In our increasingly illuminated world, finding a truly dark sky has become a rare and
precious experience. But fear not, stargazers!
The United States still harbors numerous pockets of pristine darkness where the Milky Way stretches across the sky in all its glory. From remote desert landscapes to mountain peaks and isolated islands, these 25 destinations offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s ‘Dark Sky Country,’ Cherry Springs offers some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. The park’s Astronomy Field provides 360-degree views of the night sky, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on rare occasions.
Death Valley National Park, California
Don’t let the ominous name fool you – Death Valley is a stargazer’s paradise. Its vast
expanse of desert and minimal light pollution create perfect conditions for celestial
observation.
Join a ranger-led astronomy program or simply spread out a blanket and gaze upward in awe.
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Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend boasts the least light pollution of any national park in the lower 48 states.
The park’s remote location in West Texas ensures incredibly dark skies, perfect for spotting distant galaxies and nebulae.
Don’t miss the annual Chisos Star Party held each autumn.
Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
As the world’s first International Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges offers unparalleled
stargazing opportunities. The park’s location in southeastern Utah, far from major cities, guarantees spectacularly dark skies.
Look for the Milky Way arching over the iconic Owachomo Bridge.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier’s remote location and vast wilderness areas make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Head to Logan Pass or Lake McDonald for wide-open views of the night sky.
In winter, you might even catch the aurora borealis dancing over snow-capped peaks.
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Mauna Kea, Hawaii
At 13,803 feet above sea level, Mauna Kea’s summit is one of the best astronomical
sites in the world. While the summit itself is reserved for research telescopes, the Visitor Information Station at 9,200 feet offers free stargazing programs.
The view of the Milky Way from above the clouds is truly unforgettable.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree’s desert landscape provides a stunning foreground for celestial observations. The park’s Night Sky Festival in November offers ranger-led programs and telescope viewing.
For a unique experience, try night photography with the park’s iconic Joshua trees silhouetted against the starry sky.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia’s location on Maine’s rugged coast offers a chance to see stars reflected in the Atlantic Ocean. The park hosts the Acadia Night Sky Festival each September, featuring speakers, workshops, and star parties.
Cadillac Mountain is a popular spot for watching both sunrises and stars.
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Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
Chaco Culture Park combines ancient Puebloan history with world-class stargazing opportunities. The park’s astronomy program includes solar and night sky viewing.
Imagine standing where ancient astronomers once studied the heavens, with the
same dark sky above you.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin’s remote location in eastern Nevada ensures some of the darkest skies
in the country. The park’s astronomy program includes a solar telescope and observatory.
Don’t miss the Lehman Caves for a subterranean adventure by day before stargazing at night.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
Located on the Straits of Mackinac, Headlands offers stunning views of the night sky
over Lake Michigan. The park hosts regular dark sky programs and has a waterfront
viewing area.
In late summer, you might catch the Perseid meteor shower reflecting off the lake.
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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon’s high elevation and clean, dry air make it ideal for stargazing. The park’s annual Astronomy Festival in June offers four days of dark sky appreciation.
By day, marvel at the park’s famous hoodoos; by night, see the Milky Way stretching over these unique rock formations.
Big Pine Key, Florida
For a tropical stargazing experience, head to Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. The
absence of tall buildings and its distance from Miami’s light pollution create surprisingly dark skies.
Look for the Southern Cross, visible from this southerly latitude.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali offers the unique opportunity to stargaze under the midnight sun in summer
and the aurora borealis in winter. The park’s vast wilderness and long nights from September to March make it a stargazer’s dream.
Keep in mind that summer nights are too bright for stargazing due to the park’s northern latitude.
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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon’s rim offers a stunning vantage point for stargazing. In June, the
park’s Grand Canyon Star Party provides telescopes and expert guidance.
Imagine the Milky Way stretching over one of the world’s most famous natural wonders!
Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
As the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in North America, the Cosmic Campground in Gila National Forest offers truly pristine dark skies. This remote site has concrete pads for telescopes and is far from any significant light pollution.
It’s a true haven for serious astronomers and casual stargazers alike.
Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawaii
Haleakalā’s summit rises above the clouds, offering crystal-clear views of the night sky. While famous for its sunrises, the park is equally spectacular at night.
Join a stargazing program or simply find a spot away from the visitors’ center to enjoy the show.
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Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs’ location on the Canadian border ensures dark skies and a chance to see the Northern Lights. The park’s numerous lakes provide perfect reflecting surfaces for starry skies.
Consider renting a houseboat for a unique stargazing experience on the water.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
The Badlands of North Dakota offer surprisingly good stargazing opportunities. The
park’s remote location and minimal development mean dark skies are the norm.
Look for the summer Milky Way arching over unique rock formations and prairie
landscapes.
Flagstaff, Arizona
While not a wilderness destination, Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky
City. The city’s strict lighting ordinances ensure that even in town, the night sky is impressively visible.
Visit the Lowell Observatory for a more in-depth astronomical experience.
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Gila National Forest, New Mexico
Beyond the Cosmic Campground, the entire Gila National Forest offers excellent
stargazing opportunities. The forest’s vast wilderness areas ensure minimal light pollution.
Find a high meadow or mountaintop for the best views of the night sky.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine
This new national monument was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2020. Its remote location in northern Maine guarantees exceptionally dark skies.
The monument also offers opportunities to see the aurora borealis during strong solar
storms.
Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah
At over 10,000 feet elevation, Cedar Breaks offers stargazing in the crisp, clear air of southern Utah. The park’s Summer Star Parties provide telescopes and expert guidance.
By day, explore the colorful rock amphitheater; by night, marvel at the celestial show above.
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Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
This otherworldly landscape becomes even more surreal under a blanket of stars.
The monument’s remote location in central Idaho ensures dark skies.
Imagine stargazing from the top of a cinder cone or next to a lava tube!
America’s Natural Wonders Beckon
From the deserts of the Southwest to the mountains of Alaska, these destinations
prove that the night sky is one of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Each location offers a unique combination of dark skies and stunning landscapes, creating unforgettable stargazing experiences.
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