Browns Canyon
National Monument

Dark Sky Park

Browns Canyon National Monument is a DarkSky International-certified Dark Sky Park. It is the only Dark Sky Park east of the Continental Divide that is not part of the National Park System.

The National Monument’s location, 100 miles from the nearest large city and ranging from 7,300 to 10,000 feet above sea level, is key to meeting the stringent requirements for a Dark Sky Park. The dry climate – nearby Salida receives only 10 inches of precipitation per year – make Browns Canyon naturally suited for night-sky viewing.

DarkSky International announced Browns Canyon’s Dark Sky Park certification December 16, 2024. The announcement recognized a collaborative partnership between the BLM, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Friends of Browns Canyon “for undertaking dark-sky conservation and education efforts through management of all exterior lighting and promoting best practices to visitors and nearby communities through interpretive programming. Browns Canyon National Monument now becomes Colorado’s 18th certified International Dark Sky Place, and its 12th International Dark Sky Park.”

Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a voluntary, non-regulatory program encouraging communities, parks and protected areas to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. 

Official recognition of Browns Canyon’s status by DarkSky International included a statement by Program Associate Michael Rymer: “Browns Canyon National Monument is a haven for dark skies in Central Colorado. … Browns Canyon’s example will no doubt be a substantial one in influencing communities surrounding the national monument and beyond to practice responsible outdoor lighting to better impact the night-time environment of the site.”

As an International Dark Sky Park, Browns Canyon National Monument’s special night-sky viewing opportunities are now recognized, along with the Monument’s well-known whitewater recreation, hiking, camping and wilderness-quality lands.

“Friends of Browns Canyon were instrumental in getting the International Dark Sky Park certification and recognition, and should really be applauded for their tireless efforts,” said Bureau of Land Management National Monument Manager for Browns Canyon Kalem Lenard. “All of the managing partners are really excited to celebrate the dark-sky resource, further recognizing Browns Canyon as a special place in the heart of Colorado.”

Deputy Forest Supervisor Jim Pitts said, “We’re thrilled for Browns Canyon to receive the night-sky designation as it is in direct alignment with our management goal to protect the Monument’s resources. … This is a great opportunity to highlight a shared landscape between the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and we welcome the public to enjoy this unique landscape that is part of our shared public lands.”

Friends of Browns Canyon led the certification process by hosting night-sky events, educational events, benefit concerts and photography outings. The Friends group’s volunteers also performed the light meter readings and coordinated with agency staff to ensure the success of the Dark Sky Park application.

“Because we have a lot of camping in the area, we had to retrofit some of our lighting,” said Tom Waters, Park Manager for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “With a bit of ingenuity from our staff, and some exceptional coordination with our local and federal partners, we have been able to provide this exciting opportunity to our community and visitors.”

With support from Friends of Browns Canyon, the Bureau of Land Management and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are training staff to deliver night-sky programming and that will educate visitors on the expanded recreation options being offered in the area.

DarkSky International’s mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.