Grand Junction, Colorado and the surrounding area offer many excellent locations for stargazing due to its clear skies and relatively low levels of light pollution. If you’re eloping or getting photos done here, and you’re a couple that love looking at the stars, it can be a fun opportunity to include astrophotography/star photos into your session! Even if photos at night aren’t for you, or you’re just someone who is visiting the area and stumbled upon this guide, I hope this gives you some good insights to where the sit and watch the stars on your visit. Here are some of the best places for stargazing near Grand Junction:
Colorado National Monument
The Colorado National Monument is a popular destination for stargazing due to its remote location and stunning views of the night sky. The park offers several overlooks that make great stargazing areas, as well as interpretive programs and astronomy events occasionally throughout the year. My favorite spots in particular are on the Fruita side, farther removed from the lights of the city – like Artists’ Point or the campground.
Ribbon Trail
Known by locals as the Moon Rock, this hiking and mountain bike trail offers an enormous slab of slickrock that feels out of this world to spread out a blanket and take in the stars. It is pretty far removed from the city lights and allows watchers a clear view of the skies above. It’s a small hike out to the rock, and there’s usually not many other people in the area. It’s pretty remote, so be aware of wildlife and safety.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is known for its dark skies and stunning views of the Milky Way. While it is a little over an hour from Grand Junction, the national park offers a remote location AND one-of-a-kind views to explore during the evening before the stars come up. The park offers several designated stargazing areas, as well as ranger-led night sky programs during the summer months.
Grand Mesa
The Grand Mesa is a popular destination for stargazing due to its high elevation and total lack of light pollution. The mesa is home to several campgrounds and recreation areas that offer excellent stargazing opportunities far removed from any towns or cities. Talk about ultimate seclusion! You won’t find much clearer stars to gaze at than up here. Check out Land’s End Overlook for a cool view of the ground below, too, before the sun sets.
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area is a remote and rugged area that offers excellent stargazing opportunities. The area is known for its dark skies and stunning views of the night sky. The Dominguez Canyon area is a popular daytime hiking spot, and its location in the vicinity of absolutely nothing makes for some really clear skies at night.
Highline Lake State Park
Highline Lake State Park is a popular destination for stargazing due to its remote location and relatively low levels of light pollution. Located near Mack and Loma to the west of Grand Junction and Fruita, there’s very little city lights left to impact your views. You could take in the stars from a boat or a paddleboard, or just cool off from the summer heat on the beach.
Glade Park
Glade Park is another good spot based on its remote location and stunning views of the night sky. The area offers several “locals’ favorite” stargazing areas, and almost no crowds to compete with. Some of those spots include the Miracle Rock, Potholes, and higher elevation camping and reservoirs.
Gateway
Gateway and the Unaweep Canyon leading to the little town are great spots for stargazing near Grand Junction, as the town is very small and a short drive down one of the dirt roads allows you to get far from any light pollution. Unaweep Canyon itself offers almost no light pollution to speak of as well, if you don’t want to make the full trek to Gateway. Pull off at Driggs Mansion or one of the hiking trails nearer Whitewater to watch from the roadside.
These are just a few of the best places for stargazing near Grand Junction, but there are many more locations to explore in the area. Remember to bring warm clothing, a red-filtered flashlight, and a blanket or chair to sit on, as well as to respect the natural environment and leave no trace behind.
