{"id":91151,"date":"2026-06-09T16:42:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T22:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/?p=91151"},"modified":"2026-06-09T16:55:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T22:55:10","slug":"stargazing-in-colorado-dark-sky-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uchealth.org\/today\/stargazing-in-colorado-dark-sky-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy stargazing at special \u2018Dark Sky Places\u2019 in Colorado"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A star-filled night sky frames the dynamic gorge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of Colorado’s official Dark Sky Places. Photo by G. Owens, National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Colorado is home to many perfect places for stargazing.<\/p>\n

The premier spots are known as certified Dark Sky Places<\/a>, as designated by Dark Sky International<\/a>. And Colorado has 21 certified Dark Sky Places<\/a>. Among U.S. states, Colorado is second only to Utah when it comes to officially recognized Dark Sky Places.<\/p>\n

New to stargazing? How to begin appreciating night skies.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first step to witnessing the beauty of a deep blue or black night sky is to find a dark location away from light pollution. You can get started by looking at a light pollution map<\/a> and heading out to the dark areas that show up on the map as gray or blue zones.<\/p>\n

Next, plan to visit a dark sky location the week before or the week after a new moon. Moonlight can wash out the stars if it is too bright. The weather must also be clear. In Colorado, there is the added benefit of going higher in elevation and having dry air, aspects that can help reduce atmospheric conditions, such as humidity or fog, which degrade viewing of night skies.<\/p>\n

In a dark sky location, stars will be visible with the naked eye. For even better viewing, use a telescope or binoculars.<\/p>\n

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A park ranger identifies a constellation for park visitors attending a stargazing program in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Jeff Zylland, National Park Service.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photographing the night sky can be accomplished today with cell phones set on night mode. For those with more advanced cameras, use a tripod, a remote shutter and a fast lens that can achieve apertures of f2.8 or better.<\/p>\n

Remember to wear sturdy shoes to prevent bumping toes in the dark and warm, layered clothes to adjust as the temperatures change. Also bring a headlamp or flashlight with a red-light setting to help see in the dark while preserving your night vision.<\/p>\n

And then look up.<\/p>\n

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A dark, star-filled sky stretches over Gunnison National Forest, a remote setting ideal for stargazing in Colorado. Photo by Dawn Wilson, UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to see night skies in Colorado<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Colorado\u2019s official Dark Sky Places are mostly in western Colorado, with the exception of Jackson Lake State Park.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of official Dark Sky Places in Colorado:<\/p>\n

\"Crawford
Crawford State Park is a beautiful spot in western Colorado to enjoy starry nights. Photo by Dawn Wilson, UCHealth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dark sky communities<\/strong><\/h3>\n