80 percent of North Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live, making a trip to see Colorado’s brightest stars more appealing than ever. Witnessing these incredible stars helps visitors step away from a frantic life and their tie to devices and reconnect with nature in a way that’s accessible to all.
The Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association’s (IDA) award-winning International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program has encouraged many locations in Colorado to preserve their night sky. Founded in 2001, the program encourages communities, parks, and protected areas around the world to preserve and protect dark sites through responsible lighting policies and public education.
Since then, it has awarded a designation to 11 places in Colorado, making the Centennial State one of the most highly designated states in the nation. Most recently, Mesa Verde National Park and the towns of Nucla and Naturita have joined the list.
Where to see the stars in Colorado?
For those seeking the ultimate Rocky Mountain road trip, there’s Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, a self-guided tour that takes travelers through several rural Colorado locations known for their dark skies and bright stars, many of which carry the IDA designation.
As PR representative for the tour, I invite you to explore Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night and share it with your readers. Visit all (or some) locations in person or virtually with help from me!
Locations on the tour include Westcliffe/Silver Cliff, Creede, Crestone, La Veta, Cuchara, Lake City, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Gunnison, and Nucla, Naturita, and Norwood.
Colorado Stargazing can be found on Colorado.com, where a dedicated webpage offers a map, a brief description of each location, the best places to see the stars, stargazing events, and top daytime attractions per location. Additional information is also available in the media kit.
Now is the ideal time to write about stargazing in Colorado. Our precious outdoor spaces have been overrun in the last year, with some more popular attractions now requiring permits or timed tickets. Do your part and promote low-impact travel in less-visited locations throughout Colorado. Open your readers’ eyes to what lays beyond Rocky Mountain National Park, Vail, and more.
If you’re interested in writing about Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, let us know. We’ll arrange interviews, gather content, and even help you take the tour (or part of it) yourself.
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