Our Work
Dark Sky Places
The Advantages of DarkSky Recognition
- Publicity to draw guests
- Conservation of natural resources
- Community/Park pride
For more information, see the global DarkSky website.
Requirements for Designation
- Low skyglow, as measured by Sky Quality Meters
- Lighting Management Plan
- Lighting Inventory
For more details on the requirements for each type of designation, see the main IDA website.
How to Start the Recognition Process
Get a certification mentor
The Dark Sky Place Certification Guide details the process.
Colorado Dark Sky Places
Map of Colorado showing Dark Sky Places. From the Western Dark Sky Dashboard, utah.maps.arcgis.com
The following 15 Colorado places have formally received DarkSky certification as a Dark Sky Place. DarkSky Colorado members support existing and prospective dark sky places.
Dark Sky Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Hovenweep National Monument
Jackson Lake State Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Slumgullion Center
Top of the Pines
Dark Sky Communities
Crestone, Colorado
Norwood, Colorado
Nucla/Naturita, Colorado
Ridgway, Colorado
Westcliffe/Silver Cliff, Colorado
Dark Sky Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Photo by Bettymaya Foott
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Hovenweep National Monument
Jackson Lake State Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Slumgullion Center
Photo by Phil Virden
Top of the Pines
Photo by Val Scwarc
Dark Sky Communities
Crestone, Colorado
Norwood, Colorado
Nucla/Naturita, Colorado
Ridgway, Colorado
