Entry No. 66 — the Pueblo file — filed under: after-dark

Westcliffe & Silver Cliff Dark Sky Community Star Parties

Westcliffe and Silver Cliff were the first communities in Colorado certified as an International Dark Sky place, and they are among the highest-altitude dark-sky communities on Earth. Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley runs a season of free public star parties from spring through fall, each themed to whatever is overhead that month. Beyond the scheduled events you can also book a free private star party led by a trained volunteer Star Guide on clear evenings.

The move: Drive up for a themed summer star party, then book a free guided private session with a Star Guide who'll walk just the two of you through the constellations rising that night.

📍 Before you go Free but reservations recommended; star parties are seasonal (roughly May-October) and weather-dependent. About 55 miles / one hour west of Pueblo at high elevation, so bring warm layers even in summer.

• 📍 Westcliffe & Silver Cliff
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Bluff Park / Smokey Jack Observatory area, Westcliffe, CO 81252

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 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23