The Best US Locations for Unobstructed Night Sky Viewing

Stargazing is something humans have enjoyed for centuries. However, in an age of noise and light pollution, finding a place with an unobstructed night sky can be challenging. Get away from the city lights and venture to some more remote areas in the United States and you will be able to get a better view of the twinkling stars.

Some of the best places to see the night sky are National Parks and Nature Reserves. Glacier National Park in Montana for example is far enough away from the cities that you can enjoy the night sky in its full glory. Here, we will explore the best locations in across the US to view the night sky unobstructed.

Death Valley National Park, California

Just two hours west of Las Vegas is Death Valley National Park. The park was declared an International Dark Sky Park in 2013, making it an amazing place to have an unobstructed view of the night sky. Some of the best spots to stargaze in the park include Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Harmony Borax Works, Badwater Basin, and Ubehebe Crater. While the park is great to visit any time of year, most people come to Death Valley to stargaze in the spring. From March to early May the Earth's position around the sun makes it so that it is easier to see the Milky Way.

During the day, enjoy the park's variety of landscapes. It is home to the famous colorful rock formations, Artists Palette which you can get to 9-mile loop hike. At night, watch the stars come out for a show. Every year in March, there is a free Stargazing Festival at the park. Here, they host special events and astronomy talks.

Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is one of the most ideal parks to see views of the starry night sky. The numerous rock formations around the park allow for pockets of complete darkness. In the middle of Zion, you can get a completely unobstructed view of the night sky and watch stars shoot over canyons. Some of the best places for stargazing in the park include Kolob Canyon, Zion Canyon, Upper East Canyon, and the Desert Lowlands. If you want to stargaze on your way out of the park, head to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center parking lot. Even from the parking lot, the nighttime views are amazing. Depending on the time of year you visit Zion, you will see different constellations. August and September are the best times to see the Milky Way directly overhead. In mid-August there is also a higher chance of seeing a Perseid Meteor Shower. In the winter months you can see popular constellations such as Orion more clearly.

During the day, check out all the rock formations on a hike through Zion Canyon or Kolob Canyon, where towering cliffs and vibrant scenery await. Head over to the Checkerboard Mesa rock formation to see the unique texture and color gradients that change with the light.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is one of the United States' most beautiful national parks. Here, you can enjoy hiking in the mountains—some of the best hikes to try during the day include Grinell Glacier Trail, Avalanche Lake Trail, and Upper Two Medicine Lake Hike. Be sure to drive down Going-to-the-Sun Road while visiting Glacier National Park. This is one of the most scenic drives in the entire US. The road winds for 50 miles on the Continental Divide. At night, the road becomes a star gazing paradise and is a great drive to see the stars.

Camping overnight at one of the park's 13 campsites is a great way to fully experience all that Glacier Lake has to offer. Some of the most popular are Apgar, Avalanche Creek, Sprague Creek and Fish Creek. In the nighttime, step outside your tent for some stargazing. In 2017, Glacier National Park earned the title of the International Dark Sky Park. One glance outside at the starry sky and you will see why. Other amazing spots to see the night sky in the park include Logan Pass and St Mary's Observatory. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park and is another great spot to stare at the stars. Stargaze at Glacier National Park between September and March for a chance to see the Northern Lights. The stunning array of colors will be an unforgettable experience. The best night to see the northern lights is on a new moon when there is as little light pollution as possible in the night sky.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

One of Colorado's best secrets is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Here you can stand on the tallest dune in North America by hiking the 750-foot summit. For those who prefer a different experience, sledding down the sand is a popular alternative, with sled rentals available at local stores like the Oasis Store. At night, the park’s dry climate, high elevation, and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for stargazing. Standing on the dunes, you can observe the Milky Way and enjoy a clearer view of the night sky than in many other locations.

High Dune is one of the best spots to watch the night sky in the park. Once you climb to the top of the dune you will have a completely unobstructed view of the dark sky. Medano Creek is another great spot to enjoy the stars. Lay down a blanket on the creek's sandy banks to enjoy the expanse of open air. Those looking to camp should check out the Piñon Flats Campground, where you can enjoy the stars all night long. The best time of year to visit Great Sand Dunes National Park to see the Milky Way is in the summer. In the spring you can see the Milky Way after midnight.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the world's most popular star-gazing spots. It's far enough away from the city that there is little light pollution, making for an amazing viewing of the night sky. The National Parks Service offers guided stargazing tours throughout the year for those looking to level up their experience. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the best spots to see the stars if you don't want to hike into the Grand Canyon or spend the night. There are two main viewing areas in the North Rim, Walhalla Plateau and along the short Bright Angel Point Trail. There are overlooks that you can drive to in these areas as well. Those looking to extend their stargazing experience can stay at the campground in the North Rim.

