Estes Park Memorial Observatory

The observatory describes itself as “a community resource dedicated to fostering the scientific education of children” and serving visitors and the local community.[2]

For summer and fall 2026, EPMO says it is accepting stargazing reservations through October 12. Sessions are limited to 14 people, usually begin around sunset and last about 1.5–2 hours. The program includes an observatory tour, introductory astronomy and, when weather allows, observing through the 16-inch dome telescope.[2]

There is no admission charge for reserved visits, but EPMO is volunteer-run and asks visitors to support the observatory through donations. Reservation requests are currently handled by email rather than the older online booking form.[2]

Open-house nights

EPMO also says its observatory Open House Nights are free and do not require reservations. These are held with the Estes Valley Astronomical Society and can combine a public lecture with telescope observing when skies cooperate.[2]

Sources

  1. [1]

    Photo: Estes Park Memorial Observatory / Dawn Wilson — Telling the Story of the Night Through Photography

  2. [2]

    Estes Park Memorial Observatory, Schedule — angelsabove.org/observatory-schedule