Sheridan.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Sheridan, CO. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Sheridan
- Top Community Pick: Chamberlin Observatory (~4.0 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Overflow Parking
- Local Experts: Denver Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Sheridan is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Chamberlin Observatory for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Overflow Parking provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. Atmospheric stability in the Sheridan region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sheridan
For the best results in Sheridan, 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 Sheridan Observers
Because Chamberlin Observatory is a developed site, it often features established viewing pads and specialized equipment. For the best views at this spot, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
Colorado Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Chamberlin Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Mueller State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Castlewood Canyon State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Horsetooth Mtn Open Space
" 'Dress for temperatures ~20F colder than forecast low for the night. If you need a flashlight, please cover it with red cellophane.' "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Overflow Parking
Florissant Fossil Beds NM
"Snowing at 6:00 pm but cleared out nicely by 9:00 pm. Very cold temps (27°) at start time and light winds. Transparency was excellent. The light dome of the greater Denver area easily visible to the NNE up to about 25° above horizon. Colorado Springs visible to the east and maybe a little brighter than Denver and light dome visible to the naked eye to almost 30°. The Milky Way rose later in the evening and the Prancing Horse was visible, though not vivid in detail, as the light dome of Colorado Springs was impacting that part of the sky. Naked eye limiting magnitude of 6.8 in the Big Dipper , which was near the zenith. Excellent night sky and great location for viewing and telescopes shielded from the highway. SQM reading of 21.67"
Coyote Ridge
Fort Collins Natural Area
"Resolution Testing. 3 data sets collected in order to determine vertical and horizontal illuminance"
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a 2,427-hectare IUCN Category V (International Union for Conservation of Nature) area in Colorado, U.S.
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…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.