Denver, Colorado – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare and visually striking night-sky event across Colorado as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, giving residents their final chance to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. With high elevation, dry winter air, and wide-open horizons, Colorado is positioned for some of the most dramatic viewing conditions in the western U.S.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 3:03 a.m. MST, but the most compelling viewing opportunity comes later that day. Along the Front Range, including Denver, sunset occurs shortly before 4:50 p.m., with moonrise following during early twilight. That timing places the moonrise squarely in the blue-hour window, when the moon appears oversized and richly colored as it lifts above the eastern horizon.
This full moon qualifies as a supermoon because it occurs near perigee, the moon’s closest point to Earth. That alignment allows it to appear up to 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Viewers in Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Pueblo, and across the Eastern Plains should see the moon rise Saturday evening and climb high across the night sky. In mountain communities, the moon will ride especially high and remain visible for an extended period overnight.
The Wolf Moon gets its name from winter folklore tied to the howling of wolves during the coldest weeks of the year. January’s full moon is also the highest-hanging full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving Colorado one of the longest viewing windows nationwide.
For the best view, skywatchers should face east at moonrise from an open plain, foothill overlook, frozen reservoir, or elevated ridge with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening delivers the most dramatic contrast and photographic opportunity. Clear skies will be key. After this weekend, another supermoon will not return until late 2026, making this a standout way to begin the New Year across Colorado.
