Colorado’s premier destination for skywatchers, believers, and the cosmic-curious.

Are you ready to look beyond the stars? Located right in the heart of the San Luis Valley, a renowned global hotspot for unexplained aerial phenomena, the UFO Watchtower is Colorado’s premier destination for skywatchers, believers, and the cosmic-curious. Whether you’re a seasoned ufologist hunting for the next big sighting or a road-tripper looking for one of the most uniquely captivating spots in the American West, the Watchtower offers an experience out of this world.

Founded in 2000 by local legend Judy Messoline, the UFO Watchtower was created as a welcoming, judgment-free safe haven for skywatchers in Colorado’s mystical San Luis Valley, a region long celebrated as a global hotspot for paranormal activity and home to two documented energy vortexes. The site’s deep cosmic history is permanently anchored by the tragic tale of “Snippy,” a local Appaloosa mare whose baffling, bloodless death in 1967 became the world’s first globally publicized case of UFO-related animal mutilation. Today, visitors can explore the Watchtower’s museum to view Snippy’s preserved skeleton, connect with the valley’s rich extraterrestrial lore, and scan the high-desert skies where the line between science fiction and reality has blurred for generations.

What Awaits You

• 360-Degree Cosmic Views: Climb up to our elevated observation platform for an unobstructed, panoramic view of the massive San Luis Valley sky. With zero light pollution and high altitudes, it’s the perfect place to spot satellites, shooting stars, and maybe something unexplainable.
• The Famous Healing Garden: Walk through our whimsical, mystical rock garden. Visitors from all over the world leave behind small trinkets, energy stones, and personal items to connect with the two documented energy vortexes on the property.
• Out-of-This-World Gift Shop & Museum: Browse through a treasure trove of alien memorabilia, local sighting logs, photos, and unique souvenirs. Drop by to read the real stories of what locals and visitors have witnessed in our skies.

Why the San Luis Valley?

The valley is legendary in the paranormal community. Bordered by the majestic Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains, this region has been a hub for UFO sightings, mysterious lights, and unusual activity for decades. The Watchtower was built specifically to give people a safe, welcoming, and fun place to gather and watch the night sky.

Plan Your Interstellar Visit

• Day & Night Access: Stop by during the day to explore the gift shop and garden, or stick around after dark for some of the best stargazing (and UFO hunting) in Colorado.
• Camping Under the Stars: Want the full experience? We offer primitive campsite options so you can watch the skies all night long.

The truth is out here. Come find it at the UFO Watchtower!

Address: Off HWY 17, Hooper, CO, 81125

Phone Number: 719-378-2296

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