International Dark Sky Parks Protect More than Starry Nights - Western National Parks Association

International Dark Sky Parks Protect More than Starry Nights

“Half the park is after dark”

“Half the park is after dark,” a slogan from a line of posters created by astronomer and educator Tyler Nordgren, has become the unofficial motto of the NPS Night Skies program.
Half the park is after dark
The Milky Way and stars fill the night sky above an Ancestral Puebloan ruin at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico.
The Milky Way and stars fill the night sky above an ancestral Puebloan cultural site at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico (courtesy of NPS).

Preventing Light Pollution

Many of our national parks are protected from the light pollution of bustling cities by their relative isolation, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the magic of the natural night sky that was once available everywhere. The International Dark-Sky Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting dark skies and keeping light pollution at bay so present and future generations can enjoy the stars. The association recognizes lands across the world that possess exceptional night sky views and “a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.” In order to be designated as International Dark Sky Parks, these lands must use approved outdoor lighting that does not contribute to light pollution and also offer dark sky viewing programs for visitors.
Many NPS programs invite visitors to learn and observe the importance of protecting dark skies (courtesy of NPS).

Experience the power of the night sky

NPS takes the protection of dark night skies seriously, recognizing that these nightscapes represent another facet of preserving nature for the benefit of future generations and for the wildlife that depends on dark night skies to accomplish its life cycles.  To date, more than 40 NPS units have earned the honor of being recognized as Dark Sky Parks, including many WNPA partner parks. These parks and many others offer night sky programming for visitors, such as stargazing, night hikes, and ranger-led interpretive programs about the wonders of the night sky. There is also a Junior Ranger Night Explorer program, where children between the ages of five and 12 learn about astronomy, nocturnal wildlife, and light pollution.
The full moon rises over Zion. Night sky photography is popular from the park, where dark skies give excellent views.
Night sky photography is a popular activity in many national parks, resulting in beautiful photos like this full moon rising over Zion National Park (courtesy of NPS).

Dark Sky Week

Dark Sky Week was created in 2003 by Jennifer Barlow, a high school student. It has grown to be a worldwide event. Every April during the week of the new moon, people around the world turn off unnecessary lighting to temporarily reduce light pollution. During Dark Sky Week, a visit to a Dark Sky Park is a very special experience.

Many WNPA partner parks
are officially designated as Dark Sky Parks. These parks protect vital resources and ecosystems, in addition to preserving nightscapes that have been valued by Indigenous people for generations. Throughout the West, national parks protect against the threats of light pollution, developing plans to support the visitor experience while maintaining the beauty and life a dark sky sustains.

WNPA Dark Sky Park Partners

Night sky at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (courtesy of NPS)
Capulin Volcano dark skies
Capulin Volcano National Monument (courtesy of NPS)
Chaco Culture National Historical Park dark sky
Chaco Culture National Historical Park (courtesy of NPS)
Chiricahua National Monument dark sky milky way
Chiricahua National Monument (courtesy of NPS)
Curecanti Nationat Recreation Area dark sky
Curecanti National Recreation Area (courtesy of NPS)
Star trails around the center of the image with silhouetted trees and rocks in the foreground.
El Morro National Monument (courtesy of NPS)
Fort Union National Monument
twilight view at Great Basin National Park, Nevada.
Great Basin National Park (courtesy of NPS)
Night sky, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (courtesy of NPS)
The Milky Way over the LBJ Ranch
Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park (courtesy of NPS)
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument with the night sky
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
The constellation Orion rises over Sunset Crater Volcano.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Saguaro cactus under the Milky Way.
Tonto National Monument (courtesy of NPS)
lights at Tumacacori dark sky
Tumacácori National Historical Park (courtesy of NPS)
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument (courtesy of NPS)
Full moon over Wupatki
Wupatki National Monument (courtesy of NPS)

Shop and Prepare to Explore Parks and Hike Trails

Bandelier National Monument Pueblo Loop Trail Guide WNPA Publication