Find Yourself Enchanted by the Dark Saguaro Ranch Night Sky

In recent years, the Dark Sky Movement has grown massively popular in the United States and globally. Due to urban and rural development and the intensity of LED lighting, it has become harder and harder for citizens to look up at the sky and see stars, which is why communities with dark sky ordinances like Pima County (where Saguaro Ranch is located) are becoming more and more desirable. 

The International Dark Sky Association was started and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, which is called the “astronomy capital of the world” because many of the finest observatories in the world (including Mt. Lemmon, Mt. Graham, Kitt Peak, and the Steward Observatory) are here. Protecting our dark skies is clearly a source of local pride!

In Saguaro Ranch, you’re surrounded by pristine natural beauty.

Proximity to nature is the name of the game at Saguaro Ranch, which is why over 80% of the 1200 acre property will remain completely untouched. The creators of Saguaro Ranch have done a lot to minimize light pollution, as well — there is a reliable brilliant night sky, every night that isn’t cloudy. 

A mere 45 minutes from Saguaro Ranch is Saguaro National Park, which was certified as an Urban Night Sky Place by the International Dark Sky Association in 2023. That’s only the ninth Urban Night Sky Place in the whole world, and the second in the National Park system.

When we think about protecting our night skies, we say that we take on a “national park mindset,” because the home owners at Saguaro Ranch are so committed to making sure that the beauty and privacy of the Ranch remains intact. That applies to our skies, as well. All homes are required to meet certain dark sky standards, which mostly relates to the types of lighting fixtures that are allowed on the property. 

Dark skies are good for wildlife.

When we all stay dedicated, we improve the experience for everyone — including the animals! A dark night sky is critical for the survival and success of many of the animals that live in the Sonoran Desert. Artificial lighting can interrupt bird migration patterns, predator-prey relationships, and the circadian rhythms of many organisms. 

Together, we can preserve the beauty of the dark night sky, and enjoy it for generations to come.