Astro Workshop II & III plus Wild Under the Milkyway Recap
We had an exceptional crew for our very first Wild Under the Milky Way backpacking and astrophotography workshop! With crystal‑clear skies overhead, the group hiked up to Ptarmigan Lake, set up camp, and witnessed the Milky Way arching perfectly above the alpine basin. Few moments rival the excitement of watching someone capture our home galaxy for the first time—especially after learning the manual settings, focus tricks, and creative compositions we practiced around the lake.
Scroll below for a handful of images from the trip 👇 and all the info on our final two astro‑workshops of the season… spots are already disappearing fast!
Starry Night Lake Hike - July 18th, just outside Buena Vista, Colorado
Date: July 18 th, 2025
Link: https://groundupadventuresco.com/starry-night-lake-hike/
A single‑night adventure designed for new photographers and night‑sky lovers. We handle every logistics detail—from backpacks to headlamps—so you can focus on learning how to shoot the stars in one of Colorado’s clearest dark‑sky basins.
Why you’ll love it
Evening immersion in high‑alpine starlight (no camping required).
Hands‑on instruction from a seasoned astrophotographer.
Snacks, hot drinks, transportation, and 3‑5 pro images included.
Small group size + 1‑on‑1 coaching for every skill level.
⚡️ Spots are limited and moving quickly—reserve yours before they’re gone! ⚡️
Summit to the Stars — 3‑Day Backpacking & 14er Adventure, outside B.V., Colorado
Dates: Friday Aug 22 – Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Link: https://groundupadventuresco.com/summit-to-the-stars-trip/
Three days, two nights, one unforgettable summit + Milky Way combo. We’ll backpack deep into the San Isabel National Forest, bag a classic Colorado 14er at sunrise, then shoot the night sky from an alpine camp miles from city lights.
Included
All backpacking gear & meals (dessert too!).
Transportation, permits, and Wilderness First Responder‑certified guides.
Astro, landscape, and high‑altitude photography coaching.
3–5 professional images of you in action.
Advanced skills: dark‑sky planning, moon‑phase tracking, sunrise setups, high‑elevation pacing, LNT, wildlife safety, more.
If you’re ready to push your creativity, test your legs, and bring home portfolio‑worthy shots, this is the trip to end summer on a high note (literally).
Looking for a unique way to experience Colorado's night sky? Our guided astrophotography hikes in Buena Vista, Colorado are designed for photographers, stargazers, and outdoor adventurers alike. Whether you’re joining us for a single-night astro hike or a full multi-day backpacking photography trip, we provide all the gear, planning, and expert instruction to help you safely and confidently photograph the Milky Way in one of the state’s most pristine dark-sky locations. These small-group photography workshops in Colorado combine wilderness education, backcountry hiking, and real-world photography skills for an unforgettable adventure. Book your spot on an upcoming astrophotography tour in Colorado today and learn how to capture the stars like never before.
Ready to join us under the stars?
Our June workshop filled in days, and July 18 th is already over half booked. Hit the links above, secure your spot, and we’ll see you on the trail—headlamps on, cameras ready, Milky Way overhead. 🌌 Questions? Drop them below this blog post or DM myself or Shelby on Instagram @frankiespontelli —happy to chat gear, fitness, or anything astro‑related… See you on the trails!
