One of Colorado’s most popular state parks was recently recognized for its commitment to maintaining “an authentic nighttime experience” despite being located in an area with significant light pollution.
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Earlier this month, Golden Gate Canyon State Park became the first Colorado location to achieve Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International,, an organization that works to preserve and protect nighttime environments across the globe. One way it does that is through programs that accredit communities and parks, often in rural areas, that maintain their naturally dark skies.
While Colorado is home to more than 20 certified International Dark Sky parks and communities that boast starry night skies and preserve nocturnal environments for the public and wildlife, the Urban Night Sky Place certification is different in that it honors properties in or around large urban environments that actively promote an authentic nighttime experience in the midst of significant artificial light, Michael Rymer, communities program manager for Dark Sky International, said by email.
“While these places do not possess the exceptional or distinguished night sky as measured in International Dark Sky Parks, Urban Night Sky Places are recognized for their efforts to educate the public on the benefits of proper outdoor lighting that ensures public safety while minimizing potential harm to the natural nighttime environment,” Rymer said.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park began working toward its designation in 2024 with assistance from the Colorado Tourism Office and DarkSky Colorado, a local chapter of the larger organization. The effort included replacing or retrofitting 96 light fixtures, increasing education programming to align with DarkSky principles, holding regular stargazing parties and building relationships with local astronomy groups, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in an announcement.
“By protecting the night skies at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, we’re protecting a natural resource and creating opportunities for people of all ages to explore, learn and appreciate the stars in Colorado,” said Park Administrative Assistant Bronwyn Phillips in a statement.
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The park, which encompasses 12,000 acres, saw more than 1.7 million visitors in 2025. The updates should also benefit the variety of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles that call the park home.
“Moose, elk, black bear and mountain lions roam the forest floors, while red tail hawks, great horned owls and Steller’s Jay navigate the sky above. Little brown bats, wood-house frogs, and tiger salamanders may be small compared to the big game animals, but they make an important contribution to the ecosystem of the Park,” Dark Sky International wrote in an announcement. “Park staff are aware of the importance of dark skies and how they contribute to the livelihood of so many wildlife.”
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is the second state park behind Jackson Lake State Park, east of Greeley, to earn designation from DarkSky International. To see other places that have achieved this designation, visit darkskyorg.
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