Colorado is a stunning place to visit in all seasons, offering a surprising combination of alpine wilderness and vibrant urban culture. Famous for the majestic Rocky Mountains, world-class ski resorts and year-round sunshine, it is the ideal destination for both outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation.
With that said, the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is launching the Colorado Stargazing Trail™, a new statewide guide that connects residents and visitors to the state’s extraordinary night sky viewing experiences, in conjunction with Colorado Dark Sky Month in June. The tour includes Colorado’s certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, as well as unique stargazing encounters and experiences, offering a tool to plan an unforgettable trip under the stars.
Colorado has 13 International Dark Sky Parks and eight International Dark Sky Communities that are committed to reducing light pollution and protecting one of the state’s most impressive natural resources: the night sky. The state also leads with more than 30 locations, including 12 state parks, having officially started the process to obtain International Dark Sky Site certification.
“Colorado is known for its world-class wilderness and cherished natural beauty that attracts visitors from around the world. This new guide provides residents and visitors alike with a map of the constellations to experience the beauty and awe of our night skies and support our local tourism economies,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The night sky is the ultimate Colorado adventure. Whether you hike to a remote park, tour a canyon on a historic train at sunset, or enjoy a craft beer under a canopy of stars, the Colorado Stargazing Trail offers something for every traveler. Highlights include:
- Guided stargazing and ranger-led evening programs at places like Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, home to the tallest dunes in North America and a certified dark sky park, and Chimney Rock National Monument, where ancient celestial alignments meet modern astronomy.
- Nighttime tours of Colorado railroads, including the Cumbres/Toltec Scenic Railroad Dark Sky Train, a unique astronomical experience that winds through the mountains of southern Colorado.
- Nighttime outdoor adventures like moonlight hikes with Estes Park Tour Guides or overnight excursions with Rewilding Expeditions in Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the country’s most beloved natural destinations.
- Stargazing gatherings, including public and private Star Parties at the Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe and dome tours and telescope observations at the Gunnison Valley Observatory.
- Stargazing retreats featuring warm cookies, local cider, and spectacular dark skies at CampV at Naturita, a private Conestoga camping experience at C Lazy U Ranch, or a dome viewing experience at The Nest at Blackhawk.
- An immersive lodging experience at Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, recently recognized as an approved accommodation by DarkSky International for its commitment to responsible outdoor lighting and environmental stewardship.
- Night sky programming at Colorado’s 13 international Dark Sky parks and communities, including:
Old Snowmass, which became Colorado’s newest dark sky community in February 2026.
Jackson Lake State Park, Colorado’s first state park certified as International Dark Sky.
Breckenridge, which is the first mountain ski resort community in Colorado to earn International Dark Sky Community designation by the end of 2025.
For more information visit www.COLORADO.com
