Trinchera Ranch
About
Tucked against the backdrop of Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Trinchera Ranch spans more than 172,000 acres of protected land, offering a rare opportunity to experience true wilderness and true darkness. Far from city lights, the ranch’s remote location provides unobstructed views of the night sky, where stargazers can witness the Milky Way arching overhead in brilliant clarity.
Owned by conservationist Louis Bacon, Trinchera is part of a vast conservation corridor stretching from Great Sand Dunes National Park into northern New Mexico. In 2012, Bacon donated conservation easements on 167,000 acres of Trinchera, helping establish the Sangre de Cristo Conservation Area—the largest conservation easement ever accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Combined with nearby easements on the Tercio and Red River Ranches, this effort protects over 800,000 acres of interconnected habitat.
Trinchera’s commitment to sustainability extends to its lighting practices, which are designed to minimize light pollution, protect nocturnal wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty of the night. Shielded, low-color-temperature lighting reduces glare and skyglow, ensuring the stars remain visible and the nighttime environment stays intact.
Visitors to the ranch can expect a tranquil retreat where conservation, connection to nature, and awe-inspiring night skies come together. With future plans to host stargazing workshops and expand educational programming, Trinchera is a place where the landscape, wildlife, and dark skies are all part of a deeply protected legacy.
About the DarkSky International Lodging Program:
Founded in 2023, the DarkSky International Lodging Program sets a new standard in the travel industry, encouraging hospitality providers to actively participate in protecting the night from the harmful effects of light pollution while offering guests an awe-inspiring and educational experience under pristine dark skies. Learn more
About DarkSky International:
DarkSky International’s mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. Learn more at darksky.org.
Address
24492 Trinchera Ranch Rd Nth
Fort Garland, CO, USA
Google Maps
Contact
James Brigagliano
DarkSky International, Lighting Program Manager
+1 (520) 858-0428
[email protected]
Website
Certified
2025
