Browns Canyon National Monument in Chaffee County, Colorado, has officially been designated as the 18th International Dark Sky Place in the state, as announced by the U.S. Forest Service. This recognition, achieved through efforts led by the local advocacy group Friends of Browns Canyon, highlights the area’s commitment to dark-sky conservation and education, promoting best practices for exterior lighting. With over 22,000 acres of pristine wilderness along the scenic Arkansas River corridor, Browns Canyon offers excellent opportunities for night sky viewing and recreational activities while honoring its cultural significance to Indigenous peoples. Local officials praised the maintenance and retrofitting efforts that facilitate this certification, emphasizing the community’s exciting new programming to enhance visitor experience under the stars.