Night Sky Programs

Visitors, rangers, and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society gaze at the night skies above Florissant Fossil Beds.

Shell Bieker

Florissant Fossil Beds is an excellent place to learn about and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.
Located 1 hour's drive west of Colorado Springs, Florissant Fossil Beds is easily accessible yet far enough away from light pollution to provide dark, star-filled skies. From the park, it is possible to see the Milky Way, other galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, planets, comets, and much more. The best viewing spot if you are coming on your own, after hours, is the parking lot of the Hornbek Homestead which is located within the Monument off of Teller County Road 1.

Night Sky Programs:

Each Night Sky Program begins at the Visitor Center where you will pay your fee and/or show your pass. If you do not already have an American the Beautiful Interagency pass and/or do not qualify for one of them you will need to pay the daily fee and/or purchase a Florissant Fossil Beds annual pass. You can also do this ahead of time on recreation.gov


You will get orientation information and be guided to the outdoor viewing area where telescopes and laser pointer tours will be provided by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society.

*** On nights where the park is offering a night sky program (which is usually once a month) the park will remain open after 5pm all the way until the end of the night sky program).

Please dress warmly. Evenings in the mountains can be cool, even in summer.

No reservations are necessary. Please note that stargazing is weather dependent. The presentation is given no matter the weather conditions, however, it is always best to call ahead in case of severe thunderstorms or snowy conditions. The Monument can be reached at (719) 748 - 3253.

Partnership with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society:

Our Night Sky Programs are a collaborative effort with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSAS). Volunteer astronomers from CSAS bring additional telescopes and knowledge, to help make each stargaze a truly engaging experience. For more information about CSAS (including events at additional locations), please visit their website: csastro.org

Upcoming Program Schedule

2022 -

Friday, May 20^th, 8:30 – 10:30 PM

Friday, Jun 17^th, 8:30 – 10:30 PM

Friday, Jul 15^th, 8:30 – 10:30 PM

Friday, Aug 19^th, 8:30 – 10:30 PM

Friday, Sep 16^th, 8:00 – 10:00 PM

Friday, Oct 14^th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday, Nov 18^th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday, Dec 16, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Dates are also listed on our park Calendar.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@FlorissantNPS).