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