Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center: An International Dark Sky Park

The Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center, formerly known as the Slumgullion Center, is a certified International Dark Sky Park located at the toe of the Slumgullion Earthflow near Lake City. The 58-acre property earned its designation in 2020, when the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy’s (LFVC) application was approved by DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association), making it one of the few privately owned properties in the world to receive Dark Sky Park status.

“We are blessed in Lake City and Hinsdale County to have extraordinary dark skies for viewing the remarkable wonders of our star-filled universe,” remarked Phillip Virden. “We want to do everything possible to preserve this unique setting for our children, grandchildren, and for all future generations who live and visit here.”

International Dark Sky Parks are publicly or privately owned spaces protected for natural conservation that implement responsible outdoor lighting and provide dark sky programs for visitors. Colorado is home to several, including Dinosaur National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Development at the Center meets DarkSky International standards to prevent light pollution, preserving some of the darkest night skies in Colorado. The LFVC hosts stargazing sessions and astronomy programs at the Center, including weekly stargazing during the summer season and the annual Lake City Star Fest.

Each summer, the LFVC hosts weekly stargazing gatherings at the decommissioned Slumgullion Campground on County Road 50 (the Deer Lakes Road), near the top of Slumgullion Pass. Sessions run every Tuesday evening from mid-June through late August, 8:30 to 10:30 PM. Under the valley’s exceptional Bortle Class 1 skies, some of the darkest in the lower 48, visitors can often spot the Milky Way, planets, and constellations with the naked eye. First-timers and seasoned skywatchers alike are welcome for these relaxed, community-focused evenings of guided observation and storytelling. Visit the LFVC’s weekly stargazing page for details and registration.

LFVC and the Town of Lake City are part of a regional partnership of Colorado organizations and communities promoting dark sky awareness across the state.

To arrange astronomy programs at the Lake Fork Earth & Sky Center, contact the LFVC at 970-944-5382 or email info@lfvc.org.