Reviewers Say These Are America's 5 Best National Parks For Stargazing
By Mina Elwell
VACATIONS
Joshua Tree
California's Joshua Tree National Park has the Ryan Mountain Trail, one of the world's best sunset viewing spots, and some of the darkest night skies in the U.S.
The park often offers night sky events, including a Night Sky Festival, which takes place every year in the fall. Year round, several parking lots are set aside for stargazing.
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has dark skies and beautiful starscapes. You can see incredibly clear views at Sunset Point, Sunrise Point, or Paria View.
Big Bend
This remote Texas park has the least light pollution in the contiguous United States. This is a kind of darkness that can be seen in a few other places in America.
You can pull out a pair of binoculars and see incredible night sky views from anywhere in Big Bend, and a free park ranger program can help you learn more.
Great Basin
Great Basin National Park in Nevada is one of the darkest places in the U.S. Visitors can see the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and many planets with the naked eye.
The National Park Service recommends visiting the Astronomy Amphitheater, Mather Overlook, Baker Archaeological Site, or the Ranching Exhibit for the most striking views.
Black Canyon
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has overlooks that are perfect for stargazing. Check out Chasm View, Dragon Point, Sunset View, or Kneeling Camel Overlook.