Entry No. 63 — the Boulder file — filed under: after-dark

Estes Park Memorial Observatory Open House

Just north of the high school near the shore of Lake Estes, this small observatory pairs its monthly open houses with the Estes Valley Astronomical Society meeting. Doors open at 7, a talk starts at 7:30, and afterward, weather permitting, visitors take turns at a 16-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope under a 16-foot dome, riding a robotic Paramount mount. It is free, with the place running entirely on donations and souvenir sales, and the dark mountain air at altitude makes for sharp viewing.

The move: Sit in on the astronomy society's talk, then climb to the dome and look through the 16-inch telescope at planets and deep-sky objects high in the cold mountain air.

📍 Before you go Open house dates tie to the monthly astronomical society meeting; doors 7 p.m., talk 7:30. Free (donations welcome). Park in the high school teacher lot. About 35 miles from Boulder.

• 📍 Estes Park
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1600 Manford Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-23