Jackson Lake State Park Dark Sky Stargazing — After Dark & Night Sky in Boulder

Entry No. 65 — the Boulder file — filed under: after-dark

Jackson Lake State Park Dark Sky Stargazing

This was Colorado's first state park to earn International Dark Sky Park status, and out on the eastern plains it rates a Bortle Class 2, about as dark as Front Range stargazing gets. The lake's glassy surface mirrors the Milky Way, and the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society periodically hauls telescopes out for free star parties open to anyone with a parks pass. Pitch up lakeside on a clear, moonless night and the sky overhead is genuinely staggering.

The move: Drive out to the dark plains, spread a blanket by the water on a moonless night, and watch the Milky Way arc over the lake (or join a society star party if one lines up).

📍 Before you go Requires a Colorado parks pass (per vehicle). Star parties are intermittent and weather-dependent; check CPW's event calendar. Best on clear, moonless nights. About 70 miles northeast of Boulder.

Where: 26363 County Rd 3, Orchard, CO 80649

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

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

#after-dark #dark-sky-park #stargazing #milky-way #star-party #lakeside

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23