stars and milkyway seen from rocky mountain national park

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Dark Skies in Estes Park!

To reduce light pollution and protect the night skies, Visit Estes Park completed the Dark Sky Certification Mentor Program from DarkSky Colorado and the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO), a Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) division. Many communities are creating dark areas to restore visibility of celestial bodies, fostering education and community engagement to inspire future generations. Protecting night skies preserves beauty and supports sustainability, benefiting local communities through reduced energy use, increased property values, and improved quality of life. Additionally, dark sky initiatives can enhance regional tourism and enrich the visitor experience.

“Reducing unnecessary light pollution saves energy, enhances stargazing tourism, and protects Colorado’s breathtaking night skies for everyone. This new partnership will provide tourism destinations across the state with the tools to protect our night skies and enhance viewing experiences, boosting our strong tourism economy,” said Governor Polis.

For more information about locations where you can see the night sky in Estes Park, please check out "See the Stars in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park" or listen to "Exploring Estes Park Podcast Dark Skies."

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO) is a community resource dedicated to fostering the scientific education of children in Estes Park and serving as an educational venue for the community and visitors. EPMO holds events throughout the year in conjunction with the local school system, the Estes Valley Astronomical Society, and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The observatory schedules private and group viewing sessions and hosts educational lectures on astronomy, cosmology, astrophotography, and special astronomical events such as comet fly-bys and more! We also have fun ongoing projects like our Human Sundial Project. EPMO is currently offering opportunities for volunteers.

Dawn Wilson Astrophotography: Night Skies of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's expansive size and elevated terrain make it an exceptional spot for an astrophotography tour with Dawn Wilson. The park spans the Continental Divide, offering the chance to capture the deep, dark skies and the soft glow from the Front Range lights. Longs Peak, the highest mountain in the park and all of northern Colorado, is located in the southern part of RMNP, perfectly positioned below the center of the Milky Way, which extends into the southern sky.

Estes Park Tour Guides Stargaze Tour

Join Estes Park Tour Guides to explore RMNP at night by headlamp and capture amazing images through nighttime photography. This is a great tour option for a first-night visit, as you get used to the altitude.