Frequently asked
Is tonight good for stargazing at Dinosaur National Monument?
The live score above pulls today's forecast and runs it through StarCast's scoring model, which factors in cloud cover, moon illumination, Bortle class, humidity, and atmospheric transparency. Above 70 is an excellent night. Below 40, conditions are poor. The score updates daily.
What makes Dinosaur National Monument good for astrophotography?
Dinosaur National Monument spans the Colorado-Utah border at the confluence of the Green and Yampa Rivers, in one of the most remote corners of either state. The canyon country here rivals Canyonlands in scale and surpasses it in solitude. The monument is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park with Bortle 2 conditions in the backcountry. Split Mountain and the canyon rim overlooks give dramatic elevated shooting positions above the river gorges. There is almost no tourism infrastructure in the surrounding region, which keeps the skies clean in every direction.
When is the Milky Way visible at Dinosaur National Monument?
The galactic core is visible from April through October. The monument's high elevation and dry continental climate make it one of the more reliable spots in the Rockies for clear nights. June and July are the most popular months. River canyon temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night even in summer, so layering is essential for overnight shooting sessions.
