At Trinchera, wonder has never needed a spotlight. It’s found in the stillness and scale of the land, and it can even be found in the dark. We’re proud to share that Trinchera has been officially recognized as a DarkSky Approved Lodging property, making us one of the few certified destinations in the country where guests can experience the stars as they were meant to be seen: vast, vibrant, and utterly unspoiled. 

A Sky Worth Protecting 

Stretching across nearly 250 square miles of protected wilderness, Trinchera has long upheld a deep commitment to conservation. Its high elevation and remote location naturally preserve the clarity of the night sky—measured at 21.4 stellar magnitudes per arc second, dark enough to reveal not just constellations, but neighboring galaxies. On cloudless nights, the Milky Way arcs vividly overhead, visible with the naked eye. Through intentional efforts to limit light pollution, the view above is just as carefully protected as the land below.

Darkness here supports the natural rhythms of life, allowing plants and animals to thrive as they have for generations. Frogs call from quiet ponds, signaling healthy aquatic habitats. Elk bugle in the distance, moving under the cover of night. For decades, a migrating pair of raptors has returned to Trinchera, drawn in part by the unbroken darkness they rely on to navigate, hunt, and raise their young. 

Without artificial light, wildlife can feed, forage, and breed with fewer disruptions. Native species follow ancient cues shaped by moonlight and starlight, not by bulbs or floodlights. Even the plants respond, with nighttime growth and flowering patterns tied to natural cycles that light pollution too often interrupts. 

“DarkSky Lodge certification at Trinchera recognizes our ongoing efforts to preserve the integrity of this remarkable landscape,” said Louis Bacon, Trinchera’s owner and a longtime conservationist. “Safeguarding the natural night sky is not only about reducing light pollution—it’s about deepening our connection to the land and ensuring that future generations can experience the wonder of a truly wild and star-filled sky.” 

What it Takes to Protect the Night Sky

Achieving certification requires more than remoteness. Working with expert partners, we conducted a full audit of outdoor lighting and retrofitted fixtures to eliminate skyglow and glare. Shielded, low-color-temperature LEDs were installed, and educational outreach programs were implemented to help both staff and guests understand the broader impact of light pollution—on ecosystems, on migration, and on night vision.

“Trinchera is a leader in preserving the night,” said James Brigagliano, Lighting Program Manager at DarkSky International. “Their designation as a DarkSky Approved Lodge underscores their deep commitment to minimizing light pollution, protecting wildlife, and offering guests a rare chance to experience truly dark skies. It’s a meaningful step toward a more sustainable and star-filled future.” 

What it Means to Be a DarkSky Lodging Partner 

We asked Judy Lopez, Trinchera’s Conservation & Sustainability Manager, to share more about what this milestone means—for the guest experience, and for Trinchera’s ethos. 

Why is Trinchera’s certification as a DarkSky Approved Lodging destination significant? 

If you spend a night at Trinchera, you’ll fall in love with the nocturnal views. Guests often tell us, “This is where the stars are hiding!” The DarkSky certification affirms not only the clarity of our stunning night skies, but also our commitment to protecting them. It reflects our responsibility to protect the wildlife that depend on darkness to thrive and honors the awe that our guests feel when experiencing a truly star-filled sky. 

Why does night sky preservation matter in a place like Trinchera? 

Before electric lighting, humans lived in sync with the natural rhythm of day and night. Today, few humans still follow that cycle—but wildlife do. At Trinchera, we recognize how essential those rhythms are to the health of ecosystems. That’s why we’ve taken steps to protect them permanently. Through conservation easements, we’ve ensured that the land cannot be subdivided, and that development remains limited and unobtrusive. Buildings must blend into the landscape and preserve the integrity of the environment around them. These easements also tie water rights to the land and define our conservation values—like maintaining migration corridors and safeguarding critical habitat. This isn’t just policy—it’s our ethos.

Looking Ahead: A Stargazing Program Built for Wonder 

Launching in late 2025, Trinchera’s stargazing program will include a dedicated viewing platform lit by natural stone pathways to preserve night vision. Guests will have access to five professional-grade viewing optics, including:

• Explore Scientific 16-inch Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope
• Lunt 50mm Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope 
• 6-inch Astronomy Binoculars 
• Unistellar Odyssey Pro with large-screen display 
• Celestron 9.25 CPC Edge Deluxe 

Programming will include guided celestial tours, solar viewings, and special seasonal events, offering guests of all ages a chance to look up, learn, and connect with something far beyond themselves. 

Leading by Example 

Trinchera’s certification is part of a growing global effort to protect the night as an essential part of the environment. As more regions confront the effects of light pollution—on wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health—places like Trinchera are proving that responsible lighting and unforgettable guest experiences can go hand in hand. 

The designation affirms something this land has always known: darkness is not a void, but a presence. One that reveals, restores, and reminds us of our place in a larger universe.