Avon
Stargazing Guide.
Just 74 miles from the center of Avon, lies some of the region's best viewing at Rocky Mountain National Park. We feature instrumented readings from Rainbow Curve to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Avon
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Rocky Mountain National Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~74.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Rainbow Curve as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact JUC Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 4 recognized sites near Avon offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Avon offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Rainbow Curve. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Avon
While Spring offers the most consistent clear nights for Avon, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Spring months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Avon Observers
When observing from Rocky Mountain National Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Avon residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of CO to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 3 at Rainbow Curve (68.9 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Avon
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Avon environment.
Rocky Mountain National Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Avon; this destination is a justified detour. Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)' "
RMNP Park&Ride
" While it's a bit of a journey from Avon, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Equipment Logic: Small aperture telescopes are actually more resilient to localized heat currents than large ones on suburban nights. "
RMNP Discovery Ctr
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Avon; this destination is a justified detour. Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)', 'It gets COLD once the sun sets. Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)' "
Hermit Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Avon, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Avon
Rural conditions near Avon provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Avon
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Avon nights in our observer field kit.
Rainbow Curve
Rocky Mountain NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Avon, Rainbow Curve serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Rainbow Curve in Rocky Mountain NP on 9/4/2008. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.56 SQM."
Rock Cut Geo Marker
Rocky Mountain NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Rock Cut Geo Marker provide Avon residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Many meteors were captured in the images! There was some haze near the horizon; stars were visible only above 10 degrees in elevation. The Beaver Creek fire was going on but it did not cause an obvious observable effect at the time of the observation. In between the two datasets, the average wind speed and the relative humidity were measured to be 7 mph and 40%, both were higher compared to the condition at the beginning of the observation. During the acquisition of the second data set, a bright light from a car shined directly into the camera, causing a bright and wide saturated column in the 7th image in b filter. Naked-eye Sky: Light pollution from the nearby cities was apparent from the azimuthal angle of 75 degrees and 110 degrees (east). The light from the towns were directly visible. The view due east (90 degrees) was blocked by the nearby rock formation. Although faint, the light dome extends all the way to the zenith. The Milky Way with the dark lanes was visible from 10 degrees in elevation in the west to 45 degrees in elevation in the east; the rest is lost in the haze (west) or in the light dome (east). The darkest part of the sky is due west of the zenith at roughly 70 degrees in elevation."
Dark Sky Oasis near Avon
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Avon residents.
Town of Breckenridge, Colorado
As one of the closest certified environments to Avon, Town of Breckenridge, Colorado offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
150 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424
Browns Canyon National Monument
Avon stargazers often look to Browns Canyon National Monument as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Ruby Campground County Road 301 Nathrop, CO 81236
Astronomy Clubs for Avon
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Avon Nights
"With the long trek from Avon, "ruggedness" becomes a gear priority. Ensure your tripod and mount are rated for uneven terrain, as the best dark sites near here often feature unpaved staging areas."
The Avon Field Kit
Every observer in Avon eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Avon city center and the instrumented readings at sites 74 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Avon.