If you’re looking for things to do under the stars with your loved ones, pack your bags and use this guide to some of the best locations to stargaze in the U.S.
Sure, you can head out to your backyard and stare at a few stars in the sky, but for serious stargazing, a road trip away from the bright lights of civilization is in order. Astronomers recommend getting up high and far away from cities and towns to get the best possible view of the amazing cosmos above. So, grab your binoculars, pack a bag, and get ready to discover some of the country’s best places to stargaze.
The Grand Canyon
As if the Grand Canyon wasn’t awe-inspiring enough on its own, this national park is also one of the best spots to view the Milky Way. The park has clean air, and it’s far from the lights that interfere with stargazing. It also has weekly Star Programs that give you a personal stargazing experience. You can also go it alone and head to the South Rim to catch the amazing views of the night sky.
Glacier National Park
This Montana park is a favorite stargazing location for backpackers. With more than 1 million acres of untouched wilderness, 700 miles of trails, and very little light pollution, the night skies in the area deliver a dazzling experience. Along with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, Glacier National Park is one of the first International Dark Sky Parks in the world that crosses the border between countries. Do your viewing solo, or check out park programs like the NPS Night Sky Program and the Big Sky Astronomy Club for special viewing events and educational programs.
Big Bend National Park
This park on the border between Texas and Mexico holds an International Dark Sky Park gold certification. On clear nights, you can see roughly 2,000 stars, meteorites, and planets. For the best views, visit the park in winter, when the nights are long and the skies are crystal clear. Stargazing at Big Bend National Park gives you plenty of opportunities to marvel at the night sky. Some of the best spots to watch the skies include Hot Springs Canyon Trail and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail.
Cherry Springs State Park
Hailed as “one of the darkest spots east of the Mississippi” by Fodors, this Pennsylvania state park earned its gold certification as an International Dark Sky Park in 2008. Set on 82 sprawling acres, Cherry Springs gives you panoramic views of the night skies. During the summer season, the park offers sky tours and a Night Sky Viewing area that’s always open and ready for you.
Mauna Kea
For astronomers, this might just be the best spot on the planet to view the stars. Located on the big island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea boasts no light pollution, and the unique clouds that prevent moist air from invading the summit of the 13,803-foot volcano give this spot some of the purest, driest skies. It’s also home to one of the largest observatories in the world.
Death Valley
Sky-watchers love this California park’s inky skies, which are the darkest in the park’s northwestern corner. This gold-certified International Dark Sky Park boasts 3.4 million acres and amazing horizon views. Experts often warn against visiting Death Valley during summer. Ideal months to go range from November through April, when the temperatures are pleasant and the park’s night sky programs are in full swing.
What location are you heading to on your next stargazing adventure? Let us know your favorite places to camp beneath the moonlight by tagging us on Twitter.
