Meteor Madness with the MRD

Join us on a late-night Perseid meteor shower outing to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, with transportation from Montrose, guided constellation viewing, warm drinks, and two nights to choose from. It is designed especially for older youth, but families, teens, and the young at heart are welcome.
Schedule and Meeting details:

• Friday, August 7: 8:15–10:45 p.m. – a slightly earlier night that still offers great Perseid viewing, ideal for families who want to be home closer to bedtime.
• Wednesday, August 12: 8:15–11:30 p.m. – a later “peak night” trip timed for the height of the Perseid meteor shower, when activity is strongest - 50 to 100+ bright, colorful meteors and fireballs per hour are expected this year!
• Meeting and departure location: Flex Rec, Montrose – please arrive before 8:15 p.m. to check in, use restrooms, and load gear before departure.  We will leave Flex Rec by van shortly after 8:15 p.m.
   
• Return:
  • Friday group returns to Flex Rec around 10:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday group returns around 11:30 p.m.

• Why a weeknight is worth it: On Wednesday, the peak night, the combination of darker skies from a new moon, and higher meteor rates can mean a noticeably busier sky, giving you a better chance to catch bright “shooting stars” and even a few fireballs - if conditions cooperate

Transportation and caravanning

• MRD van transportation included: Your fee covers a seat in an accessible MRD vehicle from Flex Rec to our stargazing location and back, so you won't have to drive unfamiliar roads in the dark.
• Caravanning option: If you'd like the flexibility to return earlier or stay out later, or are more comfortable driving your own vehicle, you may caravan behind the MRD van from Flex Rec to the viewing area; staff will give you directions to our stargazing location when we leave.

 

What MRD provides on-site

• Guided night-sky program: MRD staff will use a green laser pointer to trace out major constellations, explain where the Perseids come from, and share easy-to-follow stories about the stars that are appropriate for older kids and teens.
• Warm drinks: Hot cocoa or a similar warm beverage will be available to help everyone stay comfortable while sitting still outdoors.
• Safe, family-friendly viewing area: We use an established overlook area with room for families to spread out while still staying within sight and earshot of staff, and we open with a short safety talk about staying together in the dark.

What to wear and bring

• Dress in warm layers (very important!): Even in August, evening temperatures  at Black Canyon can drop 20–30 degrees from the daytime, and sitting still under clear skies feels much cooler than walking around.
• Plan on a base layer, sweatshirt or fleece, a warm jacket, and hats or gloves for kids who get cold easily; it’s much easier to take layers off than to warm up once you’re chilled.
• Footwear: Closed‑toe shoes are recommended, consider bringing warm wool socks.
• Something to sit on: Bring a camp chair, blanket, or sleeping pad so you can lean back comfortably and look up; MRD will have a limited number of chairs and mats to loan out.
• Optional items: A water bottle, small snacks, and a red‑light flashlight or headlamp (white lights make it harder for everyone’s eyes to adjust to the dark).
  Ages, pricing, and supervision
• Ages: 9 and up; this program is designed for older elementary youth and middle schoolers who can stay up late and follow basic safety instructions at night.
• Youth supervision: We strongly encourage at least one parent/guardian to attend with younger participants so families can enjoy the experience together and adults can help kids manage the late night
• Fee: $8 for age 13 and under; $12 for age 14 and older, including transportation, guided program, and warm drinks.

 

Weather & cancellation policy

Meteor Madness is a weather‑dependent program. MRD stargazing staff will review forecasts and make a weather call no later than 2 hours before the scheduled check‑in time. If you do not hear from us by then, the program is running as planned.

If lightning, unsafe roads, steady rain, or heavy cloud cover are expected to significantly affect visibility or safety, MRD will cancel or reschedule the trip. Final decisions about whether sky conditions are good enough for stargazing are made by experienced MRD stargazing staff.

If we cancel for weather or poor cloud conditions and you cannot attend the alternate Wednesday night, you will receive a full refund.