Experience New Mexico After Dark During International Dark Sky Week; Leasburg Dam State Park April 11

State Parks offer stargazing, telescope viewings, and guided nighttime programs across the state.

Source: New Mexico Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources Department
Photo “City of Rocks”: Courtesy

SANTA FE – Home to some of the darkest skies in the country, New Mexico will mark International Dark Sky Week with a series of guided nighttime programs at state parks across the state, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience the night sky up close. 

Governor Michelle Lujan Grishamhas proclaimed April 13-20 as International Dark Sky Week in New Mexico, recognizing the state’s exceptional night skies and the importance of preserving them for future generations. 

“New Mexico offers some of the best night sky viewing opportunities in the country, and our state parks provide accessible places for everyone to experience it,” said Erin Taylor, acting cabinet secretary for the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department. “These programs connect people to the outdoors in a different way, at night with cooler temperatures and unique wildlife.” 

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New Mexico is also home to Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways, the first designated International Dark Sky Park in the state. 

Programs taking place in state parks include: 

• April 11, Cerrillos Hills State Park: “The Skies of Our Ancestors” a cultural astronomy experience exploring global perspectives on the night sky and ways to help preserve it;  
• April 11, Leasburg Dam State Park: a star program featuring telescope viewings with the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces beginning at sundown;  
• April 17, Rockhound State Park: A Stars-N-Parks conversation with amateur astronomer Mike Nuss;  
• April 18, Cimmaron Canyon State Park:  Owl Prowl offering a guided nighttime wildlife experience focused on observing owls in their natural habitat – night.  
• April 18, City of Rocks State Park: A Star Party at sunset with a chance of viewing the night sky with a 14” Mead telescope.  

International Dark Sky Week is a global observance that raises awareness about light pollution and encourages communities to protect natural darkness. New Mexico State Parks continues to support responsible outdoor recreation and conservation efforts that preserve the state’s landscapes, day and night.  

“Beneath New Mexico’s dark skies, we see more than stars,” said Toby Velásquez, director for the state parks division. “We reconnect with our heritage, nurture our well-being, and renew our shared responsibility to protect the beauty that binds us together.” 

Visitors are encouraged to check with individual park pages for program details and plan ahead for evening visits. For more information, visit emnrd.nm.gov/spd/