Air Force Academy
Stargazing Guide.
Just 18 miles from the center of Air Force Academy, lies some of the region's best viewing at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. We feature instrumented readings from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Air Force Academy
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~18.0 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 Colorado Springs Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Air Force Academy offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Air Force Academy is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the CO metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 3 skies found at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Air Force Academy
In CO, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Air Force Academy residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Air Force Academy 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 (23.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Air Force Academy
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 Air Force Academy environment.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
" A manageable drive from Air Force Academy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "
Mueller State Park
" Heading out from Air Force Academy toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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. "
Garden of The Gods
" A short hop from Air Force Academy, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Florissant Fossil Beds
" A manageable drive from Air Force Academy, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 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. "
Fox Run Regional Park
" Practically in Air Force Academy's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Air Force Academy
Rural conditions near Air Force Academy provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Air Force Academy
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Air Force Academy nights in our observer field kit.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provide Air Force Academy residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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
The scientific findings at Alpine Camp provide Air Force Academy residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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 Air Force Academy
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.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
As one of the closest certified environments to Air Force Academy, 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
Browns Canyon National Monument
The protected skies at Browns Canyon National Monument represent a vital astronomical asset for the Air Force Academy observing community.
Ruby Campground County Road 301 Nathrop, CO 81236
Astronomy Clubs for Air Force Academy
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Planetary Expert profile.
Gearing Up for Air Force Academy Nights
"Staging for a night near Air Force Academy requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Air Force Academy Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Air Force Academy requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Cheyenne Mountain State Park sitting at a ~18-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.