Colorado Has a New ‘Dark Sky’ Park

The vast beauty of Colorado includes looking up into the sky at night and taking in all the planets and stars. As of December of 2024, the state had 17 places designated as International Dark Sky places.

Not only do Coloradans enjoy the night sky, but it is also becoming a part of the state's tourism industry. You have to wonder how many people travel from out of state to take in Colorado's nighttime wonder.

Before 2024 came to an end, Colorado celebrated the designation of an area in Southern Colorado as joining 10 others in the state deemed and International Dark Sky Parks.

Southern Colorado Park Named International Dark Sky Park

A "dark sky" park or area is a place where there is very little "light pollution" which obstructs viewing of the nighttime sky. Colorado now has 11 parks the have been certified by Dark Sky International, as well as six other areas that are deemed "dark sky"

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According to CPR, Browns Canyon National Monument, west of Colorado Springs and north of Salida, was certified an International Darky Sky Park by DarkSky International which has certified over 200 places, including Flagstaff, Arizona, as being the first "Dark Sky City."

About Dark Sky International:

International Dark Sky Places protect ecologically sensitive areas and our universal heritage in the starry night sky.

Certified Places are required to use quality outdoor lighting, effective policies to reduce light pollution, ongoing stewardship practices, and more.

 

RELATED: Best Places for Stargazing in Colorado

Southern Colorado holds some of Colorado's most beautiful places; when planning an excursion you should put visiting a Dark Sky park/place on your itinerary.