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 a pass. Entrance fees and pass purchases must be made with a credit/debit card or payment app on a mobile device.

You will receive park information and then be directed to the outdoor viewing area in the overflow section of the parking lot. 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, however, parking is limited. The parking lot will close if it becomes full. Please note that the events are weather dependent. It is always best to call ahead in case of severe thunderstorms or snowy conditions. The park 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: https://csastro.org

Upcoming Program Schedule
Friday October 25, 2024 (7:00pm – 9:00pm viewing); In case of cancellation, weather back-up is Saturday, October 26 (same time)

• If you have a headlamp or flashlight with a red-light mode, you should bring it along.
• If you arrive after dark, be prepared to use your parking lights in the parking lot when directed by park staff. Please use your parking lights when you are leaving the lot at the end of the program.
• Once you park, proceed to the Visitor Center to check in and pay your entrance fee or present 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 one. The entrance fee is $10 per adult ages 16 and over. Entrance fees and pass purchases must be made with a credit/debit card or payment app on a mobile device.

As dates are scheduled, they will be listed on our park Calendar.

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