Great Sand Dunes Reach Peak Visibility in National Park

Summary: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve has been ranked 8th out of 76 national parks for visibility, despite recent challenges from wildfires affecting air quality. Utilizing sensors to track air particles, the park maintains impressive visibility on clear days, estimated at 170 miles, though haze can reduce this significantly. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, it offers residents and visitors stunning night skies free from light pollution, fostering both tourism and local economic growth. In 2023, the park generated nearly $38 million in economic impact. However, a recent study highlights that even minor increases in light pollution could deter visitors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the park’s visibility for both natural beauty and economic sustainability.