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Best stargazing destinations in North America

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Canyonlands National Park
Epic Canyons and Untamed Wilderness
8.3
Canyonlands National Park in Utah was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2015. The Island in the Sky mesa has wide views over the canyon country. Vast empty spaces keep the horizon dark in all directions. The Milky Way rises above the canyon rims after dusk.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the easy trail to Grand View Point overlook
  • 🚗 Drive scenic Grand View Point Road and stops
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise at Mesa Arch for breathtaking views
Bryce Canyon National Park
Hoodoo Wonderland and Starry Nights
8.2
Bryce Canyon National Park holds an annual Astronomy Festival each summer with rangers and volunteer astronomers. Telescopes line the rim above the hoodoos. The park sits at about 2,400 metres and has very dry air. Stars glitter above the orange spires on moonless summer nights.
Highlights:
  • 🧱 Explore Bryce Amphitheater for stunning rock formations
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from inspiring viewpoints at Inspiration Point
  • 🥾 Hike the iconic Navajo Loop Trail among hoodoos
Rocky Mountain National Park
Majestic Peaks and Untamed Wilderness
8.7
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado rises above 4,000 metres in places. Trail Ridge Road climbs to 3,713 metres and offers views across alpine tundra. Rangers hold night sky programmes in summer. Thin cold air gives a strong view of the Milky Way on clear nights.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Explore Alberta Falls, a short and beautiful hiking route
  • 🏞️ Climb to Sky Pond for dramatic mountain and waterfall views
  • 🥾 Hike to Emerald Lake via scenic Bear Lake Trail
Nevada
Desert Adventures and Neon Nights
7.6
Massacre Rim in northwest Nevada was named an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019. It is a remote wilderness area of high desert sage and rocky ridges. No towns or roads lie close by. Visitors need a high clearance vehicle and full supplies for the drive.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Hike among red rocks in Valley of Fire State Park
  • 🌉 See the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead from above
  • 🌃 Walk the vibrant Las Vegas Strip at night
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Pristine lakes, untouched wilderness paradise
8.4
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness protects more than a million acres of lakes and forest in Minnesota. Motors and roads are banned across most of the area. Paddlers camp on quiet islands and watch stars reflect in still water. Northern lights appear on some nights.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Discover waterfalls like Devil’s Cascade and Johnson Falls
  • 🥾 Hike to Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest point
  • 🛶 Go on an overnight canoe camping trip through lakes
Great Basin National Park
Ancient trees, caves and starry skies
7.8
Great Basin National Park in Nevada was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. It lies far from any large city. Rangers hold an annual astronomy festival every year with many telescopes. Bristlecone pines and mountain lakes give a striking foreground under the stars.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Stargaze under one of America’s darkest skies
  • 🕳️ Explore the stunning Lehman Caves with a guided tour
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak
Mont-Mégantic National Park
Majestic peaks and crystal alpine lakes
8.9
Mont Megantic National Park in Quebec is part of the world's first International Dark Sky Reserve, named in 2007. An observatory with a large telescope stands on the summit. The ASTROLab offers public shows and night programmes. Local towns changed their lighting to protect the sky.
Highlights:
  • ⛺ Camp under starlit skies near the Lake Saint-Jean
  • 🚴‍♂️ Explore the park’s alpine meadows by bike
  • 🏔️ Hike to the summit of Mount Jacques-Cartier
Grand Canyon National Park
Epic Vistas, Timeless Adventure
8.1
Grand Canyon National Park was certified an International Dark Sky Park in 2019. Each June the park holds a Star Party with telescopes on the South Rim. The canyon is wide and dark in every direction. Astronomers set up at Mather Point and Yavapai Geology Museum.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore the historic Grand Canyon Village and lodges
  • 🌅 Enjoy sunrise views at Mather Point overlook
  • 🥾 Hike the iconic Bright Angel Trail into the canyon
Death Valley National Park
Otherworldly Extremes and Silent Beauty
6.4
Death Valley National Park was named a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park in 2013. The valley lies far from any large city. Dry desert air stays clear for much of the year. Visitors can see the Milky Way from salt flats and sand dunes.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Explore colorful rock formations at Artists Palette
  • 🦶 Walk across the vast salt flats of Badwater Basin
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise from panoramic Zabriskie Point
California
Golden State of Endless Experiences
8.7
Joshua Tree National Park in California was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. The park lies in the Mojave and Colorado deserts east of Los Angeles. Twisted trees and granite boulders stand in silhouette against the Milky Way. Campsites are popular on new moon weekends.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway from LA to Big Sur
  • 🏞️ Explore Yosemite National Park’s waterfalls and granite cliffs
  • 🌉 Stroll across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Arches National Park
A Desert Wonderland of Stone Arches
8.2
Arches National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019. Delicate Arch and the Windows frame the Milky Way on moonless nights. Rangers host night sky programmes in warm months. Red sandstone shapes glow faintly under starlight in the dry desert air.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Visit Double Arch and climb beneath its massive spans
  • 🥾 Explore Devils Garden Trail with multiple arches
  • 🧗‍♂️ Hike to Delicate Arch, the park’s iconic symbol
Jasper National Park
Untamed Wilderness and Starry Skies
8.8
Jasper National Park in Alberta is a Dark Sky Preserve covering more than 11,000 square kilometres. It was designated in 2011 and is among the largest accessible dark sky preserves. Jasper hosts a Dark Sky Festival each October. Northern lights sometimes appear above Pyramid Lake.
