Sherrelwood
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Sherrelwood area serves as a strategic corridor for CO observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Horsetooth Mtn Open Space with professional NPS sky reports at Coyote Ridge Parking for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Sherrelwood
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Horsetooth Mtn Open Space. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~51.8 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 JUC Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Sherrelwood offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
As a regional observation basecamp, Sherrelwood offers the essential amenities needed before heading into the isolated darkness of Coyote Ridge Parking. It marks the transition where the suburban light dome finally gives way to the true wilderness sky.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sherrelwood
While Spring offers the most consistent clear nights for Sherrelwood, 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 Sherrelwood Observers
When observing from Horsetooth Mtn Open Space, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Sherrelwood 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 6 at Coyote Ridge Parking (44.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Sherrelwood
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 Sherrelwood spots to preserve your night vision.
Horsetooth Mtn Open Space
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Sherrelwood; 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.' "
Chamberlin Observatory
" Practically in Sherrelwood's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
Lvld Prairie Ridge
" A manageable drive from Sherrelwood, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
Fossil Creek Reservoir
" While it's a bit of a journey from Sherrelwood, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. '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
" While it's a bit of a journey from Sherrelwood, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Dress for winter temperatures (heavy coat, gloves, hat)' "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Sherrelwood
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to Horsetooth Mtn Open Space to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Sherrelwood
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, Sherrelwood observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Coyote Ridge Parking
Fort Collins Natural Area
Local Relevance
Sherrelwood enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Coyote Ridge Parking to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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
Sherrelwood 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 Sherrelwood
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 Sherrelwood observers.
Town of Breckenridge, Colorado
Sherrelwood 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
Jackson Lake State Park
The protected skies at Jackson Lake State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Sherrelwood observing community.
Jackson Lake State Park 26363 Count Rd 3 Orchard, CO 80649
Astronomy Clubs for Sherrelwood
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 Sherrelwood residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Sherrelwood Nights
"Heading out on a major drive from Sherrelwood justifies a "survival kit" approach: folding chairs, a thermos, and high-contrast planetary filters to make every mile of that journey count at the eyepiece."
The Sherrelwood Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Sherrelwood requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. With Horsetooth Mtn Open Space sitting at a ~52-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.