Dark Skies Vacations helps travelers experience amazing views from comfortable vacation homes. During the day explore views of nearby wildlife, verdant grassland valleys, rolling hills and the majestic Sangre de Cristos, with a half-dozen nearby fourteeners. At night, the Milky Way spreads across the heavens as you’ve never seen it. Our homes are in or near Westcliffe, the first certified Dark Skies Community in Colorado and the world’s highest. Low humidity, more than 300 clear nights per year and few atmospherics offer one of the best places in the word to observe our celestial neighbors. And these million-dollar views are very affordable… and just 2 1/2 hours from south Denver.

Zen of Astrophotography is our marquee property. Here, we offer an exclusive observatory experience guided by the renowned and retired architect and seasoned amateur astronomy who owns the uniquely appointed, 450-acre ranch. You’ll find stylish comfort in his three-bedroom La Casita cottage. And the experience includes a private, guided session with the owner in his university-class observatory. During the day, reach for inner peace as you wander trails with unique sculptures, or relax in several venues designed for quiet time and meditation.

Our other properties look out on equally magnificent scenery, day and night. Each has good views of the Sangre de Cristos, where wilderness trails await adventurers. During our clear nights you can see the full span of Milky Way, unaided by optics. Bring your telescope or binoculars for closer inspections of the heavens, and consider making reservations for a free star party at Smokey Jack Observatory (link previous words to darkskiescolorado.com). Please see each listing for details, and check our the nice reviews we’ve received for these spacious, private vacation retreats.