Best Places for Stargazing

Warm nights are finally heading our way, so let’s add stargazing to our spring bucket list. This is an excellent activity for kids to learn more about outer space in a fun and interactive way. Depending on your schedule, here are some places that are a short drive from Denver and others that would make for the perfect weekend adventure.

Lookout Mountain

For a quick stargaze outing, Lookout Mountain is a perfect spot that’s about an hour from Denver. Choose from one of the hikes or pull off along Lookout Mountain Road to view the dazzling stars. The mountain is closer to the city than the other locations, but it makes for a quick and perfect late-night activity.

Lookout Mountain, Golden

Red Rocks

Another stargazing area that’s close to town is Red Rocks. With the unique and colossal sandstone walls, seeing the glowing stars up above makes it a beautiful spot. The warmer weather means Red Rock concerts, so jump online to check the schedule and avoid concert days.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, Morrison

Florissant Fossil Beds

Enjoy beautiful and extraordinarily bright stars at the Florissant Fossil Beds, located an hour west of Colorado Springs. This is a great place to stargaze because it’s far enough away from the bright city but still easily accessible for families. Venture on your own any night of the week or join a Night Sky Tour where you will learn about the stars.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Colorado Springs

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Make a weekend out of stargazing and head to the Great Sand Dunes. The sand dunes are far enough away from light pollution that guests can see the Milky Way galaxy. The best time to see the Milky Way is in the early morning hours during spring.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, Alamosa

— Austria Cohn