"Beaver Meadows" @ Rocky Mountain N.P.

Directions

• Begin at intersection of US-287 and CO-34 in Loveland, CO

• Follow CO-34 west 29.2mi to the CO-34 bypass intersection in Estes Park, CO

• Continue west 0.4mi on Elkhorn (CO-34/36) and turn left (south) on Moraine Av (CO-36)

• Continue west 4.0mi on Moraine Av/Park Entrance Rd (CO-36) to the entrance station

• (Google map to here) Pay entrance fee ($20 for 1 week or $35 annual pass)

• Continue west 0.6mi on Park Entrance Rd (CO-36)

• Turn left (west) on dirt road to Upper Beaver Meadows Trailhead

• Follow dirt road to the end (~2mi) and set up in the field

Comments

• Dark sky site, except for Denver light dome to the southeast

• Public viewing sessions on Fridays in Jun-Aug (except closest to full moon)

• Ranger provides an intro/overview talk on night sky at dark

• Typically large turnout of visitors from varied locales

• Often COLD even in summer, most visitors leave by 11p

• Restrooms available

Updated: 22-Mar-2006