Under the stars with guest astronomer Dave Schlichting.

The setting sun may be a cue to call it a day and head indoors in other parts of the world, but here at The Ranches, dusk is when the patio party gets started. Our clear Colorado skies present a natural and magical theater for stargazing, moongazing, and sky searching – and guest astronomer Dave Schlichting is the man of the hour and emcee.

Former program director and mentor for NASA, Schlichting regularly brings the Colorado sky to life on the patio of Heck’s Tavern at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. “Showtime always begins at sunset, but the program is never the same,” says Schlichting. “Depending upon the season, we may turn our telescopes to the rings of Saturn, the Shield of Orion, or even the moons of Jupiter.”

With 50 years passing since the first successful lunar landing, Schlichting has seen a renewed interest in the skies above. “These special evenings under the stars are a sentimental time for many to focus on the moon, its formations, and where those first giant steps were taken,” says Schlichting.

In addition to providing a historical and geological perspective to the sights in the sky, Schlichting’s Star Parties are a relaxing way to pass the evening with family and friends – and are free for homeowners at The Ranches and guests of Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Schlichting encourages all to “grab a hot toddy from Heck’s, gather ’round the fire, and settle in for some moonlit fun.”