Stargazing in the Royal Gorge Region

The Royal Gorge region offers something increasingly rare in modern America: genuinely dark skies. Away from the Front Range light pollution, the night sky reveals itself in full splendor—the Milky Way arcing overhead, countless stars invisible from urban areas, and celestial events that remind you of the universe's scale.

Best Viewing Locations

Areas west of Canon City along Highway 50 offer darker conditions than town itself. Shelf Road and the surrounding BLM lands provide excellent access to truly dark sites. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park occasionally hosts special stargazing events.

What You'll See

On clear, moonless nights, the Milky Way stretches dramatically across the sky. Meteor showers like the Perseids (August) and Geminids (December) put on particularly impressive shows against dark backgrounds. Planets, satellites, and the International Space Station are all visible with varying regularity.

Planning Your Viewing

Check moon phases—new moon periods offer darkest conditions. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and celestial objects. Dress warmly even in summer; nights cool significantly at elevation. Allow 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness.