Night Sky & Astronomy Programs

View of stars in night sky over Rocky Mountain National Park

NPS

A Weekend of Stargazing

Join us on July 16, 17, and 18 for a weekend of celestial discovery! Enjoy a variety of activities, both during the day and at night, exploring Earth's sun, the stars, and the cosmos.

Thursday, July 16

• Meet NASA Scientists. Stop by the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a variety of special activities.

• See a featured exhibit on NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in August! Chat with Roman's project team, play a Roman video game and learn about the mission and its components - some of which were made in Colorado.

Friday, July 17

• Meet NASA Scientists. Stop by the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a variety of special activities.

• See a featured exhibit on NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in August! Chat with Roman's project team, play a Roman video game and learn about the mission and its components - some of which were made in Colorado.

• Solar Telescope Viewing. If the skies are clear, join RMNP astronomy volunteers on the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to safely observe our nearest star - Earth's sun, while using solar telescopes.

• Astronomy in the Park. Join us at 8:30 p.m. at Park & Ride Parking Area for a fun Astronomy in the Park program. See program details below.

Saturday, July 18

• Meet NASA Scientists. Stop by the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a variety of special activities.

• See a featured exhibit on NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in August! Chat with Roman's project team, play a Roman video game and learn about the mission and its components - some of which were made in Colorado.

• Solar Telescope Viewing. If the skies are clear, join RMNP astronomy volunteers on the outdoor plaza in front of Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to safely observe our nearest star - Earth's sun, while using solar telescopes.

• Astronomy in the Park. Join us at 8:30 p.m. at Park & Ride Parking Area for a fun Astronomy in the Park program. See program details below.

 

NPS Photo

Astronomy in the Park

Explore Wonders of the Night Sky in Rocky Mountain National Park this summer!

In 2026, this program will take place on the following dates:

• Friday, July 17 (part of a Weekend of Stargazing, details are listed below)
• Saturday, July 18 (part of a Weekend of Stargazing, details are listed below)
• Friday, August 7
• Friday, August 14

Astronomy in the Park begins with a ranger-led program at 8:30 p.m. As twilight transitions to night, you are invited to experience a variety of fun astronomy activities, such as telescope viewing or test your skills in night sky photography while using your own equipment.

Participants have the opportunity to look up and enjoy features of the night sky using telescopes provided by an amazing team of volunteers.

This program takes place on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at Park & Ride parking area, located on Bear Lake Road. Participants are invited to drop in and depart at any time during the evening.

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

Interested in sitting back and star gazing? Camp chairs or blankets are welcome! Sit back to enjoy the view!

Come Prepared!

In the Rocky Mountains, the temperature can be cold after dark, even in the heart of summer.

• Participants are encouraged to bring layers and dress for the weather.

• To help you navigate around in the dark, bring a flashlight with a red light or red light filter. This will help you see at night while protecting your night vision.