Dark Skies Along the Continental Divide
Like the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT), Dark Skies are a place where many paths converge, and the offer a place to raise collective voice and to build appreciation for those intersections of people and place. Scroll to download the free Dark Skies Guide and plan your next stargazing night along the Continental Divide. Then jump down to learn how to find north using the stars.
Created in partnership with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Dark Sky Land, Inc., and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment.
A night sky worth protecting
Dark skies are part of what makes the Continental Divide and the Continental Divide Trail feel so big, wild, and unforgettable. They invite us to slow down, look up, and connect—with place, with one another, and with the many cultural stories and traditions that have lived under these stars for generations.
But truly dark nights are getting harder to find. Light pollution can disrupt wildlife, waste energy, and dim the sense of wonder that draws people outside in the first place.
The good news: protecting dark skies is something we can do together—by choosing dark-sky-friendly lighting at home, keeping campsite lights low, and leaving the night as natural as we found it.
Explore the dark skies of the CDT
Want help finding a great place to start? Explore our map of officially designated dark-sky places along the Continental Divide and near the CDT corridor—sites recognized for exceptional night skies and community commitment to protecting them.
Use it to spot stargazing-friendly destinations, learn what makes each location special, and plan a visit that supports both the night sky and the landscapes we share.
The night skies of the Continental Divide Trail- at your fingertips
Please answer the following questions to help us understand what sort of dark sky materials and events would best support our community.
Dark Skies of the Continental Divide
a short film
Coming Soon
We are thrilled to announce a new film to celebrate the dark skies of the Continental Divide.
Expected to release in January, 2026. Subscribe below to stay updated on the film.
Learn how to explore with the stars like a pro
Astronomer and CDT hiker Zack “Beekeeper” Stockbridge shares his handy tips for orienting to the night sky.
Subscribe to our e-news below to stay updated so you don’t miss the release of our Celestial Navigation tips video, and the full CDT Dark Skies documentary in 2026.
Stay Connected with the CDT Community
Get trail updates, volunteer opportunities, and dark-sky stories; plus simple ways to protect the places you love.
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