Diamond Mountain Retreat Center earns DarkSky Approved Lodging certification
Bowie, Arizona
Diamond Mountain Retreat Center, located in southeastern Arizona, has been officially designated as DarkSky Approved Lodging by DarkSky International. This prestigious recognition reflects Diamond Mountain’s commitment to protecting the night sky through sustainable lighting practices while offering guests a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience.
Nestled in the remote foothills of the Chiricahua Mountains, Diamond Mountain spans over 1,000 acres of wilderness near Fort Bowie National Monument, Chiricahua National Monument, and the ghost town of Dos Cabezas.
Established in 2004 as a quiet refuge for spiritual practice, the retreat center was intentionally sited far from urban light and noise. Its pristine, star-filled skies are a key feature of the landscape—underscored by the nearby Mount Graham International Observatory, just 50 miles to the north.
The property includes Bear Springs, once a vital water source for the nomadic Chiricahua Apache. Diamond Mountain features 28 minimalist retreat houses powered by solar energy and equipped with waterless composting toilets. The center is also developing an ecological restoration plan to enhance native habitat, reduce erosion, capture rainwater, and cool the local environment.
Sitting at the intersection of four major bioregions, the area supports abundant biodiversity. Guests often enjoy birdwatching, wildlife sightings, and dark sky viewing from their cabin porches.
Visitors from cities around the world—many who have never seen a truly dark sky—are awed by the crystal-clear, star-studded nights. The Tucson Astronomy Club regularly brings telescopes and offers guided night sky education. Beginning in April 2025, Diamond Mountain will offer monthly stargazing events for local schools and the public, and plans are underway to build a small public observatory atop one of its 5,000-foot peaks.
“Transitioning Diamond Mountain’s outdoor lighting to meet DarkSky’s rigorous standards at first seemed daunting,” said Kat Ehrhorn, Diamond Mountain’s DarkSky Program Administrator. “But with DSI’s clear lighting program education and staff support, we were able to make sense of what was needed for our 38 buildings to safely support night pollinators and bird migrations.”
Ehrhorn will also assist county planning and zoning departments in sharing DSI’s safe and affordable lighting codes with local residents and businesses.
“As a DarkSky International Approved Lodging, this is another step in Diamond Mountain being able to preserve this environment for future generations,” said Gail Deutsch, President of the Diamond Mountain Retreat Center Board. “It aligns perfectly with Diamond Mountain’s vision of preserving, enhancing, restoring and maintaining the land that we have been entrusted to steward.”
The DarkSky Approved Lodging designation brings global attention to Diamond Mountain’s exceptional night skies—furthering the effort to protect this natural wonder for generations to come.
About the DarkSky International Lodging Program
Founded in 2023, the DarkSky International Lodging Program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality companies to actively participate in safeguarding the night from the damaging effects of light pollution while providing their guests with an awe-inspiring and educational experience under pristine dark skies. Learn more.
About DarkSky International:
The mission of DarkSky is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Contacts
Sunam Meyr
Director, Diamond Mountain Retreat Center
[email protected]
Kat Ehrhorn
DarkSky Program Administrator, Diamond Mountain Retreat Center
+1 (520) 373-2117 [email protected]
James Brigagliano
Lighting Program Manager, DarkSky International
+1 (520) 858-0428 | [email protected]
