2019-12-10 23:55:46
Who knew being exceptionally dark was such an asset? Well, for those seeking unfettered Milky Way views, Colorado’s home to some of the best star-spotting around. MOUNTAINS & MESAS: 234 MILES TOTAL Start at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, an International Dark Sky Park, that hosts an astronomy festival in June, with four days of special activities. Then head to Lake City where you can marvel at the planets — is that Mars? — constellations and other nighttime phenomenon. Drive down to Creede and take notice of the blanket of bright-white stars each night. Round out your trip with Chimney Rock National Monument. Park volunteers will help you use telescopes to find things like Orion’s Belt. MYSTIC SAN LUIS VALLEY & PIKES PEAK WONDERS: 181.9 MILES TOTAL Home of one of the most powerful telescopes in the world, the Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe is a must-visit on your journey. Just 1 mile west of La Veta, the Southern Colorado Astronomical Park allows you to find the North Star. Sixty-four miles north, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a new internationally recognized Dark Sky Park. Finish your nighttime odyssey with a clear night in Crestone, which sits at almost 8,000 feet in elevation. DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES & PIONEERING PLAINS: 220 MILES TOTAL Begin in historic downtown Georgetown, where they are making an effort to reduce light pollution every day. Then hop in the car for two hours northward toward Horsetooth Reservoir. It’s worth it — Horsetooth Rock has views of Fort Collins on one side and the night sky on the other. Next, you’re off to Jackson Lake State Park; the glassy lake reflects a miracle of sparkles. End your adventure at Pawnee National Grassland, where there are no lights or mountains to block your view of the ebony sky. NEWEST ON THE SCENE: DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT TUCKED ART INTO COLORADO’S NORTHWEST CORNER, DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT IS COLORADO’S NEWEST ADDITION TO THE INTERNATIONAL DARK-SKY ASSOCIATION’S LIST OF DARK SKY PARKS.
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