stars and milkyway seen from rocky mountain national park

Home

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."

Rocky Mountain National Park: Night Sky & Astronomy Programs

Astronomy in the Park
Held at the Park & Ride Parking Area, this program begins with a ranger-led talk at sunset, followed by telescope viewing as darkness falls. With expert guidance, discover constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects.

Astronomy in the Park: Program Dates - Summer 2026:

Friday, June 5
Friday, June 12
Friday, July 10
Friday, August 7
Friday, August 14

This program begins at 8:30 p.m. as daylight fades to twilight with a ranger-led talk focused on the wonders of the night sky. When twilight transitions to night, you are invited to experience a variety of astronomy activities, such as telescope viewing. Participants will be invited to look up at features of the night sky using telescopes provided by an amazing team of astronomy volunteers. Astronomy in the Park takes place on the east side of RMNP at the Park & Ride parking area, located on Bear Lake Road. Participants are invited to drop in and depart at any time during the evening. This program wraps up at 11 p.m. When the program ends, visitors are welcome to stay in RMNP and continue viewing the night sky on their own. Interested in sitting back and stargazing? Participants are welcome to bring camp chairs and blankets!

Come Prepared!

In the Rocky Mountains, the temperature can be cold after dark, even in the heart of summer.

Participants are encouraged to bring layers and dress for the weather.
To help you navigate around in the dark, bring a flashlight with a red light or a red light filter. This will help you see at night while protecting your night vision.

Save the Date: A Weekend of Stargazing in Rocky

Join us on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, for a special weekend of celestial discovery! Enjoy a variety of activities during the afternoon and night, where participants can learn about our sun and the features of the night sky.

Locations:

Daytime activities will take place in the plaza in front of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Times TBD.
Evening activities will take place at the Park & Ride Parking Area. Times TBD.

Visit the Rocky Mountain National Park Night Sky & Astronomy Programs to learn more.

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.

YMCA of the Rockies: Nature Workshop Astronomy

Part of our popular Nature Workshops series designed for adult learners, this immersive astronomy workshop offers an engaging blend of science, hands-on learning, and night sky observation—all set against the stunning backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Participants will explore the history of astronomy, learn how to navigate the night sky, and identify celestial objects like stars, planets, and constellations. The workshop includes a hands-on session introducing telescope basics, followed by three guided night sky observing sessions led by experienced instructors and volunteer astronomers.

Whether you're a beginner or simply looking to deepen your understanding of the cosmos, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to learn and observe under some of Colorado’s most breathtaking skies.

To learn more, check out YMCA of the Rockies and Nature Workshop Astronomy.

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.

Sprague and Stars

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.

estesparktourguides_stargazing

Estes Park Adventure Tours: Star Tours

Experience the magic of Rocky Mountain National Park under the stars on this high-altitude night sky tour along Trail Ridge Road. Travel by car to 12,500 feet with three scenic stops for stargazing, wildlife sightings, and night photography. Learn how to capture the stars on your phone (iPhone 11 Pro Max/Galaxy S21 or newer), and receive 3–5 professional photos taken at each stop—perfect for printing and sharing.

To learn more or book, check out Estes Park Adventure Star Tours.

Estes Park Dark Sky Certification Status

What is the DarkSky International Community Certification?

A designation awarded by DarkSky International to communities that actively work to reduce light pollution, protect their night sky quality, and educate residents about the importance of dark skies, essentially signifying a commitment to preserving a naturally dark environment for astronomy and wildlife observation.

How does this impact tourism?

DarkSky destinations offer an unparalleled natural experience. In a world where many people live in urban environments, seeing the Milky Way clearly or witnessing a meteor shower with minimal light interference is not just rare; it's magical. Stargazing is dependent on clear, dark skies. It enables off-season tourism, which helps balance visitor numbers throughout the year and reduces the impact of seasonal peaks on local infrastructure and resources. Tourism offerings include Stargazing Lodging Packages, Dinner under the Stars, Astronomy Merchandise, Night Sky Tours & Workshops.