Event Details (U.S. National Park Service)

An NPS volunteer is looking up at the night sky with a telescope

People are lined up to look through a telescope

An NPS volunteer is looking up at the sky using a telescope

Join Rocky Mountain National Park staff and volunteers for a night of celestial discovery!

The evening begins at 8:30 p.m. at Park & Ride Parking Area with a ranger-led program focused on the wonders of the night sky. When twilight gives way to night, participants will be invited to look up at features of the night sky using telescopes. You can also set up a camp chair and enjoy viewing the night sky on your own or enhance your own night sky photography skills using your own camera or phone.

Junior Rangers of all ages are invited to become Night Explorers and participate in a variety of fun activities.

Park & Ride is located on Bear Lake Road approximately 5.2 miles from the Bear Lake Road/U.S. Highway 36 junction. Beaver Meadows Entrance is the closest park entrance. This family-friendly program is free and great for all ages. Park entrance fees apply.

This program wraps up at 11 p.m. When the program ends, participants are welcome to stay in the park and continue viewing the night sky on their own.

Come Prepared!

Dress for Success - Park & Ride is located at 8,635 feet above sea level. After dark, be prepared for temperatures to drop. For your comfort and safety, dress in layers. Bring water and snacks.

Comfort is Key - There is no seating available at Park & Ride. Participants are invited to bring a blanket or folding chair to use while sitting back and enjoying the night sky.

Protect Your Night Vision - To help you safely navigate in the dark, bring a flashlight or headlamp that has a red light filter. This will help protect your night vision.

Enjoy a fun night under the stars.

More information

Fees

A park entrance fee is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.

Location

This program takes place on the east side of RMNP at Park & Ride Parking Area

Latitude and Longitude 40.329327, -105.601045

Schedule

Date:

Jul 18, 2026

Time:

8:30 PM

Duration:

2 hours and 30 minutes

This program begins at 8:30 p.m. and wraps up by 11 p.m. Attendees are invited to stay as long as they like.

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