Black Canyon's night sky is dark enough to be certified

One of the quiet perks of living near Montrose is what happens after dark. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits far from city lights, and the night sky there is dark enough that it has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park. On a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way stretch overhead.

Because the night is part of why the park matters, it does not close at sundown. You can come for stargazing, and overlooks set back from the road are shielded from passing headlights, which makes them good spots for a telescope or a long camera exposure.

A few habits keep the dark dark. The park asks visitors to use red-light headlamps or flashlights at night, which protect everyone’s night vision and cut down on glare. White phone lights and bright beams undo the effect for the whole pullout. The park also runs an astronomy festival each year with telescopes and programs.

Nighttime at a canyon rim deserves respect. Stay back from unfenced edges, bring layers because high desert nights get cold, and let your eyes adjust. For event dates, viewing tips, and current rules, check the National Park Service night-sky pages for the park.