Night Sky & Natural Sounds

Night sky from Wild Basin

NPS/Crystal Brindle

 

Dark night skies and natural quiet are examples of the intangible resources protected by Rocky Mountain National Park. Unfortunately, the booming growth of Front Range communities makes some degradation of these resources inevitable. However, park planners are working with local communities to protect the park to the extent possible.

A research study, led by Dr. Jonathan Taylor, examined what types of backcountry experiences park visitors most value. You can read the report entitled Wilderness Experience in Rocky Mountain National Park 2002: Report to RMNP. This information assisted park managers in planning for the continued protection of the park's "intangible" resources.

 

Milky Way above Bear Lake

NPS

Night Sky

The ability to view the stars, moon, planets and other celestial objects is an important part of the visitor experience. Views of the night sky degraded by light pollution from park facilities and nearby urban development. Rocky Mountain National Park installs exterior light fixtures that protect the night sky as facilities are constructed or older buildings are remodeled. The town of Estes Park has adopted a new zoning code that requires shielded light fixtures for all new development.

The park offers night sky astronomy programs in the summer and winter.

See the Ranger Led Programs page for details.

 

Astronomy programs are popular on summer nights.

NPS

 

Natural Sounds

The Park Omnibus Appropriations Act of 1998 banned the use of low-flying, commercial air tours over Rocky Mountain National Park. Rock is the only park in the system to date that has this type of protection. Passage of this legislation reflects widespread community support for limiting noise from aircraft. Commercial airlines, military and private aircraft are not covered by this policy and are allowed to fly above a specified altitude. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates air traffic over the park and has established "published" routes to which commercial aircraft must adhere. Military and private aircraft are not restricted to these routes.

 

A bleating Bighorn ewe, Alberta Falls, and the hoot of a Great Horned Owl are a few of the cherished natural sounds in Rocky's landscape.

NPS

 

Find more information on the National Park Service Night Skies and Natural Sounds Division website.