Visit Us and FAQ’s

We look forward to welcoming you to the Observatory this summer!
Open Fridays and Saturdays June 14 - August 24, 2024.

DOME TOURS

Join us for a tour of the telescope dome and viewing through our iconic 30” telescope from mid-June through August, 2024. All visitors are welcome to view through smaller telescopes on either Friday or Saturday whether or not they have a dome tour ticket. We also create a waiting list on-site in the event spots in the dome open up. Deluxe Dome Tours offered on select nights provide an opportunity for more serious astronomy enthusiasts to view more objects through the 30” telescopes. Click to view dates and register.

PREMIER ASTRONOMY NIGHTS

Enjoy the Observatory without the crowds! These small-group nights are a chance to enjoy an extended viewing through the Observatory’s iconic 30” telescope and an astronomy talk by local astronomer Dr. Suzanne Taylor. Attendance is limited to 10 people. Select Sundays in June, July and August.

PRIVATE PARTIES

Now booking for 2024! Rent the Observatory for up to 8 guests. 2 volunteer staff will facilitate the evening, with viewing through a variety of telescopes including our iconic 30” telescope.
Note: GVO has a limited number of dates set aside for private parties. Please CONTACT US to determine availability.

Public Lectures 30 minute astronomy talks suitable for all audiences. Your public lecture ticket also provides access to our outside telescopes and plenty of knowledgeable volunteers to show you the skies.

Regular Dome Viewing Provides Viewers of all ages, with the opportunity to view generally three typical Messier Objects or premier deep sky features. Viewed through the 30” telescope are such targets as the The Dumb Bell Nebula, Ring Nebula, Great Hercules Cluster, Globular Clusters M3, M5 & M92, showcase double stars, nearby Galaxies, and solar system objects (when available).

Deluxe Dome Viewing Provides young adults and adults, with the opportunity to view generally six typical premier deep sky objects. With a reduced number of viewers and more time for viewing visitors can learn more about the objects being presented. Viewed through the 30” telescope are such targets as the Carbon Stars, Open Clusters such as M11, The Dumb Bell Nebula, Ring Nebula, Great Hercules Cluster, Globular Clusters M3, M5 & M92, showcase double stars, nearby Galaxies and solar system objects (when available).

Premier Astronomy Nights Provide visitors an opportunity to enjoy an astronomy talk by an astronomer plus a deluxe dome tour all in a small group environment. With only 10 tickets available on these nights, you are guaranteed a premier observatory experience!

Private Events: Enjoy a private evening (2 hr) at the Observatory for up to 8 people (larger groups can be accommodated at additional cost). Includes viewing through the 30” telescope and smaller scopes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting the Observatory

What is it?

The Gunnison Valley Observatory or GVO is a publicly-owned facility, managed by an all-volunteer board of directors and staffed and operated by dedicated volunteers who perform the multitude of tasks necessary to ensure your visit is a pleasant and educational experience!

How do I get there?

The GVO is located at 2804 County Road 38 – also known as Gold Basin Road - just east of the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. To get there, drive west out of Gunnison on US Highway 50 and turn left onto Country Road 38 just before the twin bridges across the Gunnison River. There is a brown directional sign for both Hartman Rocks and the Gunnison Observatory indicating your turn. For the next 2.10 miles, stay on County Road 38 around the end of the Regional Airport runway and then head south across the valley bottom and Tomichi Creek. The Observatory will be on your left just before the housing subdivisions. You cannot see the facility from the road as it is located within an earthen berm to help shield light from the telescopes. Park in the parking lot and then walk along the graveled entry lane into the berm.

When is it open?

The Observatory is open most Friday and Saturday evenings in June, July, and August for public viewing.

The Observatory can also be rented by individuals or groups for private viewing on other evenings between June and August. The cost starts at $250 for the evening. CONTACT US to inquire about scheduling a private party.

When should I arrive? The facility opens at sunset and Friday public lectures start around 9:00 PM in July and 8:45 in August - you can find the specific start time for each lecture program on the registration page.

Aim to arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled Dome Tour and check in at the front desk so we know you’re here. If you are not on site when your dome tour starts, we may give your seat to someone else.

What should I wear and bring?

Even summer nights in the beautiful, high-mountain, Gunnison Valley can be cool, so bring a jacket or a warm sweater. You can even bring a small blanket if you want to stretch out and enjoy the night sky and maybe spot a “shooting star” or two. Insect repellent is also helpful around twilight. Even though there are solar lights along the entry lane, you might want to bring a small flashlight for the walk back to your vehicle after the night’s viewing. A light with a red lens is ideal to help ensure your night vision isn’t disrupted! The only other things to bring are your imagination and a sense of wonder for what you’ll see.

What happens during a typical visit to the observatory?

After parking your vehicle in the lot, follow the graveled entry lane and stop at the “Solar System Stations” that line the lane. Each station depicts a planet in our solar system. Once inside the berm, you’ll see the silver-domed Observatory. The smaller wood observatory building located on the south side of the facility is the Dr. Ted Violett Memorial Observatory. The building has a roll-off roof that allows for telescopes in the building to be used for astronomical research and education purposes.

While you wait for the program to begin, take a look at our astronomy museum! A small gift shop offering bottled water and a variety of educational and fun astronomy gifts is worth a look and a buy! Take home a souvenir for the kids or grandkids. Before the start of the lecture program, volunteers will direct you to our outdoor classroom. The program lasts about 30 minutes. Feel free to ask questions. We love them! Astronomy education is one of our primary goals!

After the lecture program, enjoy viewing through a variety of small telescopes set up in front of the observatory and a constellation tour by our knowledgeable volunteers. You are also welcome to visit (or re-visit) our museum space. Our volunteers will be on hand to answer all of your astronomy questions!

If you signed up for a dome tour, volunteers will check you in and lead you up to the dome at your tour time. If you are interested in a dome tour, but didn’t purchase a ticket online (which is highly recommended), check with our front desk volunteer to see if there is any space available. If there is, they will be happy to sell you a ticket. Otherwise, ask to be put on a waiting list. Either way, we recommend doing this when you first arrive at the Observatory as any available spots will be quickly snapped up.

Unfortunately, due to our size and space constraints, the dome is not accessed by an elevator. Physically disabled visitors are encouraged to view through the easily accessible outside telescopes. Visitors in the dome will sit in the seats circling the GVO’s main telescope – the 30” Cassegrain reflector telescope. You will experience the rotation of the dome above your head and will each take turns viewing a night sky object. This could be a nebula, double star, globular cluster, planet, moon, or many other wonders. Be aware, that when the moon is fullest, the reflected light off its surface can sometimes make telescope viewing of far-off objects less distinct. Cloud cover can also affect viewing. Unfortunately, the telescope can’t see through sunlight or clouds. If your dome tour is canceled due to inclement weather, we will refund your tour ticket.

We look forward to seeing you at the Observatory!

Carpe Noctem - Seize the Night!