Browns Canyon is Colorado’s 12 International Dark Sky Park

Browns Canyon National Monument was certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International this past December 2024 – making it Colorado’s 12th International Dark Sky Park. Its lack of light pollution is partly due to the rural location, but conservation efforts have also helped manage exterior lighting and promoted best practices to residents and tourists in the region. This has resulted in spectacular night sky viewing.

Friends of Browns Canyon, a local advocacy group, organized the effort to seek DarkSky certification. The group conducted light meter readings and hired a contractor to help with the application. They also hosted fundraisers, concerts, photography outings, and other events to get the word out.

Browns Canyon includes a popular whitewater rafting section of the Arkansas River and nearly 22,000 acres of pristine public lands. Two public campgrounds – Ruby Mountain and Hecla Junction – are the best ways to access the park via car, but whitewater rafting tours are, by far, the most popular.

An overnight rafting tour in Browns Canyon is an epic way to experience the bright stars and constellations. Guided tours depart daily from Memorial Day Weekend through August 15 with a minimum of six people. Get 25% off if you book your summer adventure by February 15. Questions? Call 800-723-8987 or contact us.

About DarkSky International

DarkSky’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.