AstroTours Breckenridge: Now in a Certified Dark Sky Community

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—our Breckenridge stargazing tours have a new home, and it’s under some of the darkest skies in Colorado!

A New Stargazing Spot at Beaver Run Resort

Our Breckenridge Dark Sky Tour now begins at the Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center (620 Village Rd, Breckenridge, CO). From the Imperial Deck, you’ll enjoy wide-open mountain vistas that transform into a celestial theater as the sun dips below the Rockies. This spot offers panoramic views with easy access—no hiking required—making it perfect for guests of all ages.

As the evening unfolds, you might catch a glowing alpine sunset, spot local wildlife, or even see a horse and carriage clip-clopping past as we prepare the telescopes.

What to Expect on the Dark Sky Tour

Led by a professional astronomer, our tour is a journey across the night sky. With the help of large telescopes and a powerful laser pointer, you’ll learn how to recognize constellations, follow the movement of planets, and even navigate like the explorers of old.

Highlights often include:

• Satellites gliding silently overhead

• The fleeting magic of shooting stars (if luck is on our side)

• Nebulae, star clusters, and distant galaxies glowing in vivid detail through our telescopes

To enhance the experience, we provide red flashlights to protect your night vision as we guide you through the cosmos.

Why the Move?

Our tours were previously hosted at The Lodge at Breckenridge, a beautiful spot that we’ll always cherish. But moving to Beaver Run allows us to expand accessibility, add comfort, and—most importantly—celebrate Breckenridge’s recognition as a Dark Sky Community.

This certification means Breckenridge is officially committed to preserving its night skies through careful lighting practices, making it one of the best places in Colorado to connect with the stars.

What to Bring

• Warm layers – mountain nights get chilly after sunset

• Your questions and curiosity – our astronomers love to dive into the mysteries of the universe with you

• A sense of wonder – the night sky never disappoints

A Note About Weather

Like all our locations, this tour is at the mercy of Mother Nature. If the skies don’t cooperate, cancellations may occur—but when they clear, the view is worth the wait.

✨ Join us in Breckenridge for an unforgettable Dark Sky experience. Whether it’s your first time under the stars or your hundredth, the mountains will leave you in awe.

Help Launch the AstroTours Foundation: Seeking Founding Board Members

For eight years, AstroTours.org has had the incredible privilege of sharing the wonders of the night sky with people from all over the world right here in Colorado. Now, we’re ready to take our mission to the next level, and we’re looking for a few passionate people to help us get there.

We are thrilled to announce the formation of the AstroTours Foundation, a new nonprofit wing dedicated to making astronomy accessible to everyone. The Foundation will focus on bringing hands-on astronomy education to youth and underserved communities, tackling light pollution, and fostering a public passion for space science.

This is a chance to build something new from the ground up. As a founding board member, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of astronomy outreach in Colorado.

Why You Should Join Our Founding Board:

• Be a Pioneer: Help launch a 501(c)(3) from the very beginning and shape its mission, vision, and programs.

• Inspire the Next Generation: Create educational opportunities that spark a lifelong passion for STEM.

• Make a Real Impact: Support a cause that is exciting, nonpartisan, and connects us all to the universe.

• Grow Your Experience: Gain invaluable nonprofit leadership experience while championing a mission everyone can literally look up to!

Who We’re Looking For:

We are seeking collaborative and creative individuals who are committed to our mission. Ideal candidates will have:

• A passion for education, STEM, and/or astronomy. Experience in any educational field is a big plus.

• Nonprofit or previous board experience (highly desired).

• Expertise in finance (accounting, payroll, etc.) or legal fields.

• A willingness to help guide a new organization through its crucial early stages.

• Strong community connections and a desire to serve as an ambassador for our work.

The Role & Commitment:

Board members will work to provide governance and oversight, support fundraising efforts, and contribute to long-term planning. The initial time commitment is estimated at 2–3 hours per month, transitioning to quarterly meetings once we are established. Meetings will be held at Den Hack (7th & Santa Fe, Denver), with a Boulder office space also available.

Ready to Shape the Future with Us?

The AstroTours Foundation is not yet incorporated; forming our initial board is the very first step. If you are excited by the opportunity to build this organization with us from day one, we would love to talk to you.

Please send an email to Luke@AstroTours.org with:

• "Board Inquiry" in the subject line.

• In the body of the email, please include:

  • A brief introduction about yourself.

  • A summary of why you're interested in this mission and any relevant experience you bring.

  • Any initial questions you may have.

Join AstroTours.org for a Special Night Under the Moon!

This October, we're inviting you to look up and join a global celebration! AstroTours.org is thrilled to participate in International Observe the Moon Night on Friday, October 4th. For this one special evening, we’ll be running our classic, highly-rated stargazing tour with an extra special focus on our closest celestial neighbor: the Moon.

What is International Observe the Moon Night?

International Observe the Moon Night is a worldwide annual event that brings people together to celebrate and learn about the Moon. Sponsored by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and other astronomical organizations, the goal is: to encourage observation, appreciation, and understanding of the Moon and its connection to planetary science. On this night, thousands of people across the globe; universities, observatories, parks, and backyards, will all be turning their eyes and telescopes toward the lunar surface. We are proud to be an official event host for this fantastic celebration.

A Classic Tour with a Lunar Twist

If you’ve been on our tour before, you know what to expect: a magical two-hour journey through the cosmos. If you're new to AstroTours.org, you’re in for a treat!

Our tours take place at the beautiful and easy-to-find Boulder Valley Ranch trailhead, where you can often catch phenomenal sunsets and wildlife before the stars appear. Here’s what the evening includes:

• Guided Exploration: A professional astronomer will be your guide, using a laser pointer to chart a course through the constellations, sharing folklore, and answering all your cosmic questions.

• Powerful Telescopes: You’ll get hands-on time with our large, high-quality telescopes for breathtaking, up-close views of planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and more.

• Comfort and Safety: We’ve got you covered. We provide comfy camp seating, red flashlights, blankets, and step stools. Our tours require no hiking and are accessible to all activity levels.

• An Unforgettable Experience: Learn how to find objects in the sky, how to use a telescope, and deepen your understanding of the universe around you.

On October 4th, we will be doing all of this and more. We will dedicate extra time to observing the Moon through our powerful telescopes. The date for International Observe the Moon Night is specifically chosen to provide the best viewing conditions, where the shadows along the terminator (the line between lunar day and night) reveal incredible detail in craters, mountains, and the vast lunar seas, or maria. Our astronomer will guide you across the lunar landscape, sharing fascinating insights about its topography and history.

Book Your Spot for This One-Night-Only Event!

Join us as we connect with people around the world in celebrating the wonder of the Moon.

Space is limited, and booking is required for this special one-night-only event.

Date: Friday, October 4th, 2025

Time: Tour begins at sunset and lasts for 2 hours.

Location: Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead

Ready to explore the Moon with us? Book your spot now!

Click Here to Book Your International Observe the Moon Night Tour

We can't wait to share the cosmos with you!