COLORADO – IDSP

Colorado’s International Dark Sky Places

Did you know Colorado has more Certified Dark Sky Places than almost any other state?

As of April 2025, we have eighteen Certified Dark Sky Places, so almost anyone in Colorado with reliable transportation can reach one within 90 minutes.

DarkSky Colorado is leading the fight to protect the night sky, with key support from the Colorado Tourism Office, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and many private donors.

With an even larger number of municipalities and open spaces in the certification pipeline, including twelve state parks, we’re just getting warmed up.

Click on the destinations below for details and map links. (Thanks to the Colorado Tourism Office for the vibrant and informative descriptions!)

International Dark Sky Parks in Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Named for a steep-walled chasm with the Gunnison River winding through it, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a prehistoric marvel. Much of the 30,000-acre park is used for agricultural production, which cuts down on development that can contribute to light pollution. The two primary areas to visit are the North Rim and South Rim, which each have great viewing areas of the night sky. However, there’s no road connecting the two, so where you explore depends on the entrance to the park that you use. The main roads are typically open mid-April to mid-November, but winter stargazing is possible along South Rim Road, which is open to Gunnison Point. In addition to the AstroFest events each September, rangers offer astronomy programs in the summer. Check the calendar before you go or stop by the South Rim Visitor Center to get details.

Tip: There’s little to no cell service, so bring offline versions of maps and stargazing tools.

Closest to: Montrose, Crawford

Note for travelers: In the vicinity of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area, parts of Hwy. 50 are closed for bridge repair, making some areas inaccessible depending on your direction of travel. Plan ahead and see the recommended detour from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Browns Canyon National Monument

Browns Canyon National Monument covers more than 20,000 acres of canyons and backcountry forests adjacent to the Arkansas River’s rushing whitewater and Gold Medal trout fishing. Browns Canyon is open to hikers, horseback riders and wildlife enthusiasts in addition to rafters, kayakers and anglers. Gaze across the Arkansas Valley to spot the jagged peaks of the Sawatch Range, home to some of the highest peaks in the state (or “fourteeners” as the locals call them when they reach more than 14,000 feet). Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction campgrounds, part of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, (accessible off of Hwy. 285 and available by reservation) provide excellent dark-sky viewing opportunities with shimmering reflections of the Milky Way over the river on moonless summer nights. Schedule your trips to align with summer stargazing programs sponsored by Friends of Browns Canyon to pair your experience with expert insights.

Tip: Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep while you explore the canyon.

Closest to: Buena Vista, Salida

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Encompassing three reservoirs — Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal — and 42,000 acres of land, Curecanti National Recreation Area is known for water-based activities like boating, kayaking and fishing. But the mountains and mesas that surround the area protect visitors’ views of the dark sky, making it a top spot to spend the night under the stars at one of many campgrounds. At Elk Creek Campground’s amphitheater, park rangers lead evening programs during the summer on topics like star naming and the benefits of dark skies. There are also great viewpoints from the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir and west of Blue Mesa Dam along Highway 92, which is open year-round. Look up on a clear night and you might see the Milky Way stretching across an inky backdrop.

Tip: The nearby Gunnison Valley Observatory offers dome tours and astronomy talks on Friday and Saturday evenings through the summer.

Closest to: Gunnison, Montrose

Dinosaur National Monument

As the name suggests, dinosaurs once roamed under the same skies in this part of northwest Colorado that now draws paleontology enthusiasts to Dinosaur National Monument. Its remote location makes it one of the darkest places in the United States — in fact, you could even get the opportunity to see the International Space Station flying overhead. In the heart of the monument is Echo Park; make your way here to find Fremont petroglyphs and the massive Steamboat Rock formation looming over the Green River and Echo Park Campground. At night you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of stars above the dramatic scenery.

Tip: Split Mountain Campground has a designated stargazing spot and is the site of ranger programs in the summer.

Closest to: Dinosaur

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

One of the closest International Dark Sky Parks to the Front Range, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is roughly an hour west of Colorado Springs. Despite this proximity to a large city, the Rocky Mountains create a screen for light pollution. During the day, explore some of the richest fossil deposits in the world, including giant petrified redwood stumps, insects and plants; choose from 14 miles of hiking trails; and check out the visitor center and outdoor exhibit area. At night, head to the Hornbek Homestead area, which has a parking lot and is open 24 hours a day for an amazing look at celestial objects after regular park hours. Night Sky Programs are also held periodically in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society, which provide telescopes, laser-pointer tours and plenty of knowledge.

Tip: Bring your own binoculars, lawn chair and blanket for optimal nighttime enjoyment.

