Evans
Stargazing Guide.
Just 23.4 miles from the center of Evans, lies some of the region's best viewing at Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. We feature instrumented readings from Coyote Ridge Parking to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Evans
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~23.4 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 6 rating from Coyote Ridge Parking as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Longmont Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Evans offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Evans is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the CO metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 6 skies found at Coyote Ridge Parking.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Evans
Observation in Evans is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Mountain region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Evans Observers
If you're visiting Horsetooth Mtn Open Space, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in CO during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 6 at Coyote Ridge Parking (21.4 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Evans
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Evans spots to preserve your night vision.
Horsetooth Mtn Open Space
" Evans observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Fossil Creek Reservoir
" Evans observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Lvld Prairie Ridge
" Heading out from Evans toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Lory SP
" A manageable drive from Evans, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
" A manageable drive from Evans, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Evans
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Horsetooth Mtn Open Space to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Evans
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Evans observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Coyote Ridge Parking
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Coyote Ridge Parking provide Evans residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Coyote Ridge Parking in Fort Collins Natural Area on 1/18/2017. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 20.02 SQM."
Coyote Ridge
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
Evans enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Coyote Ridge to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Resolution Testing. 3 data sets collected in order to determine vertical and horizontal illuminance"
Dark Sky Oasis near Evans
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Evans observers.
Jackson Lake State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Evans, Jackson Lake State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Jackson Lake State Park 26363 Count Rd 3 Orchard, CO 80649
Town of Breckenridge, Colorado
As one of the closest certified environments to Evans, Town of Breckenridge, Colorado offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
150 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424
Astronomy Clubs for Evans
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Evans residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Evans Nights
"Staging for a night near Evans requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Evans Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Evans requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. With Horsetooth Mtn Open Space sitting at a ~23-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.