Best night sky / stargazing in U.S. Parks

Death Valley National Park is an excellent place for stargazing and is one of the darkest of all National Parks. Frequently cloudless skies and low light pollution levels due to limited development allow professionals and amateurs to see many heavenly bodies after dark. Although the skies are extremely dark compared to skies in more populated areas of the United States, they are still affected by a noticeable glows from Las Vegas and the central valley.

It is estimated that only around 10 percent of the population of the United States is able to see the night sky in its natural, unpolluted state. No wonder visitors to Joshua Tree National Park are awed and astounded when they get their first glimpse of the night sky.

Bryce Canyon is the ultimate place to learn about and enjoy the splendor of the night sky in its pristine glory. Far from the light pollution of civilization, and protected by a special force of park rangers and volunteer astronomers known as "The Dark Rangers," Bryce Canyon is the last grand sanctuary of natural darkness. The night sky at Bryce is so dark we can see 7500 stars on a moonless night!

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California, east of San Diego.

The park has its own Astronomy Park and offers guests both the opportunity to view the night sky with their own telescopes or to take part in one of our special scheduled star parties.

Noted astronomers, such as Dennis Mammana and John Mosley, guide visitors through the wonders of the night sky using the 11-inch telescope.

Yosemite National Park, miles from the nearest city lights, has a very dark night sky that makes it a great place to look at the stars.

In June, July, and August, amateur astronomers often set up telescopes at Glacier Point on Saturdays, and astronomy walks or talks are also be offered in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Wawona.