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What we do International Dark Sky Places

Town of Paonia

Paonia beneath the Milky Way
 Credit: Aaron Watson, Dark Skies Paonia

About

The Town of Paonia is a small, rural community on Colorado’s Western Slope in eastern Delta County, with a population of nearly 1,500 residents. Its high-desert climate provides abundant clear, starry nights, with the Milky Way visible from many backstreets and open spaces throughout town. Paonia is surrounded by public lands, including the Grand Mesa National Forest, West Elk Wilderness, Raggeds Wilderness, and DarkSky-certified Black Canyon National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, all contributing to the town’s world-class night skies.

Paonia, Colorado prides itself on its rural charm and pristine beauty. Agriculture and the arts are primary activities for many residents, with world-famous organic fruit orchards, wineries, farms, and ranches serving as major tourist attractions. Local businesses and tourism outfitters are already benefiting from promoting the area’s naturally dark and starry night skies.

Dark Skies Paonia, the local dark sky advocacy group, has worked on several projects to improve the town’s lighting and educate residents and visitors about the harms of light pollution and the benefits of dark skies. In 2022, Paonia adopted a comprehensive lighting ordinance, securing measures to preserve its phenomenal natural nights. The town has also made significant efforts to bolster sky quality measurements and is installing three continuously logging sky quality meters throughout town, including one on the Town Hall roof. Visit www.darkskiespaonia.com for the latest news and events.

Paonia’s dark sky efforts have gained recognition. In 2020, the town was featured in a National Geographic article on Colorado stargazing. In 2023, PBS produced a special on dark skies entitled “The Movement to Save Our Night Skies,” filmed on location in Paonia.

The Town of Paonia encourages residents and visitors to help preserve and protect the area’s natural night by using light responsibly and only when needed. Together, we can ensure that the natural night is protected and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of all life, now and in the future.

Area

2.2 Sq. Km

Designated

2024

Category

International Dark Sky Community

Address

Paonia Town Hall
700 4th St
Paonia, CO 81428
Google Maps

Website

www.darkskiespaonia.com
Facebook

Contact

Aaron Watson 
Lyn Howe
Dark Skies Paonia

Documents

Application
Announcement
Annual Reports

Weather

Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near Paonia, CO (38.87, -107.59)