Every August 25th, the National Park Service (NPS) celebrates its birthday, also called Founders Day. Born in 1916, the NPS was created to protect America’s most treasured lands and make them available for all to explore and enjoy.
109 years later, its mission still holds strong: preserve the wonder, share the beauty, and keep the adventure alive for future generations.
What better way to celebrate that legacy than to head outdoors right here in Colorado?
Colorado Parks Shine Bright — Day and Night
Let’s admit it. Coloradoans are pretty spoiled when it comes to parks. We’ve got four incredible national parks—Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison—each offering jaw-dropping landscapes and unforgettable adventures. Add to that dozens of state parks and countless local preserves, and you’ve got an outdoor playground that rivals anywhere on Earth.
But Colorado doesn’t just dazzle in daylight. When the sun drops below the mountains, our skies come alive. This state is a recognized leader in dark sky preservation, with 12 International Dark Sky Parks and 6 Dark Sky Communities. From Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Great Sand Dunes National Parks to Westcliffe and Browns Canyon National Monument, Colorado offers some of the clearest, darkest skies you’ll ever see.
Why Dark Skies Matter
If you’ve ever camped beneath the Milky Way, you know the feeling of awe that Colorado’s starry skies can bring. Stars literally stretch from horizon to horizon. Our galaxy glows like a river of light. You can’t help but gape at the spectacle, and it somehow makes you feel both tiny and insignificant, yet part of the infinite cosmos above.
But here’s the catch– those pristine night sky views are vanishing in many places because of light pollution. That’s why the Dark Sky movement—and the parks that support it—are so important. They protect not just the land and its abundant life, but the night itself. National and state parks are at the front lines of this effort, giving us the chance to experience the night sky as it’s meant to be.
Beyond the Big Parks
National Park Service Day isn’t just about the big names. Every park counts. That local trail system near your neighborhood offers fresh air and a chance to commune with nature. State parks like Golden Gate Canyon or Mueller provide camping, wildlife, and stargazing just a short drive away.
The truth is, every protected space—whether it’s a sprawling canyon or a small city park—adds to the health, joy, and adventure of our lives. They give us room to breathe. And when night falls, they give us a chance to look up, feel the wonder, and learn about far-off constellations.
How to Celebrate NPS Day in Colorado
Want to mark the occasion with us? Here are a few ideas:
- Visit a park on August 25. Hike a trail, explore a cliff dwelling, or just take a picnic. Many NPS units host birthday events—check #NPSBirthday for updates.
- Plan a stargazing night. Head to a Dark Sky Park like Great Sand Dunes, or keep it simple with a backyard star party.
- Support the cause. Volunteer with a park, donate to preservation groups, or advocate for light pollution reduction in your community.
- Explore locally. Don’t overlook the smaller parks and preserves in your area. Adventure doesn’t always mean a road trip—it can start five minutes from home.
A Legacy Worth Protecting
The National Park Service was founded with a simple yet powerful vision: protect these places “unimpaired” for generations to come. More than 400 national parks and historic sites later, that vision is alive and thriving. And in Colorado, we’re lucky enough to live surrounded by that legacy.
This August 25th, let’s celebrate in true Colorado fashion—by getting outside. Walk a trail. Breathe in mountain air. Stay up late and watch the stars. And remember that these parks, whether national, state, or local, are gifts we all share and must protect.
The story of the National Park Service isn’t just about land. It’s about people. It’s about connection. It’s about looking up at the stars and feeling inspired to dream bigger.
So grab your boots, pack a flashlight, and maybe even a telescope. The parks are calling, the skies are waiting, and adventure is closer than you think.
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