12 W E S T W O R D S u m m e r G u i d e 2 0 2 5 westword.com Look Up! THE FIVE BEST PLACES FOR STAR- GAZING IN COLORADO. BY A BIGA I L BL ISS Far from the glow of city lights, the night skies in Colorado’s mountain regions fl icker with countless stars. Low humidity and a high elevation create ideal view- ing conditions, especially when there’s a new moon. Some particularly prime star-watching sites are celebrated as Dark Sky Places; this offi cial designation applies to eighteen areas across our state — but given their remote nature, not all are easy to access. To make your cosmic quest simple, we’ve created an epic road trip itinerary that averages just two hours of driving each day. Enjoy outdoor adventures, historic landmarks and culinary experiences fol- lowed by the mesmerizing main attraction at these fi ve places to stargaze in Colorado: Day 1: Browns Canyon National Monument Salida Your journey begins with a visit to Colora- do’s newest International Dark Sky Park: Browns Canyon National Monument. This destination lies two hours south- west of Denver, between the commu- nities of Buena Vista and Salida. Spend the day whitewater rafting or fl y fi shing on the Arkansas River; local outfi tters offer guided excursions. Or lace up your hiking boots and summit one of the area’s fourteeners before soaking in some of the state’s best hot springs. Come nightfall, the stars are especially impressive from the Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction campgrounds, which you can book online for $28 per night. Day 2: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Mosca Two hours south of Salida lies Great Sand Dunes National Park, another Interna- tional Dark Sky Park with incredible star- gazing opportunities. While the sun is shining, hike up some of the continent’s tallest dunes, then sled or sandboard down the slopes before cooling off in Medano Creek. Rangers host summer astronomy programs every Saturday at 8:30 p.m., offering insights into nocturnal ecology and the night sky. For a more in-depth look, visit the nearby Kosmos Stargazing Resort for its two-hour guided experience, which includes a constellation tour using a laser pointer, plus the opportunity to view celestial objects through high-quality telescopes. Since this new luxury resort’s overnight villas won’t open until November, consider glamping at Frontier Drive-Inn, which shows movies beneath the stars on a big outdoor screen. Plan a pit stop at the quirky UFO Watchtower on the way to your accommodations. Day 3: Lake Fork Earth and Sky Center Lake City On the third day of your trip, you’ll drive roughly two hours along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. Spend the morning in Creede, a historic mining town set within a former volcanic caldera; sheer cliffs rise above its downtown strip, where you’ll fi nd Old West charm and the Underground Min- ing Museum. Continue on to Carson, one of Colorado’s ghost towns, whose abandoned structures are accessible via a seven-mile hike or with a 4x4 vehicle. Finally, as the sun begins to set, head to the Lake Fork Earth and Sky Center or the neighboring Slumgullion Center: Both are designated International Dark Sky Parks. Pitch a tent at one of the area’s campgrounds or stay in a cabin in nearby Lake City, the most remote town in the lower 48 states. Day 4: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Montrose The next day, drive one hour north to Curecanti National Recreation Area, which is home to the 29-mile-long Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in the state. From fi shing and kayaking to lounging on a sunny moun- tain beach, it’s easy to fi ll the morning at one of Colorado’s best boating desti- nations. The Elk Creek and Lake Fork marinas offer various rentals, including pontoons and paddle crafts. Make a splash before driving another hour to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Short trails lead to stunning vistas featuring vertical cliffs and the raging Gunnison River below. After the sun sets, admire the dazzling Milky Way from several overlooks or the South Rim campground, which you can reserve online for $20 to $34 per night through September 30. Day 5: Paonia From Black Canyon, continue on the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway to one of Colorado’s most bountiful regions. On this ninety-minute drive, stop to sample sweet corn in Olathe, then pick your own apples, peaches and cherries at Big B’s Delicious Orchards, a beloved attraction in Paonia. This small, rural community is also home to several high-altitude vine- yards. Bask in the beauty of the North Fork Valley while sipping away at Qutori Winery, Stone Cottage Cellars and more. When night falls in this International Dark Sky Place, a glittering tapestry appears above. Get a good night’s sleep at one of the lodging options in town before making the four-hour journey back to Denver the next day. The Milky Way seen from Great Sand Dunes National Park. JOSH GORDON / UNSPLASH
