Dark Skies Along the Continental Divide
The CDT is a gateway to some of the most pristine night skies in the continental United States. Explore our free Dark Skies Guide, learn to navigate by the stars, and join us this May in Pie Town, NM for the Second Annual Dark Sky Party on the CDT.
Created in partnership with Dark Sky Land, Inc. and the National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Second Annual Dark Sky Gathering on the CDT
May 15–17, 2026 • Pie Town, New Mexico
Join us under some of the darkest skies in the country for three unforgettable days of guided stargazing, expert-led sessions, and community along the Continental Divide. Whether you’re a stargazer, hiker, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates a sky full of stars, this gathering is for you.
WHEN
May 15-17, 2026
Two nights of stargazing + daytime sessions
WHERE
Lester Jackson Campground
Located in Pie Town, New Mexico
ACCOMMODATIONS
Camping with access to portable toilets. Bring your tent or sleep under the stars!
Hosted by CDTC in partnership with the National Religious Partnership for the Environment, Dark Sky Land, Inc., and the Community of Pie Town.
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.
Stay Connected with the CDT Community
Get trail updates, volunteer opportunities, and dark-sky stories; plus simple ways to protect the places you love.
Offered in Partnership by
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