Dark Skies of the Wet Mountain Valley

Dark Skies, Inc. of the Wet Mountain Valley is a community organization dedicated to preserving Colorado’s exceptional night skies, educating the public about light pollution and astronomy, and helping people experience the stars. Since 1999, it has worked with residents, businesses, and local governments in Westcliffe and Silver Cliff to replace light-polluting fixtures with shielded lighting and promote responsible outdoor illumination. Its efforts helped the towns become Colorado’s first International Dark Sky Communities.

The organization supports astronomy education through school outreach, donated books, public workshops, speaker events, and a STEM scholarship for Custer County students. Visitors and residents can join free public star parties, typically scheduled from May through October, and attend educational presentations on topics such as telescope selection and night-sky photography. The Smokey Jack Observatory hosts seasonal events and offers access to a powerful telescope; reservations are seasonal. Dark Skies also presents the Planet Walk, an interactive, accurately scaled journey through the solar system. Donations help fund its preservation, education, and community programs.