April in Colorado is kind of a big deal. Not just because the snow is melting off the peaks and the wildflower covered fields trails are starting to open up (which is amazing in itself), but because three major outdoor celebrations hit all at once:
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National Parks Week (April 20–28)
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International Dark Sky Week (April 22–28)
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Earth Day (April 22)
It’s like the universe is tapping us on the shoulder and saying it’s time to go outside.
Whether you’re a lifelong outdoor junkie or just starting to appreciate the slower pace of a night under the stars, this is the perfect time to reconnect with our natural wonders.
National Parks Week: Why We’re Lucky to Call Colorado Home
If you haven’t already planned a trip, here’s your reminder: Saturday, April 20 is a free entry day at all U.S. national parks. Pack the car. Grab a Sky View Backpacker tent. Let’s go!
Here in Colorado, we’ve got four absolute stunners to choose from:
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Rocky Mountain for alpine hikes and elk sightings.
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Great Sand Dunes for sledding on 700-foot dunes.
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Mesa Verde for history that’ll blow your mind.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison for views that leave you speechless.
There’s no bad choice. Just get out there.
International Dark Sky Week: Lose Yourself in the Stars
Here’s something we take seriously around here—the stars. Truly dark, star filled skies are what inspired our founder to design the Sky View XL last year. Now, we’re rolling out the Backpacker – just in time for prime hiking, rafting, climbing, biking and all-round adventuring season!
International Dark Sky week reminds us how rare and special true darkness is. The kind where the Milky Way stretches across the sky and satellites drift silently overhead. Most folks barely see a few stars from their backyard. But here in the mountains? We get the full show.
Dark Sky Week isn’t just about stargazing. It’s about protecting that experience for the next generation.
Want to know how you can help? You can start by following DarkSky International and their affiliates. Here at Sky View Tents, we donate a portion of our profits to DarkSky CO and sponsor the DarkSky International summer astrophotography competition. But you can start with reducing light pollution at home—oh, and camping under a mesh roof instead of a nylon ceiling doesn’t hurt either.
Earth Day: Let’s Leave It Better
We’re not here to preach—but if you’ve ever watched the sun rise over a quiet mountain lake, or seen thousands of Snow geese winging their way northward to their summer nesting grounds in Alaska and Canada, you already know why Earth Day matters.
At Sky View Tents, we try to build gear that respects the land, encourages responsible camping, and inspires people to slow down and soak up what’s around them.
This year, why not bring a net bag so you can pick up extra trash on your hike. Or make a donation to a local trail org. Or finally switching out that old single-use gear with something that’ll last a lifetime.
The Takeaway
April is calling. The trails are waking up. And the world’s giving us a solid nudge to reconnect—with nature and the parts of ourselves that thrive when we are outside.
Wherever you end up—under a sandstone arch, on top of a ridge, or curled up in a stargazing tent watching meteor showers overhead—take a minute to remember why we do this.
We don’t just get out for the views. We get out to feel what is bigger than each of us.
We’ll plan on seeing you out there. And as always, feel free to drop by our store in Buena Vista, Colorado to say hello and get the full stargazing experience!
