Redlands
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Redlands area serves as a strategic corridor for CO observers. We combine community-vetted spots like verified local spots with professional NPS sky reports at Hilltop above maintenance for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Redlands
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: verified local spots. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~0.0 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class C (Suburban). Use the instrumented 5 rating from Hilltop above maintenance as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Western Colorado Astronomy Club for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 0 recognized sites near Redlands offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Redlands acts as a primary gateway to the verified local spots zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 5) at Hilltop above maintenance just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Redlands
Observation in Redlands is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Mountain region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Redlands Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Redlands temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at verified local spots. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 5 at Hilltop above maintenance (4.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Redlands
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 Redlands spots to preserve your night vision.
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Redlands
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to a dark site to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Redlands
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, Redlands observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Hilltop above maintenance
Colorado NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Hilltop above maintenance provide Redlands residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"The Grand Junction airport is also prominent on the north end of the city. The truck stop/gas station in Fruita (Loco) has an extremely bright light tower that shines straight onto the landscape of the park. Even with the bright city lights below, the Milky Way is easily visible to the horizon in the SSW and visible to 20 degrees above horizon in NNE. M31 visible, as is the Cygnus star cloud."
Hilltop above maintenance
Colorado NM
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Hilltop above maintenance provide Redlands residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Hilltop above maintenance in Colorado NM on 4/25/2004. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.04 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Redlands
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 Redlands observers.
Town of Castle Valley, Utah
Redlands stargazers often look to Town of Castle Valley, Utah as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
Town of Castle Valley HC 64 Box 2705 Castle Valley, Utah, 84532
Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area
As one of the closest certified environments to Redlands, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
2505 South Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Redlands
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 Redlands residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Redlands Nights
"With such a short hop from Redlands 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 Redlands Field Kit
Every observer in Redlands eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Redlands city center and the instrumented readings at sites 0 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Redlands.