Dark Sky Parks That Will Leave You in Awe

Inspiring. Breathtaking. Humbling.

To stand under a clear night sky in total and true darkness and witness the vast expanse of stars with the Milky Way streaking above is a singular and increasingly rare moment in one’s life.

Light pollution in populated areas is so prevalent that we hardly notice the night sky in our daily lives, perhaps dotted with a handful of stars and a familiar constellation when we’re lucky. Created in 2016, the World Atlas of Night Sky Brightness now estimates that more than 80 percent of the world’s population — and 99 percent of Americans and Europeans — live under artificial sky glow.

In fact, light pollution has become so common across the globe that places without it are now recognized for their purity and lack of light interference. DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization formerly known as the International DarkSky Association, certifies these areas as Dark Sky Parks, and works to protect them from encroaching light pollution.

Fortunately, it’s possible to experience the wonder of the true night sky without adventuring to the furthest reaches of the globe. Three of the best places in the United States are within our National Parks, easily accessible with lodging and amenities at the ready. Death Valley National Park in California, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, are all certified as Dark Sky Parks, offering a safe and simple way to witness the spectacle of a truly starry night.

Death Valley National Park

Set 282 feet below sea level in the remote desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park is designated as a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, the highest level awarded, due to exceptionally clear skies and efforts to minimize light pollution in the area. It’s no coincidence that several scenes from the Star Wars movie series were filmed here. Standing under a clear night sky in Desolation Canyon is an interstellar experience.

Located far enough from major cities but close enough for an easy weekend getaway, Death Valley may offer the best stargazing in the continental US.

Where to Stay

The Oasis at Death Valley is a world-class retreat with two exceptional hotels: the historic AAA Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley. Following a remarkable $250 million revitalization, this hidden gem awaits you in the heart of Death Valley National Park, Learn more at OasisAtDeathvalley.com.

Grand Canyon National Park

Your sense of time and space will be forever altered as you marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World below, and the unimaginable expanse of the universe above. With its unrivaled landscape, remote location, and Native American history, Grand Canyon National Park is an easy choice for stargazers and nature fans alike.

The National Park Service offers several astronomy programs, including Ancient Skies – an evening event about the original inhabitants of the area and how they regarded the heavens above as a source of spiritual power and wonder.

Where to Stay

Six unique lodges offer a variety of choices to stay inside the park. From the historic El Tovar Hotel just steps away from the South Rim, to Phantom Ranch on the canyon floor, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges has ideal accommodations for you. Visit GrandCanyonLodges.com to learn more.

Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, gives us a glimpse into the surreal geology of our own planet, as well as the inexplicable galaxies above. Far removed from any major population center, the night skies at Yellowstone will make even the grandest landscapes seem small.

The easy 3-mile drive to Firehole Lake or the drive over Dunraven Pass will help you slip away from the crowds to maximize the experience. Or join a Stars Over Yellowstone evening astronomy walk, held at the Madison Amphitheater, where telescopes are available.

Where to Stay

Visit YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com to book one of the many hotels or cabins throughout the park. Airports at Jackson and Cody, Wyoming, as well as Bozeman, Montana, are the best option for flights, and while there are shuttles available, a car will help you truly experience all there is to see, both day and night.

Just as enthusiasts flock to a rare solar eclipse or a favorite music festival, a night under the stars in a designated Dark Sky park should be on the list of must-see phenomena. The sense of wonder from gazing at the infinite number of stars scattered across the timeless expanse above is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience.

Want More? Check out these Dark Sky festivals and celebrations

The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
Held sometime between mid-February and early March each year, the Dark Sky Festival at Death Valley National Park is a weekend celebration of Death Valley’s Dark Sky status. Expand your horizons with programs including telescope viewing, astronomy lessons, and astrophotography sessions. Learn more and book your trip at OasisAtDeathValley.com.

International Dark Sky Week
Created by a high school student in 2003 to bring awareness and protection to our diminishing dark skies, International Dark Sky Week is a weeklong event in April encouraging people to experience and protect our night skies. Learn more at idsw.darksky.org.