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 enjoy the wonders of the night sky. Located one hour 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.
In 2021, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument received certification as an International Dark Sky Park from the International Dark Sky Association (IDSA).

Any Night:
The Hornbek Homestead area and parking lot is open to the public 24 hours a day. The Hornbek Homestead has been designated as an area where visitors can enjoy the night skies after regular park hours. Visitors often use this site for viewing of celestial objects because of its unrestricted view of the night sky.

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

You will receive park information and then be guided to the outdoor viewing area. Telescopes and laser pointer tours will be provided by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society.

*** On nights when the park is offering a night sky program, the park will remain open 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 will be 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 [phone].

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 stargazing event a truly engaging experience. For more information about CSAS (including events at additional locations), please visit their website: csastro.org

Upcoming Program Schedule

2023 -
Mar 17, 8-9:45 PM
Apr 21, 8:30 - 10:15 PM
May 12, 8:30 - 10:15 PM
Jun 9, 8:30-10:15 PM
Jul 21, 8:30-10:15 PM
Aug 18, 8:30 - 10:15 PM
Sep 8, 8-9:45 PM
Oct 13, 7-8:45 PM
Nov 10, 7-8:45 PM
Dec 8, 7-8:45 PM

Dates are also listed on our park Calendar.

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