Laramie.

The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Laramie, WY. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.

Bortle Scale
4
Best Regional Reading
Sky Quality
21.37
SQM Zenith Value
Verified Sites
5
Community Vetted
Dark Sky Parks
2
IDA Certified Nearby

Quick Guide for Laramie

  • Top Community Pick: Horsetooth Mtn Open Space (~57.1 miles)
  • Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at Soapstone
  • Local Experts: Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
  • Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots

If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Laramie, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Horsetooth Mtn Open Space for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Soapstone provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Laramie and the more rural stretches of WY creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Laramie

For the best results in Laramie, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.

Expert Tips for Laramie Observers

Before heading out to Horsetooth Mtn Open Space, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars here for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.

Local Top Spots

Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 100%

Horsetooth Mtn Open Space

57.1 mi
Distance

" 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "

Fort Collins, CO 80526
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 85%

Lory SP

52.4 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Bellvue, CO 80512
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 90%

Fossil Creek Reservoir

64.7 mi
Distance

" 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "

Fort Collins, CO NaN
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 87.5%

Rocky Mountain National Park

64.4 mi
Distance

" Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)' "

Estes Park, CO 80517
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 80%

Eagles Nest OS

53.2 mi
Distance

" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "

Laporte, CO 80535
Get Directions
Scientific Audit

NPS Sky Measurements

Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.

Soapstone

Fort Collins Natural Area

21.37 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Night was clear initially with good transparency and fair seeing. Clouds developed over Cheyanne as equipment was set up. During first set clouds increased in a line from north to south. Line of clouds shifted east, but a bank of clouds remianed over the Fort Collins light dome, illuminated. Prior to clouds, the Milky Way was visivle as a complete arc washed out only in the Cheyanne lightdome about 5 degrees above the north horizon. Sagittarius star cloud was still visible over the Fort Collins light dome, although details like the Prancing Horse were difficult to see. Overhead M13 was easily visible naked eye, as was M31. SQM of 31.33; SQM-L 21.21 at Zenith at 0045."

Observation Date
7/21/2014
Elevation
1940m
Zenith Brightness
21.3

Soapstone Prairie

Fort Collins Natural Area

21.32 SQM
Bortle Class 4

"Seeing fair, transparency fair, NELM in Hercules/Draco, glare sources many, including white strobes on a tower definitely brighter than Jupiter, nearby 3 or 4 constant sources brighter than Jupiter, plus several dozen sources fainter than Jupiter in distance, including pulsing red tower lights of radio station near Fort Collins and wind farm near Cheyenne. Two bright large light domes observed, one from Cheyenne brightest, much brighter than Venus, perhaps thin crescent moon brightness, casts shadows, damages night vision, extending nearly to zenith early, to 60 degrees above horizon late, at least 45 degrees wide. Fort Collins/Denver extends to 45 degrees above horizon early, 35 late, fainter than Cheyenne, just as broad, appears redder. Zone of uniform darkness observed about 60 degrees in diameter, offset from zenith to southwest. Milky Way detail quite good especially late overhead, but Sagittarius star cloud much diminished by Ft. Collins glow, and disappears below that to the south. Late, through Cassiopeia is invisible because of Cheyenne, but Cygnus area relatively unaffected. Several small light domes seen in addition but fainter than Jupiter and extend no higher than 10 degrees above the horizon. Airglow only seen to the southwest and west because of haze and bright light domes, seemed moderate or low."

Observation Date
8/2/2016
Elevation
1923m
Zenith Brightness
21.66

International Dark Sky Parks

Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.

IDA Certified Distance: 102.5 miles

Jackson Lake State Park

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This park is an “Oasis in the Plains,” for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that’s not all…

Category
International Dark Sky Park
Certified
2020
Land Area
13.2 km2
Coordinates
40.3813, -104.0799
IDA Certified Distance: 127.3 miles

Town of Breckenridge, Colorado

The Town of Breckenridge sits at 9,603 feet above sea level in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, just west of the Continental Divide…

Category
International Dark Sky Community
Certified
2025
Land Area
15.66 km²
Coordinates
39.4983, -106.0482

Local Astronomy Clubs

Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#385

Northern Colorado Astronomical Society

Laporte, CO

NASA Night Sky Club ID
#594

Cheyenne Astronomical Society

Cheyenne, WY