Stargazing in Colorado 2023-2024

Colorado offers plenty of amazing places for stargazing. All you need is a car and a thirst for adventure

Best time: all year round (best from October to December)

Even though you can stargaze all year round, it's believed that the best time for stargazing in Colorado is from mid-fall to early winter. Colorado offers its visitors plenty of places where the night sky fascinates and captivates. Stargazing in Colorado is a popular thing that moves the dial of life if tried at least once. Every stargazer knows there is nothing like watching constellations speckled across a clear Colorado sky. In this article, we've put together the best spots to enjoy stargazing in this state. So, get ready to dive deeper into the magical beauty of the night.

Dinosaur National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument is a 2,500 ft (762 meter) gash located on the southeast flank of the Uinta Mountains. It's one of the latest additions to the International Dark-Sky Association's list of Dark Sky Parks. Dinosaur National Monument features a huge no-light zone, making it a completely dark destination for stargazing fans. The monument is a two-hour drive north of Grand Junction via State Highway 139.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

This national park is one of the few wild places, where rangers encourage visitors to try self-guided night tours in complete darkness. If you are into such kinds of adventures, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is a place you must add to your stargazing bucket list. A little tip: plan your visit during the full moon to better navigate the night hike. Also, there are plenty of guided tours for those who prefer scheduled programs with professional guides.

UFO Watchtower – San Luis Valley

The UFO Watchtower in Hooper offers its visitors much more than just stargazing. It's famous for being a hotspot for alien activity and unexplained flying object observation. At this watchtower, you will be amazed by the beauty of solitude and tranquility it offers.

Crestone

Crestone is a popular sacred land, which serves as a mecca for different beliefs and spiritual traditions. It has more spiritual buildings per square foot than any other place in North America. Thanks to the blend of earth, rock, sky, water, mind, and spirit, you can feel special magical energy there. It makes Crestone one of the top places for stargazing in Colorado.

La Veta

La Veta is a rural town located at the base of the Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado. It gives stargazers breathtaking 360-degree views for enjoying the night sky. La Veta also has plenty of walking and biking trails, such as the La Veta Loop Trail, the Hogback Nature Trail, and the Daigre Reservoir Trail, which showcase its beautiful scenery.