Top dark sky places
Dark Sky PlaceNucla
Dark Sky PlaceSilver Cliff
Dark Sky PlaceNorwood
Dark Sky PlaceNaturita
Dark Sky PlaceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dark Sky PlaceWestcliffe
Dark Sky PlaceGreat Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Dark Sky PlaceDinosaur National Monument
Dark Sky PlaceMesa Verde National Park
Dark Sky PlaceFlorissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Dark Sky Places by county
Map
How to photograph dark sky places
Certified dark sky places offer protected night skies — plan around the new moon and the Milky Way core season.
- Use the Milky Way table to find months and hours when the core is above the horizon.
- Use red light only and keep it pointed down to protect others' night vision.
- Set focus on a bright star with live-view magnification, then tape the focus ring.
- Use the NPF rule below to choose the longest exposure before stars trail.
- Many parks host star parties and night programs during summer.
Season: Milky Way core season runs roughly March to October; winter offers long nights and bright winter constellations.