Wish Upon a Star
Lying on a blanket under a sky so bright and full of stars that you feel like you could pluck them from the sky is humbling. But for the real flavor of this experience, you need to escape the street lamps of the city and find places where the sky turns dark and the stars shine the brightest.
Throughout the United States, there are International Dark Sky Association-designated gems where the night sky comes alive and is a must-visit for any stargazing traveler. Here are the 10 best places to stargaze in the US
1. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Big Bend National Park in Texas is a stargazer’s paradise and an astronomer’s dream, offering one of the darkest skies in the country. Located not far from the Mexican border, this massive park spans over 800,000 acres and acts as Texas’ very own space playground.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park with near-zero light pollution, it is one of the best places in the US to admire the Milky Way.
The best time to visit is from October to April when the skies are clearest and the weather just right.
2. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a hidden gem for stargazing enthusiasts.
Spanning over 218,000 acres of interconnected lakes and dense forests, this Midwestern park has been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association as an absolute delight for stargazing fans.
The park attracts fewer than 250,000 visitors, meaning it is still largely isolated; there’s low light pollution and incredibly dark skies, making it the perfect place to witness the Milky Way and, if you’re lucky, even the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
3. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a celestial wonderland of more than 1,400 square miles, making it one of the largest dark sky preserves in the US.
Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, this area is perfect for those who love stargazing. It holds the prestigious title of the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States.
The reserve hosts themed dinners and dark sky events where you can learn from local astronomers. It’s an otherworldly experience that’s perfect for both avid stargazers and casual admirers of the night sky!
4. Death Valley National Park, Nevada
Located 282 feet below sea level, Nevada’s sprawling Death Valley National Park is a stargazer’s dream come true.
As a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, it offers some of the darkest skies you’ll find anywhere and unrivaled views of the night sky without light pollution. The park’s ranger-led programs offer guided tours of the night sky, and places like Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, and Badwater Basin are your perfect vantage points for stargazing.
For the best experience, plan your visit around a new moon when the sky is darkest. Don’t miss the annual Dark Sky Festival each spring, where you can enjoy lectures by NASA guest speakers and participate in hands-on activities.
5. Arches National Park, Utah
You can wish on a star among the 2,500 visible in the night sky at Arches National Park in Utah. Arches is certified as an International Dark Sky Park and offers some of the darkest skies in the US, making it a dream destination for stargazers.
The best stargazing spots in the park include the Balanced Rock Picnic Area, Windows Section, Garden of Eden Lookout, and Panorama Point.
For an unforgettable stargazing experience, visit during a moonless night.
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
With some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 states, stargazers can marvel at thousands of stars, the Milky Way and distant galaxies like Andromeda in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park.
The Astronomical Amphitheater near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, the Mather Overlook, and the Baker Archaeological Site are popular with photographers.
The park is also home to the “Park to Park in the Dark” trail, which connects the Great Basin to Death Valley National Park and provides incredible views of the night sky.
7. Glacier National Park, Montana
With a night sky as pristine as its mountain peaks, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a must-see for any starry-eyed traveler.
Throughout the summer, ranger-led astronomy programs enhance your stargazing experience with sophisticated telescopes and expert guidance. Join these programs in St. Mary and Apgar, and don’t miss the special star parties at Logan Pass for an even more immersive celestial adventure.
8. Sedona, Arizona
For amateur Galileos and stargazers, the night sky in Sedona will enchant you. Just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona, more than 200 terracotta-colored hiking trails and panoramic red rock views with a backdrop of skies will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
The best way to truly appreciate it is with an expert guide — Sedona Stargazing astronomers will meet you equipped with high-powered telescopes and a wealth of knowledge.
9. Zion National Park, Utah
Known for its towering sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons, Zion National Park is also an International Dark Sky Park with amazing views of the night sky.
Imagine the Milky Way arching over the dramatic landscape of Zion, with landmarks like Angels Landing and Watchman silhouetted against the night sky. Whether hiking by day or stargazing at night, Zion is breathtaking.
For an unforgettable experience, join the ranger-led night program at places like the Museum of Human History. Use telescopes and learn about stars, constellations and galaxies from expert guides.
Camping at Watchman or South Campground offers great stargazing opportunities.
10. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Known for its deep blue volcanic crater lake, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers some of the clearest night skies in the Pacific Northwest and is perfect for stargazing trips.
Join the ranger-led astronomy program at Rim Village in the summer to view planets, constellations and galaxies through telescopes. Camping at Mazama Campground is another great way to stargaze.
This article was created and published by MediaFeed.
