Stratmoor
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Stratmoor area serves as a strategic corridor for CO observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Cheyenne Mountain State Park with professional NPS sky reports at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Stratmoor
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~3.4 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Star Light Observatory for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Stratmoor offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Stratmoor acts as a primary gateway to the Cheyenne Mountain State Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 3) at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Stratmoor
In CO, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Stratmoor residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Stratmoor Observers
If you're visiting Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 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 3 at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (28.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Stratmoor
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Stratmoor's local horizons.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
" Just a quick dash for Stratmoor residents, this location offers great convenience. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Garden of The Gods
" Practically in Stratmoor's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Mueller State Park
" A manageable drive from Stratmoor, 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. "
Fox Run Regional Park
" Practically in Stratmoor's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Kane Ranch Open Space
" A short hop from Stratmoor, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Stratmoor
Rural conditions near Stratmoor provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Stratmoor
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, Stratmoor observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provide Stratmoor residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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"
Alpine Camp
Great Sand Dunes NP&P
Local Relevance
For observers in Stratmoor, Alpine Camp serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"M31 easily visble to the naked eye. Alamosa light dome prominent to the SSW and hundres of individual lights from homes scattered at the base of Crestone Peak (sub-division all around community of Crestone). Airglow was strong, especially to the north and east. Zodiacal light difficult to see. Bright light coming from the direction of Oasis Lodge near GRSA entrance."
Dark Sky Oasis near Stratmoor
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 Stratmoor observers.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
As one of the closest certified environments to Stratmoor, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
15807 Co Rd 1 P.O. Box 185 Florissant, CO 80816 USA
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado
As one of the closest certified environments to Stratmoor, Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, Colorado offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
Custer County, Colorado, USA
Astronomy Clubs for Stratmoor
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 Stratmoor Nights
"With such a short hop from Stratmoor to the stars, your gear kit should prioritize "setup speed." Use a stable Alt-Az mount that lets you start viewing the moment you park."
The Stratmoor Field Kit
Every observer in Stratmoor eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Cheyenne Mountain State Park sitting at a ~3-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Stratmoor.