Get out of the city and look up at the stars.
perchance it was the heightened itch to get alfresco because of the pandemic , or perhaps people around the world simply have a renew sense of awe for the galaxies above . Whatever the ground , stargazing is more pop than ever . Across the globe , folks are busting outastrophotographyequipment and thirstily snagging bivouacking smudge with the least obstructed views of the sky in Bob Hope of seeing much more than just The Big Dipper and Milky Way .
The International Dark Sky Associationwas form in 1988 , though in recent days , it ’s encounter the addition of many International Dark Sky Parks , sanctuary , and Communities . Colorado is home to15 dark sky region — a combining of Parks and Communities . So if you ’re up for an adventure either to camp in Great Sand Dunes National Park or get a glance into the still biography of Westcliffe , here ’s a listing of the dependable places to see the whizz near Denver .
Jackson Lake State Park
One of the closest Dark Sky Parks near Denver , Jackson Lake State Park has plenty of opportunities for daytime playfulness — like boating , fishing , and swimming — as well as camping . Meaning , you could set up the collapsible shelter for a weekend of some of the best stargazing you could receive under a two - minute drive from the city . Drive sentence from Denver:1 hour , 15 minutes
Crestone, Colorado
Given that it only has a population of 138 people , it piddle mother wit that Crestone was designated a Dark Sky Community since there ’s very little light pollution , if any at all . It ’s also one of the first US municipalities to incorporate the “ right of nature ” into local legislature , and has ferociously advocated in defence of dark skies since the mid-90s . Crestone is have intercourse to be a spiritual and esthetic community , so if the stargazing goes well ( it will ) , be indisputable to come back for a full lunation drum circle . Drive time from Denver:3 hours , 30 minutes
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
In addition to its towering sand dunes , this home Mungo Park and preserve has nighttime appeal , too . Its 150,000 acres are a stargazers haven , offer totally unobstructed views of the Milky Way in the evenings during summer and descend and in the early morning during spring . There are tons of camping and backpacking opportunity in the parkland , meaning you do n’t have to miss any stars because you ’re in transit . Drive time from Denver:3 minute , 30 minutes
Ridgway, Colorado
One of the raw Dark Sky Community additions , Ridgway is another minor Colorado town amid the San Juan Mountains . At only 1,200 residents , this is another spot that ’s low on loose defilement and therefore , high on the listing of places to woolgather . make out for the Ridgway Rendezvous Arts & Crafts Festival and remain for camping beneath the abundance of mavin . ride from Denver:5 hour , 30 moment
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
One of the most popular out-of-door adventure spots in Colorado , Black Canyon of the Gunnison extend unparalleled canyon , mountain , sprawling landscape painting , and wildlife view in addition to its primo stargazing . It ’s been on the Dark Sky Parks list since 2015 , mostly due to the combination of Union land and individual agriculture property that helps conserve the skies above from urban and artificial light pollution . The common has also long work with theBlack Canyon Astronomy Clubto innkeeper astronomy events each class . ram prison term from Denver:4 hours , 40 minutes
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado
Also one of the closer drives to Denver is this two - for - one town combo that ’s gain a Dark Sky Community assignment . The combined population is just under 1,200 people , which makes horse sense considering these two are the only contain township in the Wet Mountain Valley . The focal point here is cattle ranching , so there ’s not a vast indigence for unreal twinkle , and because of the towns ’ location between the Wet Mountain and Sangre de Cristo passel ranges , they ’re well - shield from important skyglow sources like Colorado Springs and Pueblo . tug time from Denver:2 hour , 30 minutes
Curecanti National Recreation Area
This recreation country has some of the same appeal as Black Canyon of the Gunnison , mainly because they ’re only about an hour from each other . Fishing , boating , tenting , and hiking around Blue Mesa Reservoir are popular natural action here , and the 41,972 acres of land offer tons of stargazing hypothesis . It ’s an easy drive from 285 to US-50 , and the rich mountains and mesas supply landscape painting ideal for nighttime sky look at . It ’s also a bare 20 moment from the Gunnison Valley Observatory , which offers astronomic experiences to visitor and resident physician . Drive time from Denver:4 minute
Dinosaur National Monument
Many appealing sinister sky areas occupy along the Colorado - Utah border , but this one also draw in those interested in dinosaur fogy and ancient rock fine art . After a sidereal day of hiking lead and taking in the expansive scene , visitor can resolve in for a show of glittering stars , constellations , and galaxies thanks to the Monument ’s remote emplacement , mellow elevation , and low humidity . Drive time from Denver:4 hour , 50 second
Top of the Pines
A particularly beloved gem within the San Juans , Top of the Pines is often thought to stand in a conference of its own when it add up to outside recreation and scenic views . In addition to its outdoor activeness such as hiking and birdwatching , it is also the perfect place for local and visit school day and brass to experience out-of-door education via peculiar event . But its dark , starry sky also stand out among other dark sky country as a “ pristine sinister placement ” that volunteer an particularly wizard stargazing experience , and local dark sky advocates ferociously defend its demand for protection so residents , visitors , and wildlife can continue to relish and do good from it . Drive time from Denver:5 hours , 30 second
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
West of Colorado Springs , this repository is note for its well - preserved louse and plant fossils , petrified redwood stumps , and glimpse into prehistorical life sentence . The designated International Dark Sky Park is easily accessible via I-25 but far enough from the metropolis along the corridor to offer exceptionally dark , star - filled skies . There ’s a good probability visitors will see the Milky Way , other galaxies , star bunch , nebulae , planets , comet , and much more from here . Moreover , the Hornbek Homestead area ( a designated sphere for enjoy Nox sky ) is open to the public 24 hours a twenty-four hour period , and visitors can also take advantage of theNight Sky Programoffered at the Monument ’s Visitor Center . Drive time from Denver:1 minute , 50 minutes
Ridgway, Colorado|Visions of America/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Ridgway, Colorado|Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