Closest to: Florissant, Cripple Creek

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Home to the tallest dunes on the continent, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is surrounded by a unique combination of forests, grassland, wetland and tundra. The shifting sands are popular for sand sledding and sandboarding, and also boast open views of the night sky over the otherworldly landscape. Listen for the sounds of owls, coyotes, frogs, kangaroo rats and other creatures in the distance as you look up to the ethereal expanse. If you visit when the moon is bright you won’t see as many stars, but the eerie light illuminates the dunefield in a way that might make you feel like you’re on the moon itself. Learn about the wonders of the universe and the park’s nocturnal ecology during evening programs in the summer and fall.

Tip: The Milky Way is highest and most visible in the evening sky on moonless nights in late summer.

Closest to: Mosca, Alamosa

Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

Shielded by rugged canyon walls, the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA) has some of the darkest skies in the world. Spend the day floating in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness along the Gunnison River (Chukar to Gunnison Forks) with a local rafting outfitter or trek along the Ute Trail into the gorge, where secluded riverside campsites create an unforgettable backdrop for stargazing. Once you’ve pitched the tents, simply look up to claim your journey’s reward — unhindered views of the galaxy, glowing planets and crisp constellations. Car campers can also settle in at Cottonwood Grove Campground or Peach Valley Staging Area for access to restrooms and fire rings. You can even plan your trip around a stargazing event, where experts set up telescopes and teach visitors all about outer space. With limited cell service throughout the NCA, download maps and brochures in advance, and share your itinerary with someone before heading out.

Tip: Plan ahead and arrive at your desired viewing spot before sunset to navigate the unlit terrain safely, and bring a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision.

Closest to: Montrose

Hovenweep National Monument

Spanning both sides of the state line between Colorado and Utah, Hovenweep National Monument was the 17th certified International Dark Sky Park. Established to protect prehistoric structures built by the Ancestral Puebloans, its features include a series of stone towers, dwellings and kivas (ceremonial structures). One theory is that some of the towers and rock-art panels were meant to mark major celestial events or used as observatories. You can observe the primordial sky from the visitor center parking lot and the campground, or check the calendar for stargazing programs in the spring and summer.

Tip: Utilize the driving directions on the National Park Service’s website, rather than relying on GPS to reach the monument.

Closest to: Cortez

Jackson Lake State Park

Jackson Lake is Colorado’s first state park to earn International Dark Sky Park certification. Known as “an oasis of the plains,” activities tend to center around the water — including boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming — but it’s also popular with wildlife watchers who come to see migratory birds and resident animals like white-tailed deer, red fox and jackrabbits. Jackson Lake puts on many educational events and hikes, so visitors can use the telescope in the park to view the sky and learn. Most events and programs are held May–August and can be found online.

Tip: All of the bathrooms and park buildings have motion sensor lights to help reduce light pollution, so just walk right to the door and the light will turn on for you.

Closest to: Fort Morgan

Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center

Located at the bottom of the Slumgullion Earthflow, the 700-year-old remnants of a massive landslide, Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center features a 2-mile trail network. The remote location lends itself to viewing planets, constellations and even meteors during clear conditions. A weekly summer stargazing program is hosted every Wednesday night at Windy Point Observation Site, which is at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet. The Lake City Star Fest also takes place each June, involving star parties, solar telescope viewing, photography lessons and more.

Tip: Spring and fall are great times to visit to avoid the busy summer season, and the weather is also more reliable in the fall.

Closest to: Lake City

Mesa Verde National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its nearly 5,000 ancestral sites, including farming terraces, reservoirs and cliff dwellings. Through traditional knowledge from the 27 Pueblos and Tribes with sacred connections to Mesa Verde National Park and archaeological studies, it’s clear ancestral people were conscious of the movement of astronomical bodies and the changing of seasons. Book a daytime ranger-led tour to marvel at the ingenuity on display, but stick around for the starry spectacle at night. The best places to view dark skies in Mesa Verde are Morefield Campground, where high canyon walls block a great deal of ambient light, and Park Point, the area of highest elevation in the park that is isolated from any nearby light fixtures. Evening ranger programs are held at the Morefield Campground amphitheater, generally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Check at an information desk during your visit to learn what kind of programs will be given during your visit. You can also hit the trails 24/7, but it’s recommended that you bring a headlamp and not hike alone at night.

Tip: Early- to mid-summer is generally the best time to visit for dark-sky viewing, when low moisture in the air makes the skies crystal-clear. Later in the summer, monsoon clouds can sometimes block the stars.

Closest to: Cortez, Mancos

Top of the Pines

With 175 acres, Top of the Pines is a recreation area that offers hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, camping and nordic skiing at the foot of the Sneffels Range. Far removed from urban light pollution, TOP’s pristine night sky is among the darkest in Colorado — confirmed by a sky-brightness measurement program. From the elevation of 8,650 feet, bask in the starry heavens among towering ponderosa pines and snowcapped mountains. April through November is the best time of year for comfortable stargazing, when the area is typically free of snow cover. However, moonlight ski and snowshoe tours are popular in the winter.

Tip: Weekends at the tent campground can fill up fast, so it’s recommended to make reservations as early as possible.

