Visit Alamosa teamed up with San Luis Valley Great Outdoors to bring you an informative blog piece centered around enjoying your night sky during the fall months! Continue reading below to learn more from Dani Robben, the Community Outreach Manager for SLV GO! 

Whether you're a casual stargazer or a seasoned astronomer, the San Luis Valley (SLV) provides ample stargazing opportunities for everyone. As one of the largest alpine valleys in the world, the SLV boasts wide open spaces at approximately 7500 ft in elevation, and an arid climate that makes it perfect for stargazing! The region offers an array of stargazing opportunities, and caters to all: those that would prefer a guided, easy entry and understanding of the world of dark skies (aka astrotourism), those hoping for creature comforts, or those that would rather get off the beaten path. We'll tell you where to go and best practices for stargazing so that you'll get the most out of your experience! 

Astrotourism

In an increasingly modernized world, humans are living in perpetual twilight with extended hours of productivity and commerce. People are craving connections that our fast-paced lifestyles, constant Zoom meetings, and endless emails can't provide. One way in which people are slowing down and finding connection, is through a type of nature-based tourism called astrotourism. Astrotourism involves the observation of celestial objects, space, and the universe. It's a growing industry that combines night sky viewing with astronomy related activities and outreach, such as stargazing, night sky hikes, astrophotography, or visiting observatories and planetariums. 

One of the best astrotourism experiences in the San Luis Valley requires a nighttime visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park during the summer to early fall. Programming takes place at the park's outdoor amphitheater and is ranger led. Programs begin with a presentation on a number of topics ranging from what other cultures see in the stars, to nocturnal wildlife. Talks are followed by a laser-guided constellation tour and/or the opportunity to view the night sky wonders like galaxy clusters, nebulae and planets through telescopes. However, park staff encourage visitors to experience the night through other ways than just viewing the night sky. For instance, keep an eye out for night-life of the dunes, including camel crickets, kangaroo Rats, toads, salamanders, coyotes, bobcats, and owls. But remember, these nocturnal creatures are sensitive to light-- only use a red light if needed! You may notice that your senses grow sharper as you spend more time in the dark. 

Caption: Ranger led night sky program at Great Sand Dunes National Park. NPS

Insider Tips: When attending an astrotourism event, there are some important aspects of stargazing etiquette you should know and plan for: 

1. No bright or white light:  First, ask yourself if light is needed for safety or to facilitate the activity you're participating in. Often, our eyes can adjust to the dark sky and we can still feel safe and enjoy recreational activities without artificial light. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes for the human eye to adjust to darker environments. You'll look like a genius and seasoned astronomer if you show up to a stargazing event with red cellophane to cover your flashlight or a low-limen, red light headlamp. Having this as an option is a great safety precaution and allows you to read star charts. 

2. Watch those car lights: Nothing is worse at a star party then when someone directs their bright, LED headlights towards the attendees and telescopes. Turn off any dome lights in your car before you get to the star party. Turn off your headlights and drive slowly with parking lights. Park so you will not have to back up. 

3. Bring warm clothes:  Come prepared for a late evening and cooler temperatures by bringing warm clothes such as a sweater or jacket. Even after a warm day, the valley's temperatures drop significantly at dusk. 

Creature Comforts

Caption: Labyrinth at Joyful Journey Hot Springs. Photo by Erick Miller 

The Valley provides a remarkable home base for people seeking opportunities to experience an undisrupted naturally dark sky, while still having amenities or creature comforts, and a unique experience! From lodges, casitas, yurts, to tipis-- there's something for everyone. During your stay, gazing up at the night sky will provide you a sense of solace, and after, a connection to the natural world and a new perspective of meaning. 

At Joyful Journey Hot Springs, you'll appreciate the varied lodging options provided, of which your stay is elevated to new heights with grand views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and undisrupted views of the night sky. And of course, sitting in a hot spring while ogling at the starry sky above you, might just be the most comfortable and cozy way to experience the night sky.

Caption: Grain Bin Villa with a Milky Way backdrop at Rustic Rook Resort. Rustic Rook Resort.

Rustic Rook Resort puts you in close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park! Rustic Rook is an excellent place to view the stars with limited interference from light pollution and offers glampers stargazing opportunities right from their tent or grain bin villa's porch. Yep, you read that right-- upcycled grain bins provide a unique stay and are quite fitting in the agriculturally economic driven valley. One villa has been constructed and there are four more coming! The Villas offer creature comforts like a king-sized bed, couch, tv, bathroom, and are even outfitted with a telescope. 

