Entry No. 80 — the Colorado Springs file — filed under: after-dark
Eleven Mile State Park (Dark Sky stargazing & reservoir)
Eleven Mile is one of a dozen Colorado state parks tapped for DarkSky Colorado certification, the program working to cut light pollution over its big reservoir. Set in the central Rockies at high elevation, it delivers crisp star visibility with the water doubling the sky on calm nights, and the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society runs free public star parties here in summer (state park fees apply). It's a roll-out-the-blanket or pitch-the-tent kind of dark, with Perseid meteors a summer highlight.
The story
Most people driving 50 miles west out of Colorado Springs on Highway 24 stop around Woodland Park or Divide, assuming the Front Range light glow follows you forever. Keep driving past Lake George into the South Park basin, and the light footprint drops off a cliff. Sitting at 8,600 feet, Eleven Mile State Park occupies a broad high-altitude bowl centered around a 3,400-acre reservoir. The park is part of the DarkSky Colorado program—a state initiative across a dozen parks to cut fixture light pollution—leaving the night sky dark enough that the Milky Way appears as a bright, structural cloud rather than a faint smear.
What sets Eleven Mile apart from standard mountain pull-offs is the water. On windless, moonless summer nights, the flat surface of the reservoir acts like a giant glass mirror, reflecting double the stars back up at you. During peak viewing windows—like the August Perseid meteor shower—volunteers from the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society set up high-powered telescopes and green laser pointers near the marina area, mapping out constellations, satellite passes, and deep-space targets for anyone willing to make the drive.
What it's like
Expect absolute exposure. South Park is high grassland, meaning there are almost no trees around the shoreline to break the wind or block the sky. Once the sun dips below the mountains, temperatures plummet rapidly even in mid-August, and the wind off the open water will cut right through a sweatshirt. You'll need a state park pass to get past the gate, and because there are zero stores, gas stations, or light sources anywhere near the park boundary after dark, you need to arrive fully packed with winter-grade layers, water, red-lens flashlights to save everyone's night vision, and folding chairs.
The move: Camp lakeside or drive in for the evening, set up chairs by the reservoir, and watch meteors and the Milky Way reflect off the water away from any city glow.
📍 Before you go State Park pass required; no city services nearby, so bring layers and supplies. About 50 miles west; best on moonless nights and during the August Perseids.
- 📍 Lake George
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Eleven Mile State Park, 4229 County Rd 92, Lake George, CO 80827
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Florissant Fossil Beds Night Sky Program — If you want ranger-led astronomy talks under certified dark skies before heading to Eleven Mile's open water, Florissant Fossil Beds is just 12 miles back east on Highway 24.
- Paradise Cove / Guffey Gorge Swimming Hole — Spend a hot afternoon swimming in a granite canyon 15 miles south before driving north to set up chairs by Eleven Mile Reservoir for midnight stargazing.
- Mueller State Park Star Party — For a night sky outing wrapped in dense high-country evergreen forest rather than wide-open grassland water, Mueller hosts partner star parties with the same astronomical society crew.
Good to know
Do I need a special ticket to attend a star party here?
No separate event ticket is required, but every vehicle must have a valid Colorado State Park pass to enter. The public star parties run by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society are free.
When is the best time to go stargazing at Eleven Mile?
Plan your trip around a new moon or moonless night between late spring and summer. The mid-August Perseid meteor shower is the park's biggest summer stargazing event.
Are there indoor facilities or services available at night?
No. The park has basic vault toilets near campgrounds and boat launches, but there are no open indoor visitor centers, food vendors, or gas stations nearby after hours.
Why should I bring a red light or red headlamp?
White light wipes out human night-adjusted vision for up to 30 minutes. Red light allows you to walk safely and manage gear without blinding yourself or ruining the dark sky for others.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: cpw.state.co.us · csastro.org · darkskycolorado.org
last checked: 2026-06-23