Breckenridge Presents:

snow sculptures are lit up by colorful lights at night in Breckenridge

International Snow Sculpture Championships

Explore 
Section House under the stars on Boreas Pass.
Section House under the stars on Boreas Pass.

Stargazing in Breckenridge

Best Breckenridge Stargazing Spots

In Breckenridge, we fly a little closer to the sun. And the moon. The lack of light pollution and our natural high-perched vantage points make for unforgettable galactic viewing.

Super moons, eclipses, meteor showers, once-in-a-lifetime comets and shooting stars punctuate the Breckenridge night sky and amaze onlookers. Be sure to check in with NASA to find out when the next major sky-watching event is happening.

Stargazers and astrological aficionados will appreciate these high-mountain passes and overlook spots.

 

Hoosier Pass

Hoosier Pass sign

Hoosier Pass (elevation 11,542′) offers a scneic overview and access to hiking trails.

Take in the constellations from 11,539 feet while standing on top of the Continental Divide. Follow winding Highway 9 south towards Fairplay and reach the top of Hoosier Pass in 10 miles. A large pull-off parking area on the right hand (west) side of the road provides a stellar scenic overview with nothing but a dark night sky blanketing soaring peaks for as far as the eye can reach.

 

Boreas Pass 

Section House under the stars on Boreas Pass.

Section House under the stars on Boreas Pass.

Known for its gilded scenic drive glory each fall, this paved-into-dirt road features east to west views and will actually take you from Breckenridge over to tiny town Como. In the winter, the former narrow gauge railroad route closes to auto traffic and offers a serene opportunity to park at the closure gate and snowshoe or cross-country ski the snow-packed road. We recommend trekking to the Baker’s Tank landmark a few miles in and setting up your stargazing post at this stunning clearing. Check out our winter hiking guide for more epic trails!

 

Sapphire Point

One of the county’s best lookout locations, Sapphire Point is just north of Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road. The easy paved parking lot and clear signage make this White River National Forest overlook a stargazing go-to. Bring flashlights or headlamps and make the short walk from your car to the first vantagepoint where built-in stone seating rests high above Dillon Reservoir and moonlight reflects off the peaceful lake below. Don’t forget to fuel up before for your adventure with a hot toddy or boozy hot cocoa from our local bars and restaurants in town! 

 

Peak 8

Grand Colorado Hot Tub at Night

The Grand Colorado outdoor hot tub area has unbeatable views of Breckenridge Ski Resort.

If you prefer a little sweat equity with your astrology, go for a moonrise skin at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Park in the Stables Lot and walk across the street to the base of Peak 8. Click into your free-heel ski or snowboard bindings and begin your heart-pounding uphill climb. Once you reach the ski patrol hut at the base of the T-Bar, turn around and take in your view of town twinkling below and endless galaxies overhead. For the ultimate experience, opt to view the stars after adventuring via hot tub at one of the amazing soaking spots in Breckenridge.

 

Blue River Plaza

In the middle of town, pull up a bench in the Riverwalk Plaza and look west toward the ski resort on a clear night. The silhouetted TenMile Range carves a majestic backdrop left to right from Peak 10 to Peak 6 and beyond while the star-splattered sky sprawls in an impressive canvas above. During the winter months, be sure to grab a hot cocoa and check out the holiday lights!

Leave No Trace
GoBreck-Icons
Help us protect our environment for generations to come by following Leave No Trace Principles while out exploring.

Explore More

Winter in Breckenridge

By Lisa Blake
The Breckenridge Tourism Office works to enhance and promote the unique character and experience of Breckenridge as a world-renowned destination resort and to represent, serve and perpetuate the common interest and character of its membership and community. Lisa Blake is a regular contributor. The Breckenridge-based freelance writer, editor and mom enjoys researching and sharing stories on health, wellness, dining and the outdoors. Find her work in Breckenridge Magazine, Yoga + Life Magazine, 5280.com, and at lisablakecreative.com.
downtown Breckenridge at dusk
Join the movement.

Embrace The Spirit

BLike Breckenridge™️ is a movement born of the spirit of our historic mountain town for those who call it home—whether for a weekend or a lifetime—to live by. It is a cause that connects us to each other, that we can all be a part of.