Under the Stars: Exploring Costilla County’s Dark Skies
Costilla County, located in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley, is an excellent place to stargaze and photograph the night sky. For anyone interested in the cosmos, this area offers clear, dark views of stars, planets, and the Milky Way.
A key reason for Costilla County’s exceptional stargazing is its low light pollution. Unlike many populated areas where city lights hide the stars, Costilla County, especially in its remote parts, has naturally dark skies. This allows for clear views of celestial objects. Some locations in the county are classified as Bortle Class 2 or even Class 1 skies. The Bortle Scale measures sky darkness, with Class 1 being the darkest and best for astronomy. Stargazers and photographers travel to these areas to capture images not possible near cities.
The local climate and geography also contribute to excellent viewing conditions. At elevations over 7,500 feet in the high desert, the air is thin, clean, and dry. This atmosphere reduces distortion from moisture and pollution, making stars and planets appear clearer. The region also experiences many clear nights throughout the year, ideal for viewing and photography.
The San Luis Valley’s wide-open landscapes offer nearly 360-degree views of the sky. This open vista makes it easy to track constellations, observe meteor showers, and set up long exposures of the Milky Way against the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Astrophotographers can find excellent conditions in Costilla County, where dark skies and relatively little light pollution make it easier to photograph the night sky. With a DSLR or mirrorless camera, photographers can capture the Milky Way, star trails, meteor showers, and lunar eclipses. You don’t need professional equipment to get started—a mid-range camera, wide-angle lens, and sturdy tripod can produce impressive results. Using a wide aperture, higher ISO, and longer shutter speed can reveal far more stars and detail than are visible to the naked eye.
If you’re looking for accessible stargazing spots, almost any plot of land in Costilla County offers all of these advantages. Additionally, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, a designated International Dark Sky Park located just north of Costilla County, offers world-class stargazing opportunities.
Costilla County offers a unique connection to the night sky, away from city lights and crowds. It invites you to pause, look up, and rediscover the wonder of the cosmos. Experience the stars as they are meant to be seen—under some of America’s darkest, clearest skies.