Colorado’s Best Stargazing Night? Highline Lake Has the View

When the sun goes down in Western Colorado, there is no shortage of places that offer an incredible view of the night sky. Have you ever watched the stars come out from Highline Lake State Park?

The Highline Lake State Park Star Party brings together local stargazers and the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for an evening of telescope viewing and astronomy lessons. Check out some of the incredible photos of the Milky Way over Colorado, then keep going for more info on the upcoming August star party at Highline Lake.

LOOK: Stunning Photos of the Milky Way Over Colorado and Utah National Parks + Monuments

Colorado is home to four national parks and eight national monuments. Our neighbors to the west, Utah, boasts five national parks and seven national monuments. Also within reach are the parks and monuments of New Mexico and Arizona.

If you're the road-trip type, they're all reachable in a day's drive from Colorado.

While the majority of tourists visiting these parks only witness the phenomenal views during the day, there's a sight to be seen under the stars.

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Highline Lake Star Party Brings Astronomy Close to Grand Junction

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Weather permitting, the August Highline Lake State Park Star Party is scheduled for the evening of the 8^th. It’s a public astronomy event where guests are invited to Highline Lake for a star-gazing lesson from the Western Colorado Astronomy Club. Telescopes are provided. Stay updated on times and weather at www.wcacastronomy.org. The Star Party is from 9 to 10 p.m.

What Can You See Through the Telescopes?

Colorado is home to several excellent International Dark Sky places. Star Parties are a great way to learn more about Western Slope astronomy, which makes visiting dark sky places even more enjoyable. At most events, the team can show off planets, star clusters, nebulae, double stars, and other deep-sky objects, explain what you are seeing, and even help you use a telescope for the first time.

Wide Open Skies Make Highline Lake a Stargazer Favorite

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The secret to a great star party might be the wide-open night skies along the Colorado-Utah border. Highline Lake is far enough from the city lights of Fruita and Grand Junction, which creates better viewing conditions. The park is a familiar place for families and photographers to enjoy the constellations. Come and see on August 8.

KEEP GOING: Astronomy Events Visible From Colorado in 2026

Colorado astronomer and author Jeff Dershem shares insight into fascinating terrestrial events visible in Colorado in 2026, Jeff, author of the book Planets to Pulsars: a Citizen's Guide to the Universe, and educator at Colorado Mesa University, sat down with Waylon Jordan to record their annual podcast, and shared valuable info regarding comets, meteor showers, and lunar eclipses for the year 2026.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

MORE: Don’t Miss a Single Full Moon in 2026 — See the Full List

When will a full moon light up the sky each month this year? Find out below!

Source: Colorado Stargazers Can See More at Highline Lake Star Party

Filed Under: Colorado Outdoors, Grand Junction Colorado, Colorado Stargazing

Categories: Articles, Colorado News, Colorado Local