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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Jackson Lake State Park

Jackson Lake shown at night.
Jackson Lake shimmering under a star-filled sky. Photo credit: Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

About

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This park is an “Oasis in the Plains,” for swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing. But that’s not all…

Jackson Lake is ranked one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America. Anglers, boaters, or naturalists realizing there’s too much fun for just one day enjoy the variety of water or land-based recreation ​land-based facilities found here.

Birders and hunters flock here because of the parks location in the Central Flyway for migratory birds. Quiet winter months provide hearty wildlife viewers some excellent opportunities to spot the many animals that live here.

No matter the season, Jackson Lake is, as novelist James Michener suggests, “an oasis of the plains.”

Designated

2020

Category

International Dark Sky Park

Address

Jackson Lake State Park
26363 Count Rd 3
Orchard, CO 80649
Google Maps

Contact

Michele Olive
Website
Tel.: +1 (970) 768-7867

Land Area

13.2 km2

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky at Jackson Lake State Park (40.38572, -104.09111). Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!