State Park Finder
State parks offer getaways where the night sky is on display. Educational events and telescope training take place at various state parks throughout the year. Chat with park staff to learn about upcoming events and for pointers on the best spots to scope out some constellations! Identify constellations and celestial bodies, or simply reconnect with nature and gain some perspective.
State Park Finder
State parks offer getaways where the night sky is on display. Educational events and telescope training take place at various state parks throughout the year. Chat with park staff to learn about upcoming events and for pointers on the best spots to scope out some constellations! Identify constellations and celestial bodies, or simply reconnect with nature and gain some perspective.
Scenic Parks for Stargazing
Eleven Mile
Camp at Eleven Mile for great sky views over the reservoir. Bring your telescope and a constellation identification book to spot stars. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the secluded Stoll Mountain or Cross Creek campgrounds.
Jackson Lake
In 2020, Jackson Lake became Colorado's 1st state park with an International Dark Sky Park designation. The park made changes like removing bright lights and updating fixtures to protect the night sky. They collaborated with astronomy experts and got a Celestron telescope, making it one of the best places in Colorado for stargazing.
John Martin Reservoir
This remote, uncrowded park is a great spot to stargaze. Pack your binoculars and planisphere to help you get started identifying the constellations! Camping is available year-round with 213 site options.
Rifle Gap
Rifle Gap State Park, nestled behind the Grand Hogback, is perfect for clear mountain skies. It has 89 campsites, making it great for an overnight stargazing adventure. Enjoy breathtaking night sky views from the open campsites.
State Forest
Bundle up and get away from it all under a heavy blanket of twinkling stars at State Forest, located at 8,200 feet. This rugged mountain park along the west side of the Medicine Bow Mountains offers excellent stargazing.
Navajo
Light pollution is almost nonexistent under the thick smattering of stars above Navajo. It’s just you and the constellations; sit back and enjoy the peace. If you watch long enough, you might even catch a glimpse of a shooting star.
Featured Issue
Colorado Outdoors Magazine
2026 Annual State Parks Issue — View the contents.
The annual state park issue is full of recreation ideas: Bird watch at Barr Lake, go into the backcountry at State Forest, experience whitewater thrills at Arkansas Headwater.
A great gift
At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks
Order online or stop by your favorite park to pick up a copy!
The story of how Colorado's state parks came to be, featuring breathtaking photography and the voices of the staff and stewards of these magnificent public lands. The book delves into the rich history of Colorado's state parks, from their inception to the present day, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the state's natural and cultural heritage.
Colorado's Ultimate Road Trip
Colorado State Parks Passport
Visit a state park or hatchery and ask for your free passport. Ask any state park or hatchery staff to stamp your passport. Collect all 57 (42 parks, 15 hatcheries) stamps and receive a completion prize.