Love stargazing? These national parks offer the best night skies
What's the story
National parks are ideal for stargazing because they are far from cities and there aren't many lights around to interfere with the view. You can see things in the sky that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise.
Whether you're a serious star nerd or just like pretty lights, looking up at the night in a national park is amazing. You can see stars, planets, and a whole lot more.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park's clear skies
Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the best places in the world to see stars, thanks to its clear skies and high elevation.
The park offers astronomy programs where visitors can learn about the night sky and see stars and constellations without the obstruction of city lights.
At over 7,500 feet high, the park provides a unique viewpoint for celestial events like meteor showers.
Big Bend
Big Bend's remote stargazing experience
Texas's Big Bend National Park is one of the most isolated national parks in the US, making it a perfect destination for stargazers looking for tranquility and truly dark skies.
Its remoteness from cities means there's practically no light pollution, letting you see a mind-boggling number of stars—up to 2,000 on a clear night!
Plus, they offer cool ranger-led programs to level up your stargazing experience.
Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree's unique desert sky
California's Joshua Tree National Park is renowned not only for its iconic desert landscape but also for its spectacular night skies.
The park's arid climate and minimal humidity create optimal conditions for stargazing, offering visitors unparalleled views of constellations, planets, and meteor showers.
Visitors can embark on self-guided tours under the stars or join organized events that cater to astronomy enthusiasts.
Acadia
Acadia's coastal night views
Acadia National Park in Maine offers a unique stargazing experience, where the shimmering reflections off the Atlantic Ocean under starlit skies create a sense of serene beauty.
The park also holds annual events such as the Acadia Night Sky Festival, a gathering of astronomy enthusiasts to learn and appreciate the cosmos through expert-led workshops and guided sessions.