Highlights:
  • 🧊 Walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a guided tour
  • 🐻 Spot elk, moose, and bears along Icefields Parkway
  • 🛶 Cruise Maligne Lake and marvel at Spirit Island
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
9.1
Moab lies between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in the red rock country of Utah. Both parks are certified International Dark Sky Parks. Visitors can drive from town to a dark viewing site in just minutes. Fisher Towers and the Colorado River make dramatic foregrounds for photos.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
  • 🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
  • 🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Massive pink granite batholith wonder
6.6
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg was certified an International Dark Sky Park in 2014. A huge pink granite dome rises about 130 metres above the Texas hills. Visitors climb the dome at dusk to watch stars. Rangers hold night sky events in the park.
Highlights:
  • 🕳️ Discover the mysterious Enchanted Rock Cave interior
  • 🥾 Explore nearly 11 miles of scenic hiking trails
  • ⛰️ Climb the massive pink granite dome for panoramic views
Big Bend National Park
Majestic canyons, star‑filled desert skies
8.6
Big Bend National Park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2012. It lies in a remote corner of West Texas far from cities. Desert air stays dry and clear for most of the year. Visitors can see the Milky Way from campsites in the Chisos Mountains.
Highlights:
  • 🦴 Explore Fossil Creek Trail, find ancient fossils
  • 🏕️ Camp under starlit sky in South Rim Campground
  • 🏞️ Hike to Santa Rita Overlook for sunset views
Voyageurs National Park
Watery wilderness of northern Minnesota
8.0
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2020. Most of the park is water and can be reached by boat. Houseboats and campsites sit beside quiet lakes far from city lights. Northern lights appear above the forest on some nights.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Paddle a canoe through the peaceful waterways and explore wildlife
  • 🌌 Witness the breathtaking northern lights over pristine lakes
  • 🚣‍♂️ Explore hidden islands by boat and camp overnight
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Where two nations preserve wilderness
8.9
Waterton Lakes and Glacier form the world's first transboundary International Dark Sky Park designated in 2017. Jagged peaks and glacial lakes lie on both sides of the border. Visitors can watch stars beside Lake McDonald or the Waterton townsite. Northern lights are visible on some nights.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Canoe or kayak on serene Waterton Lake
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Red Rock Canyon Road
  • 🥾 Hike the challenging Crypt Lake Trail with stunning views
Arizona
Desert Wonders and Scenic Adventures
7.5
Flagstaff in Arizona was named the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001. Lowell Observatory sits on Mars Hill above the town. Astronomers there discovered Pluto in 1930 using a special photographic telescope. Visitors can look through historic telescopes on most evenings and join public star parties.
Highlights:
  • 🧭 Hike through the striking Antelope Canyon slot formations
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise over Monument Valley’s red rock mesas
  • 🏞️ Marvel at the Grand Canyon’s breathtaking rim views
New Mexico
Land of Enchantment’s Rich Heritage
7.7
The Very Large Array in New Mexico has 27 giant radio dishes spread across the Plains of San Agustin. The site lies at about 2,100 metres in a high desert. Skies here are dark and dry for much of the year. Visitors can take self guided tours of the array.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Soak in natural hot springs at Truth or Consequences
  • 🏘️ Visit historic Taos Pueblo, a living Native American village
  • 🏜️ Explore the surreal dunes of White Sands National Park
Utah
Nature's dramatic red rock playground
8.2
Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah was named the world's first International Dark Sky Park in 2007. Three great stone bridges rise from the canyon floor. Visitors can see the Milky Way arch over the bridges. The remote location keeps the sky very dark all year.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive the scenic Capitol Reef National Park Scenic Drive
  • 🧡 Explore the colorful hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park
  • 🧗‍♂️ Hike the iconic Angels Landing trail in Zion National Park
Denali National Park
Wild Alaska’s peaks and wildlife
8.8
Denali National Park lies far north in Alaska where winter nights are long and cold. Northern lights can be seen above the peaks from late August to April. The park has few lights beyond the visitor area. Clear nights bring views of the aurora and the Milky Way.
