Summer is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay up all night. Some of the most breathtaking constellations twinkle beneath the evening sky in Colorado as the seasons change, so dress warm, grab a blanket and get outside after the sun goes down. You don’t need to know anything about astronomy to enjoy these stargazing activities in our stunning state.

READ: A Mapped Guide To Find the Best Stargazing in Colorado

Night Sky Tour

Rafting Underneath the Moon. Photo courtesy of The Adventure Company Official Facebook page.

Where: Meet at The Adventure Company, 12847 US-24, Buena Vista

When: Friday, August 24, 7 p.m.

Cost: $139 per person

The Lowdown: Adrenaline junkies will have more fun whitewater rafting in the dark. Hosted by The Adventure Company in Buena Vista, the Raft Underneath the Moon series will take the bravest adventure-seekers through Browns Canyon under full moonlight. You will see the Collegiate Peaks at night as well as some gorgeous stars you probably can’t see in your backyard.

Full Moon Hike

Stargazing via Pixabay.

Where: HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton

When: Wednesday, August 29, 7 – 9 p.m.

Cost: $20 per person

The Lowdown: There’s no better way to kick off the fall festivities than a hayride. Stargaze a short distance away from Denver on a two-hour stargazing hayride in Littleton. Local astronomers will explain the constellations in the night sky and provide telescopes so that you can enjoy the beautiful night sky in the backcountry. Make sure you dress warm and bring snacks.

Stories in the Sky with Walking Mountains Science Center

Stargazing at Ales and Astronomy. Photo courtesy of REI.

Where: REI Adventure Station, Center Village, Copper Mountain Resort, 509 Copper Rd., Frisco

When: Saturday, September 1 and Friday, September 7, 7:30 – 11 p.m.

Cost: $99 for members, $119 for non-members at REI

The Lowdown: Witness the stunning celestials of the night sky and sip delicious beer and wine on Copper Mountain as part of Ales and Astronomy hosted by REI. Professional instructors will teach you about astronomy at this private venue — where you’re sure to score sweet views of the stars. All attendees must be 21 or older to register.

Amateur Astronomy Night

Great Sand Dunes National Park photo via Thinkstock.

Where: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, 11999 State Highway 150, Mosca

When: Saturday, September 8, 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 per vehicle for park entry

The Lowdown: The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is hands-down one of the best places to see the stars, so make sure you adventure south. Slightly eerie at night, this ever-so-silent park with the highest sand dune in North America is offering Amateur Astronomy Night, a chance to share knowledge with fellow astronomers and talk about the galaxies. It’s recommended that you bring your own telescope, but you can also just enjoy the stars at your leisure. Who knows? You might even see a UFO at this hotspot for sightings.

Twilight Dinner at the Umbrella Bar