-minute drive from Denver, our Boulder location combines convenience with darker skies. Here, you’ll get a more in-depth experience with less light pollution, ideal for observing deep-sky objects and learning about the universe with our expert guides.

6. Explore Colorado’s Dark Sky Locations

Colorado is home to several certified Dark Sky Places, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association. These include:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

• Dinosaur National Monument

• Hovenweep National Monument

These locations offer exceptionally dark skies and are worth the journey for any serious stargazer.

7. Tips for the Best Stargazing Experience

• Check the Weather: Clear skies are crucial for good stargazing.

• Moon Phase Matters: A new moon night is ideal for darker skies.

• Bring the Right Gear: A telescope or binoculars can enhance your experience. Don’t forget warm clothing, especially in high-altitude areas.

• Preserve Night Vision: Use red lights to navigate in the dark without affecting your night vision.

Colorado's skies are a treasure trove for stargazing enthusiasts. From easily accessible city parks to remote, dark sky sanctuaries, there's a perfect spot for everyone under the Colorado stars. Join us at AstroTours.org for a guided journey through the cosmos, right here in the Rocky Mountain State!

Welcome Mazzy to the AstroTours.org Team!

We are excited to introduce the newest member of the AstroTours.org family, Mazzy! With her deep passion for astronomy and a wealth of experience, Mazzy is ready to guide you on an unforgettable journey through the night sky.

Mazzy is currently a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she is majoring in Mathematics with double minors in Space and Astronomy. Her love for the cosmos doesn’t stop in the classroom—she’s also an active member of the Fiske Planetarium Outreach team, where she travels to schools across Colorado, inspiring young minds with the wonders of astronomy.

Mazzy’s journey into the world of astronomy began in high school as a dedicated member of the Civil Air Patrol. There, she led the aerospace education program, teaching lessons on astronomy, aerodynamics, robotics, and rocketry. Through these experiences, Mazzy has honed her skills in naked-eye astronomy, navigating the night sky, and sharing the fascinating mythologies and scientific facts about stars and planets.

Over the past three months, Mazzy has been training and shadowing our seasoned astronomers, and we are thrilled to announce that she is now ready to start running tours on her own. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to engage with audiences of all ages make her a perfect fit for our team.

We invite you to join Mazzy on one of our upcoming stargazing tours and experience the night sky through her expert guidance. Welcome to the team, Mazzy—we can’t wait to see the stars with you!

Join Us for a Free Stargazing Event in Georgetown, Colorado on August 15th!

AstroTours is excited to announce a free stargazing event in Georgetown, Colorado, on August 15th from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for stargazers of all ages to connect with the cosmos and learn about the wonders above us.

Event Details:

• Date and Time: August 15th, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Starting Location: Strousse Park, Georgetown

• Trail: Rutherford Trail

Find out more at the Town of Georgetown's website: Georgetown AstroTours Event

We will kick off the event at Strousse Park (located on Sixth St and Rose St in Georgetown, right across the street from 511 Rose and Guanella Pass Brewing Company) at 9:00 PM before walking over to the Rutherford Trail. As we hike up the trail, we will be treated to an immaculate view of the night sky, perfect for our stargazing activities. Please remember to dress warmly or in layers and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven.

What to Expect:

This family-friendly event offers an exciting exploration of the cosmos using large telescopes, professional astronomers, and lasers. Here’s what you can look forward to discovering:

• Stars: Learn about the different types of stars and their life cycles.

• Planets: Get a close-up view of planets in our solar system.

• Constellations: Identify and understand the stories behind various constellations.

• Celestial Navigation: Discover how to navigate using the stars.

• Satellites: Spot human-made objects orbiting Earth.

• Nebulae: Observe these stunning birthplaces of stars.

• Distant Galaxies: Look far into the universe to see other galaxies.

• Shooting Stars: If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a meteor!

Why Attend?

AstroTours provides a unique, hands-on experience that brings the wonders of the universe closer to you. Our professional astronomers will guide you through the night sky, explaining the celestial objects and phenomena we observe. This is a fantastic chance to ask questions, learn, and be inspired by the beauty and vastness of space.

Event Tips:

• Dress warmly or in layers to stay comfortable during the evening.

• Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on the trail.

• Bring a flashlight (preferably with a red filter to preserve night vision).

• Arrive a few minutes early to ensure you don’t miss the start of the tour.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to explore the night sky for free in the beautiful setting of Georgetown, Colorado. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just curious about the stars, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all.

For more details, visit our website at AstroTours.org.

We look forward to seeing you under the stars!

Contact Information:

• Town of Georgetown

• Address: 404 6th St., P.O. Box 426, Georgetown, CO 80444

• Phone: 303.569.2405

Join us for a night of cosmic discovery and wonder. See you there!