Highlights:
  • 🛩️ Take a flightseeing tour above Denali’s snowy peak
  • 🥾 Hike the Savage River Trail for rugged alpine views
  • 🐻 Spot grizzly bears and moose in their wild habitat
Sedona
Red Rocks, Vortexes and Starry Skies
7.5
Sedona in Arizona was named an International Dark Sky Community in 2014. The town uses shielded lighting to keep the sky dark. Red rock buttes stand out against a field of stars on clear moonless nights. Visitors can join guided telescope tours at night with local astronomers.
Highlights:
  • 🚙 Take a scenic jeep tour through rugged canyons
  • 🌅 Experience sunrise at Airport Mesa vortex viewpoint
  • 🏜️ Hike to Cathedral Rock for breathtaking red rock views
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Ancient pueblos under starlit skies
7.2
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a Dark Sky Park with ruins of great stone houses. Ancestral Puebloans built them and aligned some with the sun and moon. The Sun Dagger petroglyphs on Fajada Butte track the seasons. The park has an observatory with telescopes.
Highlights:
  • ✨ Attend night sky programs under the park's dark skies
  • 🥾 Hike the Pueblo Alto Trail for panoramic archaeological views
  • 🏛️ Tour the majestic Pueblo Bonito ruins and walk through rooms
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Otherworldly volcanic landscape on Earth
7.7
Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho has vast fields of black lava and cinder cones. The land is empty and cold at night. A Dark Sky designation protects the sky over the monument. Stars stand out sharply above the rugged black rock and dark cinder cones.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive and stop along the 7-mile scenic Loop Road
  • 🦇 Explore lava tube caves with a free permit
  • ⛰️ Hike to the top of Inferno Cone for panoramic views
Katmai National Park
Bears, salmon and volcanic wonders
7.2
Katmai National Park in Alaska is a wild area of volcanoes and lakes with no road access. Few lights stand anywhere near the park. Northern lights appear on winter nights above the frozen landscape. Visitors mostly arrive by small plane or boat from the town of King Salmon.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions
  • 🚁 Fly over the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
  • 🐻 Watch brown bears catch salmon at Brooks Falls
Bosque del Apache
Majestic plains echo with soaring condors
8.8
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge lies along the Rio Grande near Socorro in New Mexico. Thousands of sandhill cranes spend the winter in its wetlands. The refuge sits far from big cities and has clear dry desert air. Before the cranes take off at dawn you can watch the stars fade.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Visit local Pueblo art galleries and workshops
  • 🥾 Hike to the scenic Santa Fe Trail overlook
  • 🦅 Explore historic Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
South Dakota
Iconic Monuments and Prairie Landscapes
6.9
Badlands National Park in South Dakota hosts an Astronomy Festival each summer with telescopes and ranger talks. Eroded spires and buttes stand under a dark prairie sky. The park is open around the clock. Visitors can also join night sky programmes at the amphitheatre near Cedar Pass.
Highlights:
  • 🗿 Visit Crazy Horse Memorial and learn about Native heritage
  • 🌄 Hike the rugged trails of Badlands National Park at sunset
  • 🗿 Marvel at Mount Rushmore’s iconic presidential faces
Wyoming
Wild West landscapes and natural wonders
8.5
Wyoming has the smallest population of any US state and vast stretches of open high plains. The Red Desert in the southwest has almost no towns and no lights. Cold clear air keeps the sky sharp. Visitors can see the Milky Way from roadside pullouts.
Highlights:
  • 🗻 Climb Devils Tower, America's first national monument
  • 🥾 Hike scenic trails in Grand Teton National Park
  • 🌋 Witness Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park
Nature's Grand Cathedral
8.5
Yosemite National Park holds night sky programmes at Glacier Point on summer weekends with local astronomers. Telescopes are set up on the rim above the valley. Half Dome rises in silhouette beside the Milky Way. The high elevation gives crisp views on clear nights in summer.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Marvel at Yosemite Falls, one of the tallest in North America
  • 🏞️ Hike to Glacier Point for one of Yosemite’s best views
  • 🧗‍♂️ Stand before the towering granite face of El Capitan
Hawaii
Tropical Vibes and Volcanic Wonders
8.8
Mauna Kea rises 4,207 metres above Hawaii's Big Island and has some of the world's leading observatories. The Visitor Information Station at 2,800 metres offers free stargazing nights. Thin air and cold nights give sharp views. Visitors can see bright planets and star clusters through provided telescopes.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Na Pali Coast trail on Kauai
  • 🐠 Snorkel among colorful coral reefs in Hanauma Bay
  • 🌋 Watch sunrise from the summit of Haleakalā Volcano
Grand Teton National Park
Stunning Peaks and Wildlife Wonders
8.6
Grand Teton National Park has jagged peaks that stand tall above Jackson Hole. Photographers set up at Oxbow Bend and Schwabacher Landing under the Milky Way. Light pollution is low across much of the valley. Summer nights are cool and often clear after afternoon storms pass.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Trek through Cascade Canyon for breathtaking views
  • 💧 Explore Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point nearby
  • 🚶‍♂️ Hike the scenic Jenny Lake Loop Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Home of the Giant Sequoias
8.0
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have tall groves of giant sequoias that stand dark against the night sky. The parks sit high in the Sierra Nevada far from big cities. Rangers offer night sky programmes at Lodgepole and Grant Grove. The Milky Way lies above the granite domes.
