Colorado’s Dark Sky Parks Are the Ultimate Escape From the City for Nature Lovers
What Are Dark Sky Parks?
A Dark Sky Park is a protected area recognized for its commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural nighttime environment. These locations are part of the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program, which sets strict standards for artificial light control and public education about the importance of dark skies.
Colorado continues to lead the way in dark sky preservation, offering breathtaking nighttime views for generations to come.
How Does a Park Earn IDSP Certification?
To achieve IDSP certification, a park must meet key criteria and be certified by DarkSky International:
- Maintain exceptional night sky quality with minimal light pollution
- Implement strict outdoor lighting policies to reduce excessive brightness
- Offer community outreach programs on dark sky preservation
Colorado’s Certified Dark Sky Parks
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning night skies in the country, with several parks earning Dark Sky Park certification for their efforts in reducing light pollution.
National Parks Recognized for Dark Sky Preservation
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Deep canyon walls block city lights, creating exceptionally dark skies. Home to AstroFest, an annual event celebrating astronomy.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Offers expansive 360° views with little to no light pollution, making it a top destination for Milky Way photography.
- Curecanti National Recreation Area: Features three reservoirs that reflect the night sky, enhancing the celestial experience and providing amazing photo opportunities.
- Dinosaur National Monument: One of the darkest places in the U.S., ideal for spotting distant galaxies and meteor showers.
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: Close to urban areas but still provides a high-quality stargazing experience. Also offers regular night sky programs for visitors.
Each of these parks provides an opportunity to experience breathtaking nightscapes while promoting the importance of dark sky conservation.
Newly Certified State Parks
In a continued effort to reduce light pollution, Colorado recently expanded its Dark Sky Certification Program, adding four new state parks to the list. These parks are implementing outdoor lighting policies and public education programs to maintain pristine night skies:
- Eleven Mile State Park – Nestled in the central Rockies, this park offers incredible star visibility with minimal interference from artificial lights.
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park – A favorite for night hikers and campers, this park provides clear, dark skies just a short drive from Denver.
- Mueller State Park – Known for its forested landscapes and wildlife, this park now serves as a hub for astronomy programs.
- Trinidad Lake State Park – Offers expansive sky views over the reservoir, making it a top choice for dark sky enthusiasts in southern Colorado.
Dark Sky Communities
In addition to the Dark Sky Parks found in Colorado, our state is also home to several dark sky communities, which make efforts to combat light pollution and preserve night skies over inhabited areas.
What Is a Dark Sky Community?
A Dark Sky Community is a town or municipality dedicated to preserving natural nightscapes by actively reducing light pollution. Unlike Dark Sky Parks, which focus on protected wilderness areas, these communities adopt local lighting ordinances, promote dark sky education, and engage residents in conservation efforts.
To receive certification from DarkSky International, a community must:
- Implement and enforce strict outdoor lighting policies
- Educate the public on light pollution reduction
- Gain local government and resident support
- Show a commitment to ongoing dark sky advocacy
These efforts create darker, more star-filled skies while benefiting wildlife, human health, and energy conservation.
Certified Dark Sky Communities in Colorado
Several communities in Colorado have earned Dark Sky Community status, demonstrating leadership in night sky preservation:
- Westcliffe & Silver Cliff: First certified Dark Sky Communities in Colorado and home to the Smokey Jack Observatory, which hosts public star parties.
- Crestone: A small town with a long-standing commitment to minimal light pollution, it’s considered one of the best places for stargazing in southern Colorado.
- Norwood: Located on a 7,000-foot mesa, providing exceptionally clear skies year-round, the town is a prime location for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers.
How to Experience Dark Sky Parks
Best Times to Visit for Stargazing
Timing is key when planning a visit to a Dark Sky Park. For the clearest views, consider:
- Summer and fall – These seasons offer stable weather conditions, warm evenings, and the best chances of seeing the Milky Way.
- New moon nights – A moonless sky allows for maximum star visibility, making constellations and deep-sky objects more vivid.
- Avoiding city light interference – Choose parks in remote locations to experience truly dark skies without light pollution.
Astronomy Events & Guided Tours
Many of Colorado’s Dark Sky Parks offer ranger-led astronomy programs, perfect for beginners and experienced stargazers alike. Some highlights include:
- AstroFest at Black Canyon of the Gunnison – An annual festival with expert talks and telescope viewings.
- Great Sand Dunes Night Programs – Learn about nocturnal wildlife and stargazing from park rangers.
- Local Astronomy Club Events – Many parks collaborate with astronomy clubs to host public viewing nights.
Night-Sky Photography: Capturing the Stars
Best Locations for Night-Sky Photography in Colorado
Colorado’s Dark Sky Parks and Communities provide some of the best backdrops for astrophotography. Here are top locations to capture breathtaking celestial images:
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – The Milky Way rising over massive sand dunes creates an otherworldly landscape perfect for long-exposure shots.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Deep canyon walls block light pollution, offering a dramatic foreground against the starry sky.
- Westcliffe & Silver Cliff – As a certified Dark Sky Community, these towns provide some of the darkest skies in Colorado, making them ideal for capturing faint galaxies and nebulae.
Camera Gear & Settings for Astrophotography
To get sharp, detailed night-sky photos, bring the right equipment and adjust your camera settings:
| Gear | Why It’s Important |
| DSLR/Mirrorless Camera | Allows manual exposure and low-light shooting |
| Wide-Aperture Lens (f/2.8 or lower) | Captures more light for brighter stars |
| Sturdy Tripod | Prevents blur from long exposures |
| Remote Shutter Release | Reduces camera shake for clearer images |
Recommended Settings:
- ISO: 1600–3200 (balances brightness with minimal noise)
- Aperture: f/2.8 or lower (lets in maximum light)
- Shutter Speed: 15-30 seconds (captures starlight without excessive motion blur)
Tips for Stunning Star Photos
- Use manual focus – Autofocus struggles in low light. Set focus to infinity for sharp stars.
- Shoot during a new moon – A dark sky makes celestial objects more visible.
- Capture star trails – Use a long-exposure technique (several minutes or stacked images).
- Include foreground elements – Silhouetted mountains, trees, or tents add depth and scale to your shots.
With the right location, gear, and settings, you can create stunning images of Colorado’s breathtaking night skies.
FAQ Section
What makes a Dark Sky Park different from a regular park?
A Dark Sky Park is certified for its commitment to reducing light pollution and maintaining exceptional night sky visibility. These parks follow strict lighting policies, provide stargazing programs, and protect natural nighttime environments.
How can I check sky conditions before visiting a Dark Sky Park?
Use a stargazing app or a weather forecast tool to check cloud cover, moon phases, and light pollution maps. Aim for clear, moonless nights for the best experience.
Are there any restrictions for visiting Dark Sky Parks at night?
Most Dark Sky Parks remain open after dark, but some require permits for nighttime entry. Check park regulations before visiting.
Can I camp overnight at a Dark Sky Park?
Yes, many Dark Sky Parks offer campgrounds or backcountry camping, allowing you to experience uninterrupted night skies.
Which Dark Sky Parks are closest to Longmont?
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
What’s the best camera for astrophotography?
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-aperture lens (f/2.8 or lower) works best for capturing stars.
Do I need a telescope to take good night-sky photos?
No, a wide-angle lens on a camera is great for Milky Way shots, but a telescope is useful for planetary photography.
