Crested Butte - Moonlight - Rocky Mountains
Bright moon illuminating nighttime landscapes
Upcoming Opportunities
When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.
What this forecast looks for
Plain-language explanation from the ruleThis forecast tracks exceptional moonlight photography conditions in the Rocky Mountains. We combine moon phase, lunar elevation, cloud cover, and snow coverage to predict when alpine landscapes will transform under full moon illumination.
The Rockies offer moonlight photography opportunities unlike anywhere else in North America. High-altitude locations mean moonlight passes through less atmosphere, creating brilliant illumination. Fresh snow amplifies lunar light dramatically, and the region's numerous alpine lakes provide perfect reflections. Colorado's dry climate means clearer skies more often than coastal mountains.
What makes the Rocky Mountains special for moonlight photography:
- High elevation advantage - Locations above 10,000 feet mean exceptional lunar clarity
- Snow amplification - Colorado's legendary champagne powder reflects moonlight with exceptional brightness
- Alpine lake mirrors - Crystal-clear mountain lakes create perfect moonlight reflections
- Fourteener silhouettes - Dramatic peak profiles against moonlit skies
The Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake under full moon creates one of North America's most spectacular moonlight compositions—snow-covered peaks glowing with lunar light mirrored in still water. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park offers similar magic with Hallett Peak rising behind. In winter, fresh powder transforms ordinary landscapes into brilliant moonscapes—the same champagne powder prized by skiers reflects moonlight with unusual intensity. Higher elevation locations like Loveland Pass remain accessible and offer expansive views of moonlit peaks. Winter moonlight on fresh snow creates photography opportunities that rival sunrise, with the added advantage of complete solitude.
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72-hour requirements breakdown
What passed or failed, hour by hourTime America/Denver | Day/Night Period Night | Moon Altitude ≥ 15.0° | Moon Illumination ≥ 60.0% | Total Cloud Coverage ≤ 40.0% | Visibility ≥ 8000.0m | Precipitation Chance ≤ 15.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, May 23 | ||||||
| 22:00 | ✓ | 47° | 61% | 17% | 24134m | 0% |
| 23:00 | ✓ | 37° | 61% | 5% | 24135m | 0% |
| Sun, May 24 | ||||||
| 24:00 | ✓ | 26° | 61% | 2.8% | 24134m | 0% |
| 01:00 | ✓ | 15° | 61% | 1.7% | 24134m | 0% |
| 02:00 | ✓ | 3.4° | 61% | 0.5% | 24134m | 0% |
| 03:00 | ✓ | -8° | 61% | 0% | 24134m | 0% |
| 04:00 | ✓ | -19° | 61% | 0% | 24135m | 0% |
| 05:00 | ✓ | -29° | 61% | 0% | 24134m | 0% |
| 06:00 | ✕ | -38° | 61% | 0.3% | 24135m | 0% |
| 07:00 | ✕ | -44° | 61% | 1.2% | 24135m | 0% |
| 08:00 | ✕ | -47° | 61% | 5% | 24135m | 0% |
| 09:00 | ✕ | -46° | 61% | 32% | 24134m | 0% |
| 10:00 | ✕ | -41° | 61% | 48% | 24134m | 13% |
| 11:00 | ✕ | -33° | 61% | 100% | 24134m | 26% |
| 12:00 | ✕ | -24° | 61% | 100% | 24134m | 39% |
| 13:00 | ✕ | -13° | 61% | 89% | 24135m | 41% |
| 14:00 | ✕ | -2.2° | 61% | 79% | 24134m | 42% |
| 15:00 | ✕ | 9° | 61% | 98% | 24135m | 44% |
