Dark Skies Initiative

If you dream of mystical dark skies full of stars, plan a visit to Leadville-Twin Lakes, Colorado! Here you can peer deep into the universe, see the Milky Way, and make a wish on a shooting star.

In fact, our stargazing is so good that in the future, we hope to become a certified Dark Sky Community. This summer, you can enjoy the night sky with our free stargazing programs.

Completing the work needed to apply for certification will take a couple of years. In addition to collecting data and doing community outreach, locations like Leadville-Twin Lakes need to pass lighting ordinances that protect night skies.

Why Do Dark Skies Matter?

When night becomes day, it disrupts navigation and natural rhythms of wildlife, ecosystems, and human health, says DarkSky International. It separates us from our night sky heritage, which has “inspired science, religion, philosophy, art, and literature.” Outdoor lighting fixtures can waste energy and money, and studies show that lighting does not prevent crime. Learn more about light pollution and how to bring about darker skies.

Help Preserve our Dark Skies

Did you know that 99% of Americans live somewhere with light pollution?

On your vacation, you’ll have the chance to really see the night sky. Consider minimizing the use of lights on your trip to give your eyes, and your fellow campers’ eyes, a break. Doing so will also avoid confusing wildlife and night birds and let moths follow their usual patterns. Better still for your arms and ankles, using fewer lights will attract fewer bugs—and encourage them to stay flying in the forest for wildlife’s midnight snacks.

Consider these tips for a dark sky vacation:

1. Point lights down at the ground. Use a top shield where possible to keep light from escaping upward.
2. Use warm lights instead of blue tones. Minimize use of devices with blue light—better for your sleep and wildlife’s.
3. Limit outside light use. Consider keeping lanterns and outside RV lights off and using patio string lights only at home. For safety concerns, consider a motion sensor light.
4. Tone down flashlights. Use a flashlight or headlamp on low if possible, and use a red lens or setting for night vision.
5. Use curtains. Close RV curtains and tent flaps and shades when staying in comfy hotel, motel, B&B or rental. Doing so will help keep the night sky natural, deep in the Colorado Rockies.

Where to Go

Consider these star-struck locations:

• Twin Lakes, Colorado, is a small village surrounded by miles and miles of national forest. Slip into the trees or along the shoreline just out of sight of Highway 82. There you’ll find a spectacular view of the cosmos.
• Leadville’s East Side Mining District offers above-treeline views of the wide heavens. No camping or sleeping in cars overnight is allowed in the Mining District, to protect the fragile tundra from camping impacts.
• Climbing a 14er? Start your hike before dawn to be down before afternoon thunderstorms arrive—and to catch an unforgettable view of the stars.