Dark Sky Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Montrose, ColoradoBortle 3 Best in Summer
Rural sky, where the Milky Way shows complex structure.
The sheer depth and darkness of Black Canyon creates a natural amphitheater for the night sky. The park holds an International Dark Sky Park designation and hosts regular ranger-led astronomy programs. The South Rim is the most accessible observing location, with open meadows and unobstructed views overhead.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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Nearby in Colorado
Bortle 2
Browns Canyon National Monument
Salida, Colorado
Remote Arkansas River canyon pairing dark skies with world-class whitewater.
Best in Summer
Bortle 2
Chimney Rock National Monument
Chimney Rock, Colorado
Ancestral Puebloan archaeoastronomy site with dramatic twin rock spires.
Best in Summer
Bortle 2
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Gunnison, Colorado
High-altitude reservoir country with minimal light interference.
Best in Summer