The Flagstaff Area National Monuments, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument were named International Dark-Sky Parks in 2016.
The monuments are located near Flagstaff, Arizona, a city with a population of over 65,000 people. In 2001 Flagstaff became the first International Dark Sky City and has progressive lighting codes that prevent unnecessary light pollution.
A cooperative atmosphere between local astronomical observatories, the City of Flagstaff, and area land management agencies – and effective city and county outdoor lighting codes – render the Park’s dark skies relatively defensible despite their proximity to the city.
The Flagstaff Area National Monuments are supported by their member organization, Western National Parks Association.
Photo credit: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – WikiMedia Commons Photo by Deborah Lee Soltesz