Stargazing

In 2021, Mesa Verde National Park was certified as the world's 100th International Dark Sky Park, in recognition of the park's ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the naturally dark skies. Mesa Verde sits at the center of the darkest skies remaining in the contiguous United States. The region's high elevation, arid climate, sparse population, and clear skies all contribute to exceptional stargazing opportunities.

 

Milky Way Over Point Lookout

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

2024 Beginner Astrophotography Workshops

Mesa Verde National Park is hosting four free Beginner Astrophotography Workshops with nationally known astrophotographer Don Riddle, on Tuesday through Friday, August 6–9.

Each of the four nights is a stand-alone workshop on how to successfully take photos of the Milky Way. The workshops begin at 7:45 pm allowing time to get you familiar with your camera settings while there is still sunlight. The evening finishes around midnight. Locations and maps are provided on the resgistration page. An optional drop-in session will be held the following day, indoors, to learn how to edit your photos.

Reguired Equipment for All Participants:

• Camera with ISO up to 6400 available (DSLR or mirrorless, please)
• Wide angle lens 50mm or less (stock lenses are ok, f stop lower than 3.2 is preferred)
• Sturdy tripod
• Red light headlamp
• Warm clothes
• Camp chair - there is no seating available at workshop locations
• Extra Memory card
• Thumb drive

Recommended Equipment for All Participants:

• Remote shutter
• Extra batteries
• Water and snacks
• Bring warm clothing – it gets cool in Colorado at night!

Registration is Required

The workshops are free but registration is required and each night's worlkshop is limited to 20 participants. Registration (link below) opens on Sunday, July 21 at 8 am Mountain Daylight Time.

REGISTER HERE

 

The Milky Way Galaxy takes center stage to the silhouetted landscape and the sun's final glow.

Image courtesy of Jacob W Frank

Some of the Country's Darkest Skies

Park visitors might experience a night sky very similar to what the the Ancestral Pueblo people saw a millennium ago. The night skies above Mesa Verde are an important cultural resource, and a draw for visitors seeking a dark sky experience.

Where to Stargaze

While Mesa Verde's ancestral sites, trails, and backcountry are closed at night, there are many good spots to enjoy views of the stars across the dark skies. Spend the night, May through October at Morefield Campground. Attend an evening program or star party at the campground amphitheater. Far View Lodge and the surrounding area offer great stargazing opportunities. Numerous overlooks along the park road, including many unnamed pullouts, provide expansive views of the night sky and remain open to public access throughout the night.

Tips for Stargazing

Plan

the darkest skies appear during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. Check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases before you head out. NASA's Night Sky Planner page offers useful links and tips.

Allow for Plenty of Time

It can take 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Spend enough time outside away from bright lights to allow your eyes to adjust.

Use a red light

Night vision is impacted by the white light from flashlights, cell phones, and vehicle headlights. Many flashlights and headlamps have a red-light feature, or you can simply cover your white light with red cellophane.

Bring a star chart

A star chart or planisphere helps locate constellations. These are available for purchase from Mesa Verde Association park stores, or from their online location.