Breckenridge Dark Sky Certification
As of August, 2025, The Town of Breckenridge, Colorado, has been officially designated as a Certified Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International. Since 2007, the Town has focused on the benefits of reducing light pollution and protecting our view of the night sky. Breckenridge is the first mountain resort community in Colorado to achieve this designation. This recognition highlights the Town’s commitment to protecting its exceptional alpine nightscape and natural environment for current and future generations.
Breckenridge offers many amazing Dark Sky activities, including stargazing and astronomy programs, themed crafts and workshops, wellness opportunities, guided hikes and more. Join us to celebrate and protect our Rocky Mountain dark skies!
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, photographers and astrological aficionados will appreciate these high-mountain passes and overlook spots.
Hoosier Pass
Take in the constellations from 11,539 feet while standing on top of the Continental Divide. Follow the 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
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 hot cocoa from our local bars and restaurants in town!
Peak 8
If you prefer a little sweat equity with your astrology, go for a moonrise skin at Breckenridge Ski Resort. Park in the Stables Lot (free permit required to park after hours) 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.
- Local’s Tip: Be sure to review Breckenridge Ski Resort’s uphill access policies and safety measures before heading out!
Blue River Plaza
Right in the heart of downtown, grab 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 winter, the holiday lights along Main Street and Blue River Plaza glow all season. It’s perfect for a stroll with hot cocoa, catching twinkling reflections in the water, and festive shop displays.
Breckenridge Astronomy Tours
The Lodge at Breckenridge
This hour and a half celestial escapade happens every other Friday evening throughout the summer and begins at twilight at the Lodge at Breckenridge Sky View Deck! Led by a professional astronomer, you’ll embark on a night filled with discovery. The tour features interactive telescope sessions, engaging talks on the universe’s marvels, and a dedicated Q&A to quench your cosmic curiosity.
As night deepens, you’re welcome to stay and gaze at the glittering sky while we pack up, extending your stargazing experience. AstroTour’s blend of expert insights, advanced tech, and Breckenridge’s majestic backdrop makes this tour a must-do, transforming your visit into an interstellar journey.
Mountain Top Explorium
Visit the Children’s Museum by day and get under the stars by night! Join Mountain Top Explorium’s Astronomy Sky Quest for an enriching evening under the stars, where their central mission is to teach everyone the art of engaging with the night sky. Guided by Astro Mark Laurin, Mountain Top’s seasoned educators will lead you through the process of identifying stars and constellations, empowering you to navigate the night sky with assurance. If you’re looking for private tours, they do that, too! These are ideal for dinner parties, family reunions, corporate gatherings or events.
Breckenridge Night Tours
Scenic Snow Cat Tours
Experience Breckenridge’s scenic trails from the comfort of a heated snowcat! The Breckenridge Nordic Center scenic cat tour offers guided tours through forested trails to a historic mining cabin to fill up on s’mores, hot cocoa and tales of Breckenridge’s mining families. Take in views of the stars, then head inside to cozy up by the fire with a cup of mulled wine and snacks in the Black Forest Tavern and Bar.
Ghost and Graveyard Tours
Breckenridge is rooted in its past and boasts one of the largest historic districts in Colorado. Join the Tombstone Tales Tour with Breckenridge History and learn about people buried in Breckenridge from all walks of life. Explore the darker side of our wild west past on the Ghostly Tales or Voices From The Grave tours, complete with chilling tales of the ghosts that remain here with Breckenridge Tours. Or, join an affordable guided historic tour or hike and enjoy free, family-friendly museums.
- Local’s Tip: Visit the Breckenridge community calendar for more spooky activities, events, museums and night tours in Breckenridge.
Guided Full Moon Snowshoe and Ski Tours
Experience the great outdoors under the glow of the full moon! The Breckenridge Recreation Center and Gold Run Nordic Center offer guided Full Moon Ski and Snowshoe Tours in the winter months, allowing participants to experience groomed trails and historic sites under the moonlight. Let their experienced guides lead you on a wild snowshoe or ski adventure, sharing stories of our historical and natural environment. For a more luxurious experience, a Twilight Tour & Dinner at TenMile Station is available, where guests snowshoe or skin uphill to a heated cabin for a buffet dinner before descending.
