Photo by Bettymaya Foott
By Martie Semmer, DarkSky Colorado
Nighttime is special on Colorado’s rivers. After a day of rafting, kayaking, or canoeing, the boats are secured for the night and it’s time to set up camp. You and your boating friends have practiced river safety and etiquette all day on the river. Nighttime safety and etiquette best practices are also important to the well-being of your river buddies, river runners camped upriver and down river, nocturnal wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic life.
Tips to enjoy and protect the night on the river when lighting is needed:
- Shield and direct lighting for the intended task
- Use headlamps/flashlights with warmer color options – such as red lighting
- Avoid decorative and unnecessary lighting
- Consider stargazing as an alternative to a campfire
River camping under the night sky with the moonlight, the stars, and/or the Milky Way dancing on the water offers a memorable experience beyond words.
Additional Resources:
How to Take Your Stargazing to the Next Level
A Surprising Effect of Light Pollution: It Disrupts Aquatic Insects
For more information: