There are only six other places in the world with the elusive designation of International Dark Sky Sanctuary, so the designation of a seventh location in Nevada is very exciting for the area. The Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area in far northern Washoe County received the designation from the International Dark-Sky Association, a non-profit organisation founded in 1988 to protect night skies for present and future generations.

Nevada has a new International Dark Sky Sanctuary at Massacre Rim. Image: Richie Bednarski, RB Photography

It considers a dark sky sanctuary a place that has an “exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.” To gain designation, proposed sanctuaries must meet a strict set of standards and successfully complete a rigorous application and review process.

Massacre Rim's wide-open vistas offer expansive and unobstructed views of the night sky. Image: Kurt Kuznicki, Friends of Nevade Wilderness

The 101,000-acre Massacre Rim WSA is located 150 miles north of Reno, and is a landscape administered to protect wilderness values. Nevada State Route 34 traverses its western edge and offers panoramic views. Vehicle travel inside the sanctuary is limited to a few designated routes that require a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, but the entire place is accessible for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. With elevations ranging from 5500 to almost 7000 feet, the wide-open vistas offer expansive and unobstructed views of the night sky.

The 101,000-acre Massacre Rim WSA is located 150 miles north of Reno. Image: Kurt Kuznicki, Friends of Nevada Wilderness

“While all of the wilderness areas and wilderness study areas in Nevada are special remote places, the Massacre Rim WSA stands out because it is so far from any major populated areas, making light pollution there next to immeasurable,” says Shaaron Netherton, executive director at Friends of Nevada Wilderness. “People lucky enough to venture there on a clear moonless night will not only see the enormity of the Milky Way, but will also be awestruck to view our neighbouring galaxy, Andromeda, with the naked eye.”

The Massacre Rim WSA stands out because it is so far from any major populated areas. Image: Kurt Kuznicki, Friends of Nevada Wilderness