We all know that the dark sky park is an amazing place to choose for stargazing. However, Alamosa is home to so many other stargazing locations that you won't want to skip. Open skies, stunning stars, and views that won't disappoint, there is only one thing missing--YOU! Read on to discover five of our favorite places to stargaze outside of The Great Sand Dunes National Park!
Alamosa Wildlife Refuge
Set up the perfect stargazing spot within the over 11,000 acres of land waiting for you at the Alamosa Wildlife Refuge. With low light pollution in the area, there will be not issues getting a perfect view of the stars in the sky. More than just the stars, you have the opportunity to spot wildlife if you look closely and if you don't see them, you will hear them! Allow the crickets to sing you a beautiful song to go along with the gorgeous views. Look no further for the perfect quiet night out, all you will need is above you. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a night of uninterrupted star viewing over the plains and wetlands of this location.
City of Alamosa North River Pavilion & Oxbow Trails Access
This is a perfect location for a little bit of fun before the stargazing beggins! Play frisbee golf into the sunset on a 27 hole course among the cottonwood trees. When you finish up, break out the chairs and blankets and get ready for the show of a lifetime. Gaze upon thousands of stars in the clear night sky as there is little light pollution in the area. Listen to the river flow and animals roam in the distance while nature sings its songs all around. Be transported to what feels like a different world as the night sky captivates and amazes you. With low numbers of visitors in the evening, this is a great spot for stargazing without crowds and allows so many different vantage points across the area. Stargaze in peace as you take mental images of the beautiful sky above.
Stargaze Where You Are Lodging
When you have had a full day of enjoying all that Alamosa has to offer, you might not want to do anything but sit next to the campfire and unwind. Luckily, Alamosa is home to a few lodging facilities that offer stargazing right where you are. Alamosa KOA, Ramble at the Great Sand Dunes, and Rustic Rook Resort all three are ideally located for you to throw a stargazing party. Sometimes, they even host stargazing parties paired with s'mores and good vibes making the perfect Alamosa evening. Pull up your chair, wrap up in a blanket, and look to the sky for the most beautiful stargazing you have seen.
Zapata Falls Trail
It doesn't get much better than stargazing and waterfalls in one location! Zapata Falls Trail is the perfect place for a night of stargazing. No light pollution leaves the skies extra dark making the stars really pop as the main attraction. Pick a clear night and breathe in the crisp air as you gaze above and take in the surreal views all around. With prior reservations, you can camp near the falls, extending your stargazing expedition. Grab your chair, make something warm to sip on, cuddle up by the fire and drink in the stars. Though beautiful, do proceed with caution and be prepared for anything. Wildlife roams at night, be respectful of their home and follow up on the necessary precautions to take if you should happen to have a run in with an animal. Ready your camera, because you won't want to forget the epic views at this location.
San Luis State Wildlife Area
Another gorgeous wildlife area seemingly made for stargazing is the San Luis State Wildlife area. Campsites paired with picnic areas make this the perfect stargazing escape especially if you are looking to stay the night. There are over 500 acres making up this area, leaving you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the stars in solitude. Do note that seasonally, this is an extremely high traffic location and the camping spaces are first come first serve. It hosts overflow campers from the National Park as well as hunters in the fall/winter months. Should you choose this location, know that you have to have a state wildlife area pass. Skipping this location would be a loss, don't skip this opportunity to kick back, relax, and view the beauty of nature under the night sky.
No matter where you choose to go to view the stars, you are in for a treat! The dark skies around the San Luis Valley give the stars and galaxies a chance to shine bright all year round. From all of us here at Visit Alamosa, happy stargazing.
