Jackson Lake State Park

Orchard, ColoradoBortle 2 Best in Summer

Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.

Jackson Lake is one of Colorado's certified dark sky parks on the eastern plains, where flat terrain and minimal development allow for 360-degree horizon views. It is one of the closer dark sky options to Denver and the Front Range, making it a practical destination for city-based stargazers looking for a quick escape.

What's here

On the map

What to bring

Our picks for a good night under the stars.

Some links in this section are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Beginner Telescope

A grab-and-go refractor for first light.

Shop pick →

Red-Light Headlamp

Preserve your night vision hands-free.

Shop pick →

Stargazing Recliner

Lie back and scan the whole sky in comfort.

Shop pick →

Star Chart App

Identify what you are looking at in real time.

Shop pick →

Nearby in Colorado

Bortle 3

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Montrose, Colorado

A natural amphitheater for the night sky with regular ranger-led astronomy programs.

Best in Summer

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