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Last Updated: July 20, 2023
Please note that these FAQs pertain only to our regular tours in Boulder. For inquiries about the Winter Park tours, please email wpguides@winterparkresort.com. For info on our Private Tours please visit https://www.astrotours.org/privatetours or contact us at Luke@AstroTours.org
How do I book a tour?
To book a tour, simply visit our booking page. https://www.astrotours.org/booking
Can additional guests be accommodated on the tour?
We can typically accommodate a few additional guests on most tours. To confirm, please email luke@astrotours.org.
Can tours be scheduled for days not listed on the calendar?
We can usually add a tour on a requested date, given the request is made well in advance. For the best chance of securing your preferred date, please contact luke@astrotours.org more than a week ahead of time (the more advance you can give us the better).
What's the address for the Boulder tour location?
Our tour takes place at the Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead. We kindly request that you only visit the site if you have a confirmed booking, as walk-ups may be turned away if the tour is full.
You can find the location by searching "Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead" in Google Maps. Please note that using other GPS services with the address "3900 Longhorn Rd" may lead you astray, be sure if you use that address it is showing you the same place as when you google "Boulder Valley Ranch Trailhead".
Here are the precise coordinates: 40°04'48.2"N 105°15'47.7"W
You can also find the location using these map links:
Google maps https://goo.gl/maps/sBrQPF7HBmb6WfWw6
To ensure you've found the correct location, you can send us a screenshot of the GPS coordinates and we'll confirm.
How much does a tour cost?
Our pricing can be found on our discounts page. https://www.astrotours.org/discounts
What does the tour include?
Tours start at sunset and last for approximately 2 hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the telescopes and view some twilight objects. After a 30 to 45-minute astronomy talk, you'll have around 45 minutes of telescope time to explore various celestial objects. We conclude with a 15-minute Q&A session, but feel free to stay later for more telescope viewing and discussion!
What’s the Weather looking like?
We'll keep you updated with weather reports as your tour date approaches. Our trusted sources include:
What happens if the weather looks bad?
We closely monitor the weather forecasts and will keep you informed of any potential concerns. If the forecast shows a likelihood of poor viewing conditions, we offer worry-free booking, which allows for rebooking or refunding at any time.
Is there any hiking involved in the tour?
No, our tours take place in a trailhead parking lot. The ground is flat, and we provide chairs. For telescope viewing, standing is generally required, but we can accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Please inform us in advance if wheelchair-accessible telescopes are needed.
What is the policy on drugs and alcohol?
This is a family-friendly program, and the consumption of alcohol or use of drugs is not permitted on site. We recommend arriving sober for the tour. Further details are available on our Drug and Alcohol Policy page. https://www.astrotours.org/post/drug-and-alcohol-policy
How do I get to the tour location from Denver?
The tour site is accessible via Hwy-36, leaving northwest out of Denver. If you're staying in Denver without a car, consider taking the Flatiron Flyer bus to downtown Boulder, then Uber the last 4 miles to the tour site.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely! All ages are welcome, but please note that the tour is late night, designed to engage developed minds and may require a longer attention span. little little ones often fall asleep
Is there cell phone reception at the tour site?
Yes, guests typically have no trouble getting a cell signal at the site. All major networks have coverage.
Can I gift a tour?
Yes, you can! Visit our gift page to purchase a gift card, or book a tour for your recipient directly. Let us know the occasion—we have special arrangements forI've put more details here: https://www.astrotours.org/gift
Is there anything we should bring?
Dress like it's 15 degrees cooler than it actually is. Bringing a heavy jacket or blanket is a good idea, it can get cold at night in Colorado! You may also want to bring something to drink or snack on during the tour, but I will provide bottled water.
For the telescope time you may want to bring a notepad and pen to jot down what we look at, but this isn't required. You can take pictures with your phone of the brightest objects we look at through the telescopes, and I can assist you with this if you'd like.
Remember to bring your sense of wonder and curiosity!
Can I bring my own telescope?
You are more than welcome to bring your own telescope! It can be a fun way to learn more about how to use your equipment. I can assist you with setting it up and show you how to find different objects in the night sky. Just keep in mind that your telescope will need to be portable and able to be set up and taken down quickly as the tour location does not permit overnight camping or storage of equipment. Also be aware that people might get confused thinking it's one of our telescopes and look through it.
If you don't have a telescope, no problem! There will be several telescopes available for everyone to use.
Is there a restroom?
There is a pit toilet at the trailhead with no lights or running water. We provide hand sanitizer, wet wipes, lights, and air freshener (upon request) to make the use of the pit toilet as comfortable as possible. Please plan accordingly and consider using the restroom before coming to the site. There is a restroom with running water at a nearby gas station and our Boulder office (about a 7-minute drive away).
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel, please provide as much notice as possible.
What time does the tour start?
The start time for the tour varies depending on the time of year and the sunset. The tour will start around sunset to allow for a twilight viewing of some celestial objects before it becomes completely dark. You will receive an email confirmation of the exact start time after you have booked your tour. If you have any questions about the start time, please feel free to look it up at AstroTours.org/book or contact me at luke@astrotours.org.
What can we expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, we will observe a variety of celestial objects, including stars, constellations, planets, the Moon (if it is up), satellites, nebulae, galaxies, and occasionally, meteor showers. Please note that what we can see will vary depending on the time of year and the current position of the celestial objects.
Will we have the opportunity to operate the telescopes?
Yes! As part of the tour, I will provide instruction on how to operate one of the telescopes, and each participant will have the chance to control a telescope and use it to observe celestial objects. This hands-on experience is a fun and interactive way to learn about the night sky and deepen your appreciation for astronomy.
Is it possible to take photographs during the tour?
Yes, you are more than welcome to take photographs during the tour. In fact, many guests find this to be a highlight of the experience. However, it is important to remember that flash photography can be disruptive to night vision, so please be mindful of this and try to limit the use of flash as much as possible. Additionally, be aware that taking pictures of celestial objects through a telescope can be tricky and may require some practice. I will be on hand to provide guidance and tips on how to capture the best images.
Is the tour suitable for individuals with mobility issues?
The tour is designed to be accessible for individuals of all physical abilities. The tour takes place at a trailhead parking lot with flat ground, and I provide chairs for participants to sit in during most of the show. The telescopes require standing to use, but I can arrange for more accessible viewing if needed. If you have any specific accessibility concerns, please reach out to me at luke@astrotours.org, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
Is there a group discount?
all discounts can be found here: https://www.astrotours.org/discounts
Can I reschedule my tour?
Yes, if you need to reschedule your tour for any reason, please let me know as soon as possible. I understand that plans can change, and I am happy to help you find a new date and time for your tour. Please note that rescheduling is subject to availability, and I recommend reaching out as soon as you know you need to change your booking to ensure the best selection of alternative dates.
How do I contact you?
You can contact me, Luke, at luke@astrotours.org or call/text 303.324.5831. I aim to respond to all queries within 24 hours, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or need further information about the tour.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes, I do offer private tours. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please check out the page here: https://www.astrotours.org/privatetours and contact me directly at luke@astrotours.org to discuss availability and pricing.
How do I get updates about the tour?
Once you have booked a tour, I will keep you updated with any important information via email. This includes details about the start time, location, and any changes due to weather conditions.
Can I leave a review after the tour?
Yes, please tag, review, and add us in social media! all of our socials can be found here: https://www.astrotours.org/ty I appreciate all feedback from my guests. After your tour, I encourage you to leave a review, or you can email me directly with your thoughts and suggestions. I continually strive to improve the experience for my guests, and your feedback is invaluable in helping me achieve this goal.
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