Night Skies
Wyoming’s best stargazing adventure starts in Wyoming’s Wind River Country. Located in western Wyoming, just beyond Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains, Wind River Country is the place to go to get away from the crowds. As part of the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48, Wind River Country provides a view of clear, dark night skies across Wyoming. Now, more than ever, this holds true with Sinks Canyon State Park’s recent designation as an International Dark Sky Park, the first designation of its kind in the Cowboy State.
International Dark Sky Park Designation
To achieve this 2023 designation, Sinks Canyon State Park underwent a transformation aimed at minimizing light pollution and enhancing opportunities for stargazing.
This endeavor involved a comprehensive assessment of existing lighting throughout the Park, followed by the replacement of outdated fixtures with dark sky-compliant alternatives. By safeguarding its dark skies, Sinks Canyon State Park preserves its nocturnal habitat, which numerous species of animals depend upon for survival.
Visitors to Sinks Canyon State Park can partake in an array of nighttime activities, including guided constellation tours, astrophotography and nocturnal wildlife expeditions.
“The Wind River Visitors Council is thrilled that Sinks Canyon State Park has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. The amount of work, education and support that goes into such a designation is tremendous, and it demonstrates Sinks Canyon’s passion not only for dark skies but also for their commitment to protecting the things that make Wind River Country special,” said Helen Wilson, Executive Director of the Wind River Visitors Council.
For more information, visit www.darksky.org/news/sinks-canyon-state-park-named-first-international-dark-sky-park-in-wyoming.
The most jaded city dweller can be unexpectedly moved upon encountering a clear night sky studded with thousands of twinkling stars. When it happens to me after all these years it still takes my breath away.”
–Carl Sagan
Where to go
Dubois Scenic Overlook
The Town of Dubois Recreation Area Scenic Overlook is a favorite stargazing location among locals and visitors alike. The highest point on the trail reaches 7,505 feet above sea level and provides 360-degree views of the night sky.
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