Golden Gate Canyon State Park achieves Urban Night Sky Place designation
Golden Gate Canyon State Park awarded Urban Night Sky Place recognition
September 18, 2026
Golden Gate Canyon State Park achieves Urban Night Sky Place designation
GOLDEN, Colo. — Golden Gate Canyon State Park has achieved Urban Night Sky Place designation from DarkSky International in recognition of the park’s efforts to lessen metropolitan light pollution for wildlife and habitat conservation. Golden Gate Canyon staff worked to replace or retrofit 96 light fixtures, increase education programming to align with DarkSky principles, hold regular star gazing parties and forge relationships with local astronomy groups.
"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.
“DarkSky International is proud to welcome another of Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s state parks into the International Dark Sky Place Program with Golden Gate Canyon State Park’s certification as an Urban Night Sky Place,” said Michael Rymer, DarkSky International Community Program Manager. “Golden Gate Canyon is Colorado’s first Urban Night Sky Place, and sites like these are integral to protecting nighttime environments that are so close to urban areas, while also educating visitors about the issue of light pollution and why dark skies are so important. The staff and volunteers at Golden Gate Canyon have done exceptional work, and we are encouraged to see further progress in and around the park in the future.”
Example of updated lighting installed by staff at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon began the application process in 2024 with assistance from the Colorado Tourism Office and DarkSky Colorado. CPW staff also worked with multiple municipalities and agencies to become an Urban Night Sky Park including the Jefferson County Commission, City of Golden, Gilpin County, University of Colorado Boulder United Power and Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance.
The park joins Jackson Lake State Park as the second state park recognized by DarkSky International. Jackson Lake was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2020.
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About the International Dark Sky Places Program: Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to preserve and protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education. When used indiscriminately, artificial light can disrupt ecosystems, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view and connection to the universe. Golden Gate Canyon State Park now joins more than 255 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution. Learn more by visiting https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/.
About DarkSky International: The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org
DarkSky International Media Contact:
Michael Rymer
Communities Program Manager
(520) 347-6365
[email protected]
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