Aurora is visible from Colorado only during rare, extreme storms. In central Colorado the geomagnetic latitude is about 47°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 8.0 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Northgate Canyon) needs about Kp 7.0.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 8.0
geomag. lat 47°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 7.0
Northgate Canyon
Kp needed (south)
Kp 9.0
Navajo State Park
Kp needed in Colorado cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 47.3° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Colorado Springs | 46.4° | Kp 8.0 | 7 |
| Aurora | 47.3° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| Fort Collins | 48.1° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Lakewood | 47.3° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Thornton | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Westminster | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 9 |
| Arvada | 47.4° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Centennial | 47.2° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Pueblo | 45.9° | Kp 8.5 | 7 |
| Greeley | 48.0° | Kp 7.0 | 7 |
| Boulder | 47.6° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| Highlands Ranch | 47.1° | Kp 7.5 | 8 |
| Longmont | 47.7° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| Loveland | 48.0° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
Dark, northern photo locations in Colorado
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur National Monument | Dark Sky Place | Moffat County | 1 |
| Steamboat Lake State Park | State Park | Routt County | 2 |
| Bonny Lake State Park | State Park | Yuma County | 1 |
| Pearl Lake State Park | State Park | Routt County | 2 |
| Escalante Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Moffat County | 1 |
| Harding Hole Overlook | Scenic Viewpoint | Moffat County | 1 |
| Yampa River State Park | State Park | Routt County | 2 |
| Stagecoach State Park | State Park | Routt County | 2 |
| Vega State Park | State Park | Mesa County | 2 |
| North Sterling State Park | State Park | Logan County | 2 |
| Elkhead State Park | State Park | Routt County | 2 |
| Highline Lake State Park | State Park | Mesa County | 3 |
How to photograph the northern lights
- Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
- Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
- Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
- Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.
FAQ
Can you see the northern lights in Colorado?
Yes, only during rare, extreme storms. Central Colorado usually needs about Kp 8.0; the north about Kp 7.0.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 8.0+ for central Colorado. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Colorado?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Dinosaur National Monument, Steamboat Lake State Park, Bonny Lake State Park.