The Great Sand Dunes Joins ‘Dark Sky’ Club

Stargazers rejoice! Another Colorado treasure receives the "International Dark-Sky" destination.

Now a trip to The Great Sand Dunes National Park is breathtaking both day and night. Not many places on earth can you take in majestic mountains, go sandboarding and sledding all day and then take in an unabated view of the moon, stars, a sky so dark the Milky Way is clearly visible at night. One such place is here in Colorado, The Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Now, this special place has been officially recognized as a "Dark Sky" from the International Dark-Sky Association. As cities grow larger and the light at night brighter there are fewer places left on the planet where light pollution doesn't obscure the night sky.

“It’s no surprise that Great Sand Dunes has been building a reputation for good night sky viewing,” says Great Sand Dunes Superintendent Pamela Rice. “The dry air, high elevation, and lack of light pollution all make the park an ideal dark-sky destination. We are thrilled with receiving this recognition as an International Dark Sky Park.”

The Great Sand Dunes joins three other federally managed parks in Colorado with the special "Dark Sky" designation. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison received their destination in 2015. Earlier this year, Dinosaur National Monument secured the recognition. With the addition of The Great Sand Dunes, there are now 51 official "Dark Sky" Parks in the US.

Credit: Out There Colorado