Laramie
Stargazing Guide.
Just 57.1 miles from the center of Laramie, lies some of the region's best viewing at Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. We feature instrumented readings from Soapstone to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Laramie
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~57.1 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Soapstone as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Northern Colorado Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Laramie offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Laramie offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Soapstone. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Laramie
Observation in Laramie is most rewarding during the Autumn 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 Laramie Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Laramie temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Soapstone (36.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Laramie
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 Laramie environment.
Horsetooth Mtn Open Space
" For the dedicated Laramie observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Lory SP
" While it's a bit of a journey from Laramie, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Fossil Creek Reservoir
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Laramie; this destination is a justified detour. 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
Rocky Mountain National Park
" For the dedicated Laramie observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)' "
Eagles Nest OS
" For the dedicated Laramie observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Laramie
Rural conditions near Laramie provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Laramie
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, Laramie observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Soapstone
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
For observers in Laramie, Soapstone serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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."
Soapstone Prairie
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
Laramie enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Soapstone Prairie to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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."
Dark Sky Oasis near Laramie
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Jackson Lake State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Laramie, 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
Laramie stargazers often look to Town of Breckenridge, Colorado as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
150 Ski Hill Rd Breckenridge, CO 80424
Astronomy Clubs for Laramie
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 Laramie Nights
"With the long trek from Laramie, "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 Laramie Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Laramie requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Horsetooth Mtn Open Space offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.