The Darkest of 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endeavor involved a comprehensive assessment of existing lighting throughout the Park, followed by the replacement of outdated fixtures with dark sky-compliant alternatives.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. Learn more.
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.
The Loop Road, Lander
The Loop Road is a scenic drive south of Lander that goes through Sinks Canyon and up steep switchbacks into the mountains. The road is paved to the Worthen Reservoir turnoff, where it becomes a gravel road. Park in one of the parking areas or turnoffs, or for a special treat, continue along the road to the Blue Ridge Fire Lookout.
Castle Gardens, Riverton
Castle Gardens is home to petroglyphs, including some of the best-preserved shield art in the American West. This site is remote but has picnic facilities and interpretive signs to complement the vast night skies. This site is best visited when roads are dry.
Boysen State Park
Surrounded by open lands and the Boysen Reservoir, Boysen State Park and the town of Shoshoni emit little light, making them ideal for viewing the dark night skies in Wind River County.
Sinks Canyon State Park
An International Dark Sky Park, Sinks Canyon State Park offers visitors views of the night sky along with nighttime programming including constellation tours, astrophotography and nocturnal wildlife expeditions.