One of the best times to visit Grand Canyon National Park to see the stars is in June for the National Parks Service Star Party. This is a nighttime event set up outside the visitors center. Amateur astrologists set up telescopes, allowing visitors to use them during the night. This is a great opportunity to see more of the sky. The summer months generally provide the best weather for stargazing. In the summer you will also have the best view of the Milky Way.

In the daytime enjoy hiking in the Grand Canyon. There are hundreds of miles to hike and explore. Those who enjoy a thrill might enjoy standing on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The horseshoe-shaped walkway stands 70 feet out over the canyon. Peer through the glass into the 4,000 feet of vertical abyss.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park is the darkest park on the east side of the Mississippi River. It has been a Dark Sky Park since 2008. The park even has an Astronomy Observation Field offering a 360-degree night sky view. Cherry Springs State Park is a great place to spot the Milky Way. A great spot to see the stars is the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Those looking to stay overnight should stay the Rustic Campground. The campground recommends using red light filters to maintain the darkness and enjoy the night sky. The best time to stargaze at Cherry Springs is in the fall and winter. The temperatures will be chillier but the less-humid air makes seeing the stars that much easier. Spring and summer are still great times to stargaze at Cherry Springs, particularly if you are want to see the Milky Way.

In the daytime, hike through the Susquehannock State Forest. Check out Boone Run Vista and Cherry Springs Vista overlooks for some amazing views of Cherry Springs State Park. On your way to Cherry Springs State Park visit the Pennsylvania Lumbar Museum. There are historic artifacts and interactive exhibits of one of the most important industries in the area.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park was made a Dark Sky Park in 2016, but it is less visited than the other places on this list. Great Basin National Park has one of the darkest night skies since it is surrounded by 77,000 acres of stunning wilderness. Mather Overlook is a great place to stop and stargaze on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Other great spots to enjoy the night sky include the Astronomy Amphitheater near the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, The Ranching Exhibit and the Baker Archaeological Site.

In the summer months, the park has a two-hour astronomy program open to the public. The program includes a thirty-minute talk followed by an hour and a half of viewing space objects through telescopes. The summer months are also the best time to see the Milky Way. The Milky Way is denser overhead in the summer and easier to see. Visit the park in September to witness the park's Astronomy Festival. During the day, explore the park's ancient Bristlecones. These are some of the oldest trees in the world. For a unique afternoon, book a tour of Lehman Cave.

Oregon Outback International Sky Sanctuary, Oregon

Oregon's Outback is now the largest International Sky Sanctuary in the world. The distance from major cities has allowed the area to maintain a pristine darkness. There is a moonlit tour known as the Playa that takes visitors on a nighttime adventure to enjoy the stars. Try camping at one of the campgrounds at Outback to fully immerse yourself in Oregon's serene surroundings. Some great campgrounds include Willow Creek Campground, East Bay Campground, and Vee Lak Campground. At Vee Lake Campground there is access to the southern segment Fremont National Recreation Trail along the crest of the northern Warner Mountains. This is a great trail to hike during the day.

Summer Lake Hot Springs is a great spot to soak and watch the stars. This spot is only available for overnight guests and has four soaking pools. To stay overnight there are cabins and rental houses to choose from. Those looking for a more rustic experience can also go to the campground with their RV or tent. Visit the Sky Sanctuary in August for a chance to see the stunning Perseid meteor shower. The colder months will offer a better view of the sky since there is less humidity in the air.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of two dark Sky Reserves in the United States. Here you can see objects in the night sky not visible in most other places. Visit during the winter or summer months to see the Milky Way. August is the best month to see meteor showers on the Reserve. Since the Reserve is in Idaho's Rocky Mountains, it is a wonderland to explore during the day. Enjoy a hike through the Sawtooth National Forest and enjoy the beautiful mountains. Or pay a visit to the Old mining town turned resort town Ketchum for a bite to eat and a view of the Bald Mountain Towers.

Planning Your Stargazing Trip

Whether you are looking to take a day trip to see the stars or plan a camping trip for a rustic dark sky vacation, these are the best places in the United States to see the night sky. Gazing up at the night sky in these areas you will notice celestial objects that you cannot see in cities. Many of the areas listed here are National Parks, making them great options for a day trip before seeing the stars at night.

In some parks, visiting in certain months means you will have a higher chance of seeing a specific celestial event. This is the case for the Central Idaho Sky Reserve. Visiting the Reserve in August means you have a higher chance of seeing a meteor shower. Winter is generally considered the best time to see the night sky because skies are generally dry and clear, making any light pollution toned down. Seeing the night sky on a moonless night will offer the best views for stargazing. Nights when there is a crescent or new moon are the most ideal for stargazing. This is something to keep in mind when planning your stargazing trip.