Keep It Dark

Starry night sky over a mountain landscape with city lights below.

Bridge against a starry night sky with visible Milky Way.

Protecting Truckee-Tahoe's Dark Skies

Most Americans can no longer see a truly dark night sky. In many places, artificial light has washed out the stars, obscured the Milky Way, and altered the natural rhythm of the night.

Here in Truckee-Tahoe, we're fortunate to experience something increasingly rare: dark skies. On clear nights, thousands of stars are visible overhead, wildlife moves through natural darkness, and residents and visitors can reconnect with a sky that has inspired generations.

Keep It Dark is a local initiative dedicated to protecting this valuable natural resource through education, stewardship, and simple actions that help preserve the night for future generations.

Tent under starry sky with "Love" written in light against a forest background.

A Connection to Nature

Darkness is a natural resource. Just as we value clean air, clear water, and healthy forests, protecting the night sky helps preserve the character of our mountain communities and the landscapes that surround them.

Wildlife Depends on Darkness

Many species rely on natural darkness to navigate, hunt, migrate, and rest. Excessive artificial lighting can disrupt these behaviors and alter ecosystems. From bats and owls to deer and bears, wildlife benefits when nights remain naturally dark.

Milky Way galaxy over silhouetted trees in a dark night sky.

A Rich Cultural Legacy

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples, including the Washoe Tribe, have observed the stars for storytelling, navigation, and cultural connection. Protecting dark skies helps preserve a relationship with the night that stretches far beyond our own time.

Starry night sky over silhouetted trees.

A More Sustainable Future

Poorly directed outdoor lighting wastes energy and contributes to light pollution. Small changes to how we light our homes, businesses, and public spaces can reduce energy use while improving visibility and protecting the night sky.

Starry night sky above silhouetted pine trees.

DARKNESS SUPPORTS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Natural darkness helps support healthy sleep, circadian rhythms, and overall well-being. Reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting creates calmer, quieter evenings for residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.

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What We're Working to Protect

Truckee-Tahoe sits high in the Sierra Nevada, away from major urban light pollution. This unique setting creates some of the best opportunities in California to experience a truly dark night sky.

On clear evenings, visitors and residents can often see:

The Milky Way stretching across the sky
Thousands of visible stars
Meteor showers and planetary alignments
Seasonal constellations throughout the year

For millions of people, the Milky Way has disappeared from view. Nearly 80% of North Americans can no longer see our galaxy from where they live due to light pollution. Here in Truckee-Tahoe, dark skies still reveal thousands of stars and the Milky Way on clear nights, reminding us that darkness is a natural resource worth protecting.

Our goal is simple: preserve the quality of our night skies while maintaining safe, functional lighting throughout our communities.

Curving road at night with car light trails under a starry sky.

Allison Kalt

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How You Can Help Keep It Dark

For Residents

Choose Warm-Colored Bulbs - Use outdoor lighting rated 2700K or lower. Warmer light creates less skyglow and is generally more comfortable at night.
Aim Light Downward - Install shielded fixtures that direct light where it's needed rather than into the sky.
Use Timers and Motion Sensors - Reduce unnecessary overnight lighting by using timers or motion-activated fixtures.
Turn Off Decorative Lighting - Landscape lighting, uplighting, and decorative string lights can often be switched off when not in use.

For Businesses

Businesses play an important role in protecting Truckee-Tahoe's dark skies.

Consider:

Using warm-temperature outdoor lighting
Shielding exterior fixtures
Reducing overnight lighting when properties are closed
Installing timers and motion sensors
Educating staff and guests about dark sky stewardship

Small improvements can reduce energy costs while helping preserve one of our region's most distinctive assets.

For Visitors

You can help protect dark skies during your stay by:

Turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at your lodging
Using flashlights responsibly
Respecting quiet nighttime environments
Following posted guidelines at stargazing locations
Leaving night viewing areas as you found them

Together, we can help ensure future visitors experience the same remarkable night skies.

Person on pier gazing at starry sky with Milky Way over calm lake.

Keep It Dark Photo Contest

Capture the Night. Protect the Dark.

Nevada County's dark skies inspire wonder, creativity, and connection. The Keep It Dark Photo Contest invites photographers of all skill levels to showcase the beauty of our region after dark while helping tell the story of why protecting dark skies matters.

Submit your favorite images of stargazing, night landscapes, the Milky Way, wildlife, and other after-dark experiences for a chance to be featured and win prizes.

Enter the Contest

Experience Truckee-Tahoe After Dark

One of the best ways to support dark sky conservation is to experience it for yourself.

Stargazing

Truckee-Tahoe offers exceptional opportunities to observe stars, planets, constellations, and the Milky Way throughout the year. Higher elevations and low levels of light pollution create ideal viewing conditions.

Night Sky Photography

The region's dramatic mountain landscapes provide incredible opportunities for astrophotography.

Astrotourism and Night Sky Events

Dark skies are becoming a major reason people travel, and Truckee-Tahoe is uniquely positioned to offer authentic night sky experiences.

Where to Go: Truckee’s Best Night Sky Vantage Points

Truckee-Tahoe is full of places where the night sky still feels wild, expansive, and wonderfully close. For the best stargazing, look for wide-open views, minimal surrounding light, and safe public access. Pack a jacket, grab a headlamp, and head to one of our favorite local stargazing perches,

Rainbow Bridge on Donner Summit

Boca Reservoir

Prosser Reservoir

Donner Lake Public Docks

Aerial view of a serene lake surrounded by lush green forest and hills.

Sagehen Creek

Colorful sunset over a winding river and forest, with pink clouds and vibrant greenery.

Stempede Resevoir

Keep It Dark Partners

The Keep It Dark initiative is made possible through the collaboration of local organizations committed to protecting our region's dark skies, supporting community education, and inspiring stewardship of the night sky.