If you dream of mystical dark skies full of stars, plan a visit to Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado! Here you can peer deep into the universe, see the Milky Way, and make a wish on a shooting star.
In fact, our stargazing is so good that in the future, we hope to become a certified Dark Sky Community. This summer, you can enjoy the night sky with our free stargazing programs.
Photo: @z_armstrong5280
JUST HOW DARK ARE THESE SKIES?
Colorado Mountain College student, Elliott Gorsuch, has been collecting the data needed to apply to DarkSky International. He ventures into the night to measure the sky’s darkness, taking readings with the Sky Quality Meter-Lense, as well as tracking data like latitude and longitude, cloud cover, temperature, and time of night to gain a full sense of the sky’s darkness.
His readings show more than 90 percent of true dark skies near Twin Lakes and in wilderness areas. Where might skies be darker than that? Very remote places, like above the middle of the ocean. There, you can see stars that are only visible with very dark skies.
Completing the work needed to receive Dark Sky Community certification will take a couple of years. In addition to collecting data and doing community outreach, locations like Leadville-Twin Lakes need to pass lighting ordinances that protect night skies.
Photo: @zakappleton
WHY DO DARK SKIES MATTER?
When night becomes day, it disrupts navigation and natural rhythms of wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, says DarkSky International. It separates us from our night sky heritage, which has “inspired science, religion, philosophy, art, and literature.” Outdoor lighting fixtures can waste energy and money, and studies show that lighting does not prevent crime. Learn more about light pollution and how to bring about darker skies.
Pro tip: If you want to find the best stargazing, Elliott reports that areas near Tennessee Pass are often the darkest of the ones he surveys.
JOIN STARGAZING & TELESCOPE PROGRAMS IN TWIN LAKES
To see the dark skies for yourself, join free stargazing and telescope programs this summer.
Joan and Leo from the US Forest Service lead these programs, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.
WHAT TO BRING
For all programs:
- Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes
- Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on
- Bring a headlamp with a red (or low-light color) setting
- All programs are weather-dependent and may be cancelled if there is rain or lightning
- Children must be accompanied by an adult for these fun, free programs
- Recommend downloading the Stellarium App on your mobile device
1) Summer Milky Way Star Party
Saturday, August 8th, 2026 from 8:00 to 10:oo p.m.
Join a Forest Service Ranger to learn about the Greek stories of some of the summer constellations in the night sky. Afterwards, gaze through a Celestron Telescope at some deep space objects, including galaxies, nebula and star clusters. View the Milky Way with your own eyes above Twin Lakes and learn more about it.
Meet at Red Rooster Boat Ramp in Twin Lakes
2) Andromeda Labor Day Weekend Star Party
Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Join a Forest Service Ranger to learn about the Greek stories of some of the summer constellations in the night sky. Afterwards, gaze through a Celestron Telescope at some deep space objects, including galaxies, nebula and star clusters. View the Andromeda Galaxy and learn more about our nearest neighbor.
Meet at Red Rooster Boat Ramp in Twin Lakes
We hope to see you there!
Photo: @stevoco1979
MORE ON DARK SKIES AT LEADVILLE-TWIN LAKES
See “Enjoy Dark Skies at Leadville-Twin Lakes” to see where to go, find stargazing resources, and learn how to preserve dark skies while on your trip.
Stay in Twin Lakes and experience the dark skies for yourself from a campground, cabin or lake view home.
Cover photo: @larsleberphotography
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