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Colorado launches new stargazing trail Colorado, USA
Colorado has plenty of famous sights. Snow-capped mountains. Epic hiking trails. Ski towns that genuinely convince people winter is fun.
But the state's latest tourism launch is focused on something a little higher up.
The Colorado Tourism Office has unveiled the Colorado Stargazing Trail, a new statewide guide connecting travellers to some of the darkest skies in North America. And unlike most attractions, this one gets better the later it is.
The trail links together Colorado's growing collection of International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, helping visitors plan trips around everything from ranger-led astronomy programs and moonlit hikes to observatory visits, stargazing retreats and even historic train rides under the stars.
There are guided night-sky experiences at Great Sand Dunes National Park, where North America's tallest dunes meet some seriously impressive celestial views.
You can hop aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad's Dark Sky Train, join a moonlit adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, or spend the night at one of several stargazing-focused retreats complete with telescopes, campfires and understandably little phone reception.
Colorado is already home to 13 certified International Dark Sky Parks and eight Dark Sky Communities, with more than 30 additional locations currently working towards certification. So, the state is taking its darkness very seriously.
The launch also encourages travellers to do their part by reducing light pollution, respecting wildlife and embracing the simple concept of looking up.
Turns out one of Colorado's most spectacular attractions has been there all along. Most people just forgot to switch off the lights.
*Images supplied by Colorado Tourism Office/Lumenati Productions.
Night sky programming at of Colorado’s 13 International Dark Sky Parks and Communities including:
o Old Snowmass became Colorado’s newest International Dark Sky Community in February 2026.
o Jackson Lake State Park is Colorado’s first International Dark Sky certified state park.
o Breckenridge became Colorado’s first mountain ski resort community to earn International Dark Sky Community designation in late 2025.
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