| 16:00 | ✕ | 20° | 61% | 85% | 24134m | 48% |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 31° | 61% | 82% | 24135m | 52% |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 40° | 71% | 98% | 24135m | 56% |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 47° | 71% | 45% | 24135m | 37% |
| 20:00 | ✓ | 52° | 71% | 5% | 24135m | 19% |
| 21:00 | ✓ | 51° | 71% | 5.4% | 24135m | 0% |
| 22:00 | ✓ | 47° | 71% | 81% | 24134m | 0% |
| 23:00 | ✓ | 39° | 71% | 3.6% | 24134m | 0% |
| Mon, May 25 | ||||||
| 24:00 | ✓ | 30° | 71% | 5% | 24134m | 0% |
| 01:00 | ✓ | 19° | 71% | 5% | 24135m | 0% |
| 02:00 | ✓ | 7.7° | 71% | 4.6% | 24134m | 0% |
| 03:00 | ✓ | -3.8° | 71% | 5% | 24135m | 0% |
| 04:00 | ✓ | -15° | 71% | 46% | 24135m | 0% |
| 05:00 | ✓ | -26° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 0% |
| 06:00 | ✕ | -36° | 71% | 100% | 24135m | 0% |
| 07:00 | ✕ | -45° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 20% |
| 08:00 | ✕ | -51° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 39% |
| 09:00 | ✕ | -53° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 59% |
| 10:00 | ✕ | -50° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 72% |
| 11:00 | ✕ | -44° | 71% | 100% | 24135m | 85% |
| 12:00 | ✕ | -35° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 98% |
| 13:00 | ✕ | -25° | 71% | 75% | 24135m | 92% |
| 14:00 | ✕ | -14° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 85% |
| 15:00 | ✕ | -2.7° | 71% | 100% | 24135m | 79% |
| 16:00 | ✕ | 8.4° | 71% | 100% | 24134m | 79% |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 19° | 71% | 100% | 23727m | 79% |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 29° | 80% | 100% | 24135m | 79% |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 37° | 80% | 99% | 24134m | 58% |
| 20:00 | ✓ | 43° | 80% | 100% | 24135m | 38% |
| 21:00 | ✓ | 46° | 80% | 96% | 23891m | 17% |
| 22:00 | ✓ | 45° | 80% | 100% | 18302m | 19% |
| 23:00 | ✓ | 40° | 80% | 96% | 24022m | 21% |
| Tue, May 26 | ||||||
| 24:00 | ✓ | 32° | 80% | 34% | 24135m | 23% |
| 01:00 | ✓ | 22° | 80% | 91% | 24134m | 32% |
| 02:00 | ✓ | 12° | 80% | 100% | 24135m | 40% |
| 03:00 | ✓ | 0.37° | 80% | 100% | 24134m | 49% |
| 04:00 | ✓ | -11° | 80% | 99% | 24135m | 66% |
| 05:00 | ✓ | -23° | 80% | 100% | 24134m | 82% |
| 06:00 | ✕ | -34° | 80% | 100% | 24134m | 99% |
| 07:00 | ✕ | -44° | 80% | 100% | 18827m | 99% |
| 08:00 | ✕ | -53° | 80% | 99% | 24135m | 99% |
| 09:00 | ✕ | -58° | 80% | 88% | 24135m | 99% |
| 10:00 | ✕ | -59° | 80% | 18% | 22344m | 99% |
| 11:00 | ✕ | -54° | 80% | 88% | 2566m | 100% |
| 12:00 | ✕ | -46° | 80% | 99% | 17994m | 100% |
| 13:00 | ✕ | -36° | 80% | 78% | 20041m | 99% |
| 14:00 | ✕ | -25° | 80% | 58% | 22088m | 97% |
| 15:00 | ✕ | -14° | 80% | 37% | 24135m | 96% |
| 16:00 | ✕ | -3° | 80% | 41% | 24135m | 95% |
| 17:00 | ✕ | 7.8° | 80% | 46% | 24135m | 94% |
| 18:00 | ✕ | 18° | 87% | 51% | 24135m | 93% |
| 19:00 | ✕ | 27° | 87% | 47% | 24135m | 65% |
| 20:00 | ✓ | 34° | 87% | 44% | 24135m | 38% |
| 21:00 | ✓ | 39° | 87% | 40% | 24135m | 10% |
| 22:00 | ✓ | 40° | 87% | 28% | 24135m | 6.7% |
| 23:00 | ✓ | 38° | 87% | 15% | 24135m | 3.3% |
| Wed, May 27 | ||||||
| 24:00 | ✓ | 32° | 87% | 2.5% | 24135m | 0% |
| 01:00 | ✓ | 24° | 87% | 3.1% | 24135m | 1.2% |
| 02:00 | ✓ | 15° | 87% | 3.8% | 24135m | 2.3% |
| 03:00 | ✓ | 4.5° | 87% | 4.4% | 24135m | 3.5% |
| 04:00 | ✓ | -6.6° | 87% | 13% | 24135m | 19% |
| 05:00 | ✓ | -18° | 87% | 21% | 24135m | 34% |
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