Closest to: Ridgway

Certified Dark Sky Communities

These towns, cities and municipalities have proven their dedication to night-sky preservation through outdoor-lighting ordinances, education and other efforts. Visit them to see the example they’ve set and experience the reward of their work: some of the darkest and clearest skies you can imagine.

Crestone

Tucked into the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains north of the Great Sand Dunes, Crestone is a small village known as a spiritual center for many of the world’s major religions. A decades-long commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation includes defending its dark skies through responsible lighting. You can soak up the splendor of the area’s natural beauty via camping, hiking, fishing and rock climbing. Dark Sky Crestone hosts periodic community events that have ranged from stargazing parties with musical performances to street festivals.

Tip: The town has a map and directions for the best dark-sky viewing sites around Crestone.

Norwood

A location on a 7,000-foot mesa makes wide night-sky vistas possible from Norwood at all times of the year. The high-desert climate and very dry conditions contribute to frequently clear skies, whether the temperatures are warm or cold. Relish the exquisite darkness within the surrounding Uncompahgre National Forest and BLM lands. Some of the best places for viewing are close to developed and dispersed camping, including Miramonte Reservoir, Busted Arm Draw and the Thunder Road trail system. You can also pick up a pizza from Dark Sky Pie and take it on a sky-viewing picnic. To find events throughout the year, check the Norwood Colorado Dark Sky Advocates Facebook page.

Tip: Norwood’s Lone Cone Library has dark-sky information, local maps and brochures to help guide your endeavors.

Nucla & Naturita

A pair of small towns in western Colorado with a closely intertwined history, Nucla and Naturita have worked together to reduce the effects of light pollution. Set amid an expansive rural landscape punctuated by dramatic red-rock formations, the area became known for a boom in copper and uranium mining in the early 1900s. Today, visitors are drawn to the opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking and, of course, stargazing. Stop by the visitor center in Naturita to get info on trails, campsites and more. To enhance your star-viewing experience, plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight.

Tip: Naturita is along the Unaweep Tabeguache Scenic Byway, an ideal route to follow if you want to explore more of the region.

Paonia

Paonia is a small town cradled within the West Elk Mountains, where the towering peaks create perfect conditions for orchards heavy with peaches and sprawling vineyards that produce some of Colorado’s finest wines. These same summits also act as a natural barrier to light pollution, ensuring crystal-clear dark nights. Make your way there by taking the West Elk Loop scenic byway, which cruises through landmarks like the Redstone Coke Ovens, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Morrow Point Reservoir. Plan your trip around a dark-sky event, where local experts explain constellations, astrophotography and the importance of protecting the night. Or simply reserve a campsite by the reservoir at Paonia State Park, lay out a blanket and start your stargazing. When the sunset fades from bright pinks and oranges to pitch black, watch as bands of stars pour across the inky night sky.

Tip: Plan your visit in summer or early autumn to get the best of the local festivals, fruits and wineries.

Ridgway

You’ll find Ridgway in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado — a remote setting that produces very little light pollution. Because Ridgway’s residents have long embraced protecting the natural surroundings, it’s no surprise the town has passed ordinances for outdoor lighting and produced educational campaigns. Look up during summer from the downtown area and the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye. You can get great views from any yard or balcony in town, and local astronomers also recommend Ridgway Athletic Park’s fields. Or, venture farther for an overnight stay at Basecamp 550, Double G Ranch and Guest Lodge or Orvis Hot Springs — complete with a soak under the stars.

Tip: Time your visit to coincide with a meteor shower, including the Perseids each August or the Geminids in December

Westcliffe & Silver Cliff

Originally developed around mining but now driven by agriculture and ranching, the rural Westcliffe and Silver Cliff are two of the highest-altitude International Dark Sky Communities in the world. The most convenient place to take in heavenly wonders is from Bluff and Summit Park at the end of Main Street in Westcliffe. It’s also the site of Smokey Jack Observatory, which has one of the most powerful telescopes in Colorado and hosts reservable small-group star parties throughout the summer. Other excellent places are the Alvarado and Hermit Lake trailheads in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Local organization Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley also has regular events ranging from free public star parties and telescope workshops to solar observations and educational speakers. And don’t miss the Planet Walk, a true-to-scale interpretive walk through the solar system between the two towns and beyond.

Tip: If you’re looking for a place to stay in Westcliffe, Silver Cliff or the surrounding area, check out Visit Wet Mountain Valley’s lodging page.

Sign Up to Become a Member

Become a member of Dark Sky Colorado and join a community dedicated to preserving our beautiful night skies by reducing light pollution and protecting the night sky. Your membership supports education, advocacy, and local initiatives that make a lasting impact on the environment, wildlife, and our ability to enjoy the stars. Not ready to join? You can still make a difference by donating—every contribution helps us protect the night sky. Stay connected by joining our mailing list to receive updates on events, workshops, and news about dark sky conservation efforts across Colorado.

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