Highlights:
  • 🕳️ Explore Crystal Cave on a guided tour
  • 🧗‍♂️ Climb Moro Rock for breathtaking panoramic views
  • 🌲 Visit the General Sherman Tree, largest on Earth
Mesa Verde National Park
Ancient Cliff Dwellings and Rich History
7.5
Mesa Verde National Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. Ancient cliff dwellings sit in alcoves above the canyons. Visitors can join ranger programmes on summer nights. The Milky Way rises above the mesa when the moon is dark and the air is clear.
Highlights:
  • 🧗 Tour Balcony House with its ladders and narrow passages
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Soda Canyon Overlook Trail
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Cliff Palace
Alaska
Land of superlatives and adventure
8.9
Interior Alaska lies right under the auroral oval and sees northern lights on many clear nights. Fairbanks offers heated viewing cabins and hot springs outside town. The season runs from late August to April. Long winter nights give plenty of time to watch the sky dance.
Highlights:
  • 🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
  • 🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
  • 🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
9.2
Westcliffe and Silver Cliff in Colorado were named an International Dark Sky Community in 2015. The Wet Mountain Valley sits at about 2,400 metres below the Sangre de Cristo range. Local lighting rules keep the night sky dark. Visitors can see the Milky Way and faint galaxies.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
  • 🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails
Idaho
Outdoor Paradise with Scenic Beauty
7.3
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve was designated in 2017 and covers about 3,700 square kilometres. It surrounds Sun Valley and Stanley among the Sawtooth Mountains. Mountain towns follow strict lighting rules that keep the sky dark. The Milky Way stretches above the jagged peaks.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore the Craters of the Moon volcanic landscape
  • 💦 Visit Shoshone Falls, higher than Niagara, and take in the power
  • 🏔️ Hike the majestic Sawtooth Mountains and enjoy panoramic views
Texas
Vast Landscapes and Deep Culture
7.0
McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis in West Texas hosts public star parties several nights a week. The observatory lies among the Davis Mountains at about 2,000 metres. Its telescopes reveal planets and nebulae. Nearby towns follow lighting rules to protect the sky for the telescopes.
Highlights:
  • 🚀 Tour the NASA Space Center Houston
  • 🌄 Explore Big Bend National Park’s rugged wilderness
  • 🌊 Visit the iconic San Antonio River Walk and enjoy a boat ride
Washington (State)
Diverse landscapes from mountains to coast
7.6
Goldendale Observatory State Park in Washington has a public telescope with a 24 inch mirror. Rangers host public viewing sessions on many nights of the week. The site sits on a dry plateau above the Columbia River. Clear skies are common in summer and the nights stay cool.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Visit Mount Rainier National Park for breathtaking views
  • 🍴 Explore the thriving Pike Place Market in Seattle
  • 🧗‍♂️ Hike the challenging Angels Landing in Zion National Park
West Virginia
Appalachian wilderness and rich history
6.7
Watoga State Park in West Virginia was certified as an International Dark Sky Park in 2015. The mountain park lies in a quiet corner of the Appalachians. Green Bank Observatory and its huge radio telescope stand nearby. Visitors can camp under a wide sky of stars.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Witness Blackwater Falls cascading over amber-colored rocks
  • 🏘️ Explore historic streets of Harpers Ferry town
  • 🌉 Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge and admire views
Banff
Rocky Mountain Majesty, Endless Adventure
9.0
The Vermilion Lakes on the edge of Banff town reflect the peaks of Mount Rundle. Photographers gather here on clear nights for the Milky Way and sometimes the aurora. The wetlands are only minutes from the town centre. Cold winter air keeps the sky crisp and clear.
Highlights:
  • ♨️ Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs with mountain views
  • 🥾 Hike Johnston Canyon and explore breathtaking waterfalls
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for panoramic Sulphur Mountain views
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