- Local’s Tip: Ski participants should be at least beginner/intermediate level classic skiers.
Evening Sleigh Rides
A sleigh ride through the Colorado back country awaits you at Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides. Once you’re nestled under cozy blankets with a mug of cocoa, the driver and Belgian Draft Horses will guide your sleigh under the starlit sky and through trails of powdery snow in the White River National Forest. For the full experience, book their Dinner Theater Sleigh Ride, complete with a 3-course mining camp dinner and interactive show. The sleigh will drop off and pick up at their cozy dining hall, where you’ll be welcomed by the warmth of antique wood stoves and hand-hewn log tables.
Art Classes, Workshops and Live Music
BreckCreate
At the Breckenridge Arts District and Riverwalk Center you’ll find evening creative classes like glass‑blowing, wire jewelry making, or sustainable crafts for all levels. You can also plan a romantic event with Date Night Classes that feature dancing and more.
During the summer, be sure to check out free, outdoor concerts at the Airstage, featuring the local bands run each week in the summer through August. Bring blankets and dinner to-go from town, and relax under the stars while listening to music. Local beer and beverages are available for purchase.
Ready, Paint, Fire!
Snuggle up and let your creative juices fly inside Breckenridge’s paint your own pottery studio, Ready Paint Fire! Guests can follow tutorials or let their imagination flow. Unwind and relax with a glass of wine or beer, or bring your own snacks to indulge while you craft. Paint your own dark sky scene on canvas or pottery, make a candle for your next cozy night in, or create a starry-night themed mosaic or glass fusing art piece. Ready Paint Fire is the perfect evening activity for all ages, those who don’t want to ski, or those who need to take a rest!
Wellness, Yoga and Hot Tubs
Hot Tubs in Breckenridge
There’s no better way to take in the night sky than by hot tub. In Breckenridge, we take our hot tubbing seriously. With slope-side hot tubs, hot tubs with mountain views, and hot tubs with cascading waterfalls to massage away the day, one of the 1,000+ hot tubs in Breckenridge will be just right for you! Overwhelmed by your choices? Take a dip into the best hot tubs in Breckenridge.
Full Moon Yoga
Head to Meta Yoga by evening to relax and reflect with high quality yoga and world-class teachers. Try their full moon yoga and annual fall, winter, spring and summer equinox workshops featuring journaling, grounding and Reiki techniques. Their “Move With the Moon” classes offer the chance to explore your body and the readily available energies that our loving lunar willingly gives during the full moon phase. Working with the energies of the moon cycles, journal prompts will be offered to provide the sweetness of intention setting and ceremony to release what is no longer of benefit. Move beyond your limitations, restore your power, and into the realm of magic within. Check their event schedule for upcoming classes!
Spirit Alchemy
Spirit Alchemy Studio was founded with the intention of fostering spiritual healing and reconnecting individuals with the inner wisdom that resides within us all. At Spirit Alchemy Studio, you can dissolve obstacles, transform your energy, release limiting beliefs, and find peace for your soul. Try their moon ritual workshops, sound healing journeys, Reiki and so much more!
Stargazing and Dark Sky Planning Tips
- Leave No Trace: Protect what we all love by leaving our trails and outdoor spaces better than you found them.
- Check the venue: If planning on going to a show, on a tour, or other event, check with the venue to confirm dates and times. Many activities are offered seasonally and are dependent on snowfall and weather conditions.
- Reserve ahead: Many activities and classes require reservations and can sell out quickly. Be sure to reserve ahead, especially during the holidays!
- Bring layers: Mountain nights are chilly, even in the summer! Be sure to bring warm layers like hats, gloves, scarves and boots. Check out our winter packing guide here.
- Utilize free transportation: Breckenridge’s free local bus system, hotel shuttles and easily walkable town make going car-free in Breckenridge a breeze!
Looking for more? Explore Breckenridge’s best evening activities and more historic museums and tours.
