If you’ve ever stood beneath a truly dark sky, you know the feeling: awe, wonder, and a sense of connection to something vast and timeless. Stargazing in national parks is more than a nighttime activity, it’s a way to rediscover our place in the universe, to slow down, and to reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the cosmos, America’s national parks offer some of the best parks for stars and nighttime national park activities you’ll find anywhere.
Let’s explore my top five national parks for stargazing and nighttime adventures, each with its own unique magic and opportunities to make memories after the sun goes down.
1) Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is, quite simply, a stargazer’s dream. Far from city lights, this park is recognized as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, a testament to the exceptional quality of its night skies. On a moonless night, you can see up to 7,500 stars twinkling above the iconic hoodoos, with the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon.
Bryce Canyon doesn’t just offer stargazing; it celebrates it. Join one of the park’s 100 annual astronomy programs, led by knowledgeable Astronomy Rangers and volunteers, or plan your visit around their famous Astronomy Festival. For a truly unforgettable experience, sign up for a ranger-led Full Moon Hike, where you’ll wander among otherworldly rock formations under the glow of lunar light.
Tip: Visit during a new moon for the darkest skies, and check the park’s schedule for astronomy programs, these fill up fast!
2) Big Bend National Park, Texas
If you crave solitude and sweeping desert vistas, Big Bend National Park is your nighttime oasis. With almost no light pollution, Big Bend is one of the darkest and best parks for stars in the continental U.S.. The park offers a variety of nighttime national park activities, from ranger-led moonwalks through Grapevine Hills to star parties and guided telescope viewing.
The nearby McDonald Observatory also hosts public star parties, making it easy to learn about the constellations and planets overhead. Whether you’re lying back at your campsite or joining a group program, you’ll be treated to a sky ablaze with stars, planets, and the occasional meteor streaking by.
Tip: Bring a red flashlight (to preserve your night vision) and a blanket or reclining chair for the most comfortable stargazing.
3) Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem for stargazers. With low annual visitation and virtually zero light pollution, you’ll feel like you have the universe all to yourself. The park is home to the annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival, where amateur and professional astronomers gather for telescope viewing, night hikes, and astronomy talks.
After dark, the park’s high elevation and dry desert air make for crystal-clear skies. Don’t miss the chance to spot the Andromeda Galaxy or the rings of Saturn through a telescope!
Tip: Check out the Lehman Caves for a unique night tour, and always dress warmly-the desert can get chilly after sunset.
4) Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is famous for its red rock arches and spires, but after sunset, it transforms into a celestial wonderland. The park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and local outfitters offer guided stargazing expeditions ranging from one night to multi-day adventures.
The contrast of starlight against the park’s dramatic rock formations is breathtaking. Night hikes and astronomy programs are available seasonally, making Arches a must for anyone seeking unique nighttime national park activities.
Tip: The Windows Section and Balanced Rock are popular spots for night photography and stargazing- just remember to bring your tripod!
5) Redwood National and State Parks, California
For a stargazing experience surrounded by ancient giants, head to Redwood National and State Parks. These parks combine easy accessibility, low light pollution, and the awe-inspiring presence of towering redwoods. The open meadows and coastal overlooks provide perfect vantage points for watching the stars emerge above the treetops.
While the weather can be unpredictable, clear nights here reveal a sky filled with constellations and, in summer, the glowing band of the Milky Way. Nighttime ranger programs and guided walks are available during peak seasons.
Tip: Fog can roll in quickly near the coast, so check the weather and aim for inland areas on clear nights.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a new perspective, these national parks' stargazing destinations invite you to slow down and look up. The best parks for stars aren’t just places-they’re experiences, memories, and a reminder that the world is bigger (and more beautiful) than we often remember. So pack your sense of wonder, grab a friend or two, and let the night sky inspire your next adventure.