Insider Tips:

1. Stargazing aids: When staying at a lodge or resort, do your research ahead of time and see if your accommodations offer stargazing equipment like telescopes or binoculars for rent or load. If not, a good pair of binoculars would certainly be a cost-effective investment if you'd like a stargazing aid. Maybe you even already have birding binoculars, which could very well be a good beginner tool for astronomy. So, what makes for good astronomy binoculars? Binocular sizes are quoted as magnification x objective lens size in millimeters. The greater the lens, the more powerful it will be at collecting light and spotting fainter stars and nebulae. Binoculars with 40-50 mm objective lenses will provide a wide view adequate for astronomy. In terms of magnification, 7-8x is okay and 10-12x is even better! 

2. App advantage:  Having stargazing apps installed on your phone ahead of time is a great idea if you're interested in learning more about the night sky and need help pinpointing particular celestial objects. However, use these apps sparingly! Staring at your phone for too long can take away from the experience and defeat the purpose of connecting with the night sky. 

• SkySafari 7 Pro is a must-have app for all serious astronomers and feature a huge database, nifty telescope control, sleek planetarium, and lets you plan your stargazing trips and share your results with your friends. 

• Night Sky 11  offers an easy-to-use planetarium and nice AR overlays and is a great app for anyone wanting to point their phone straight at the sky and learn more about what's above them. 

• Star Walk 2 is a great option for beginners looking to learn more about stars, constellations, and planets. It also has a satellite tracker and appealing AR overlays event on the free version, with a very affordable upgrade.

3. Lighting Etiquette: Ensure you are using dark sky lighting etiquette to enhance your experience and others around you. Again, avoid using bright, white flashlights and switch to dim, warm colored (amber) or red lights to protect your night vision. Make sure porch lights are only on when needed, and that you use blinds or minimal indoor lighting to prevent light trespass so that you don't impact others experience. 

Off the Beaten Path

Fall in the Rocky Mountains is ideal for stargazing due to clearer skies, cooler temperature, and longer nights, allowing ample time to delve into the cosmos. Here in the SLV, you'll be able to easily escape the crowds and truly immerse yourself in the ultimate stargazing experience! You don't have to go far to feel off the beaten path. Head to Alamosa Canyon or Rock Creek and you'll find peace and be in complete awe of the grandeur of the night sky. 

Alamosa Campground

Nestled by the Alamosa River and tucked away in the trees, Alamosa Campground offers a more primitive experience. The campground is approximately a 50-minute drive from Alamosa and is 4.5 miles above Terrace Reservoir Dam. Camping is first come-first serve, has 5 campsites catered for tent campers, tables and fireplaces, and ample parking. Be prepared as there are no restrooms and no water available. Though you won't get expansive views of the sky's horizon, you'll have a great view of the night sky from your campsite framed by beautiful pine trees at this location. 

Caption: Alamosa Campground. Rio Grande National Forest.

Rock Creek Campground & Dispersed Camping

This Campground and adjacent picnic area complex is located alongside the fast-moving Rock Creek in a stand of mature Aspen trees. There are 10 sites that accommodate tent camping and trailers, many of which are right along Rock Creek. Stargazing opportunities abound in this area. At Rock Creek Trailhead, there is a two-track road that goes to the archery range that overlooks the valley skies to the east. 

Caption: Rock Creek Campground. Photo by Scott Rappold.

Insider Tips:  When planning a trip to the San Luis Valley for stargazing opportunities, there are some key tips that will improve your visitor experience:

• Plan your visit around the moon: Seek information on the moon's phases. A full moon brightens the sky, making it harder to see the stars. The week before a new moon and the four nights after are the darkest times for stargazing. 

• Monitor the forecast: A Stargazing experience can lose its luster on a cloudy night. Look at the forecast before you go to ensure a clear, starry sky. Bring layers as well in case the temperature drops. That way, you can stay warm and cozy while you gaze up at the sky. 

• Find the right spot: Before you head outside to stargaze, figure out the best places near your campground to see the stars. The view of the night sky can vary from site to site as well, depending on trees/foliage and hills or mountains that may block your view. Often times, day use areas or picnic areas are great for stargazing. which also allows you to share your stargazing experience with other campers if you're inclined! Move away from other campsites into an open area so you can have the best view of the sky and as far away from artificial light as possible. 

From both of the teams at Visit Alamosa and San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, we hope that you learned a lot and are now excited and ready to get out into the last of the fall season to experience the stars before the snow falls! 

Article written by: Dani Robben, SLV GO

Photo Captions: Provided by SLV GO