Golden Gate Canyon State Park has become Colorado’s first Urban Night Sky Place after earning a new designation from DarkSky International.
The designation recognizes the Colorado Parks and Wildlife park for its efforts to reduce artificial light pollution and protect nighttime conditions for wildlife, habitat and visitors. The recognition is particularly notable because Golden Gate Canyon sits within the Front Range metropolitan area, where growing development can make preserving dark skies increasingly difficult.
The park began its application process in 2024 with assistance from the Colorado Tourism Office and DarkSky Colorado.
96 Light Fixtures Replaced or Retrofitted
As part of the effort, Golden Gate Canyon State Park staff replaced or retrofitted 96 light fixtures throughout the park. Staff also expanded educational programming around responsible outdoor lighting and DarkSky principles.
The park regularly hosts stargazing events and has developed relationships with local astronomy organizations to encourage visitors to experience the night sky.
“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.” – Park Administrative Assistant Bronwyn Phillips.
The park also worked with several local governments, agencies and organizations during the designation process. Partners included Jefferson County, the City of Golden, Gilpin County, the University of Colorado Boulder, United Power and Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance.
Why Dark Skies Matter
Artificial light can affect ecosystems and wildlife by disrupting natural nighttime conditions. DarkSky International also points to energy waste, impacts on human health and the loss of opportunities to see the night sky as concerns associated with excessive artificial lighting.
Golden Gate Canyon now joins Jackson Lake State Park as the second Colorado state park recognized by DarkSky International. Jackson Lake received International Dark Sky Park designation in 2020.
The International Dark Sky Places Program was established in 2001 and now includes more than 255 recognized locations around the world. The voluntary program encourages parks, communities and protected areas to preserve dark skies through responsible lighting practices and public education.