Posted on April 27, 2023 | National Parks, Wildlife and Nature
Imagine standing under a vast, inky sky filled with stars, planets, and galaxies that seem close enough to touch. The sheer magnitude of the universe is laid out before you, and you can’t help but feel humbled and, dare we say, starstruck.
The air is crisp and cool, and the darkness is so pure that you can hear the sound of silence. The Milky Way stretches out like a cosmic highway, and shooting stars blaze across the sky like fireworks. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, and the worries of the world fade away into the background.
One of the most beautiful things about stargazing is that you don’t have to be a professional astronomer to appreciate the world’s amazing night skies — though, a telescope, celestial map, and experienced guide can certainly help.
If you’re ready to dive into the extraordinary world of International Dark Sky Places and discover the best ways to experience them and reconnect with nature in a more meaningful way, keep reading.
An International Dark Sky Place (IDSP) is an area, often a park or protected land, that has been designated a sanctuary for natural darkness by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) for its preservation of the exceptional quality of starry nights.
The IDA is a non-profit organization that works to protect International Dark Sky Places and promote the importance of natural darkness for wildlife, human health, and cultural heritage to preserve the night sky for future generations.
There are different levels of designation for International Dark Sky Places, including Dark Sky Sanctuaries, Parks, Reserves, and Communities. These designations acknowledge efforts to reduce light pollution, raise awareness about the benefits of natural darkness, and encourage sustainable lighting practices.
In order for national parks to be officially designated an International Dark Sky Park, they must meet strict criteria set by the IDA, including:
With reduced light pollution, the stars and planets shine brighter, and the constellations and galaxies are more visible to the naked eye. International Dark Sky Parks are not only a haven for astronomers and astrophotographers, but also for anyone seeking a peaceful and illuminating experience under the stars.
Out of 115 protected properties around the world with International Dark Sky Park status, we’ve rounded up our top 5 national parks that we recommend for a quiet nighttime escape that will leave you feeling awe-struck by nature’s beauty.
“We all travel the Milky Way together, trees and men”
– John Muir
Galaxy in night sky above iconic landscapes of Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Starting strong and spanning over 15,000 square miles in Texas and Mexico, the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest certified Dark Sky Place in the world.
Big Bend National Park takes its role as a protector of the night sky very seriously, investing in extra measures to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural beauty of the night sky. Visitors are asked to do their part, as well, by using red lights instead of white lights, avoiding flash photography, keeping their car headlights off, etc.
These measures, together with the park’s remote location and high altitude, make Big Bend an unbelievably special destination for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers alike seeking to experience the beauty of the night sky.
Lastly, not only is stargazing at Big Bend an unparalleled experience, but this park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the southwestern United States.
Want to experience Big Bend off the beaten path? Our fully guided Big Secret, Big Bend Small Group Adventures is hand-crafted by destination experts to help you feel like a local!
Starry sky above Joshua Tree National Park, California.
If you’re planning a stargazing trip, we also highly recommend adding Joshua Tree National Park to your Bucket List. Located 3,000-6,000 feet above sea level in the High Desert of Southern California, Joshua Tree is a stunning International Dark Sky Park that is far from the light pollution of any major city.
Its stunning desert landscape features the twisted, spiky branches of the park’s namesake, Joshua Trees, which are a species of yucca that only grow in this part of the world. They not only add to the park’s otherworldly beauty, but also make for a stunning backdrop for viewing the stars.
Additionally, with the rise of an astrotourism base, the park has taken an increasingly active role in preserving natural darkness. Through unique opportunities, like ranger-led night sky programs, visitors can learn more about the stars and the importance of preserving dark skies.
Stargazing in Joshua Tree is a uniquely breathtaking experience that will no-doubt leave you in awe. Want to catch The Milky Way? It is only visible for about 8-10 days each month from March through September, so plan accordingly!
If you’re looking to make the most of your trip to the desert, our uniquely curated Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks’ Small Group Adventure, filled with fun hiking and memorable lodging, is perfect for you.
Rocky monolith against starry night sky in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.
Roughly 80% of Americans live in an area where they cannot see the Milky Way. This isn’t a problem when stargazing in Utah—a world leader in Dark Sky Places, thanks to its naturally dark areas and communities who work hard to protect them.
Located in a remote area of southern Utah, Capitol Reef National Park offers some of the best stargazing in both the state and the world. One feature that makes stargazing in Capitol Reef National Park extra special is the ability to see the Milky Way from both the east and west sides of the park.
Want extra clear and brilliant views of the stars and constellations? We recommend visiting in the fall and winter when Utah’s dry air makes the night sky appear even brighter.
It’s no doubt that Capitol Reef National Park offers a unique and unforgettable stargazing experience. With its remote location, commitment to protecting the night sky, and unique views of the Milky Way, travelers are sure to remember their visit for a lifetime.
Check the wild desertscapes of Capitol Reef National Park off your bucket list, in addition to 9 others, in our Southwest National Parks Grand Slam Small Group Adventure. Or, opt for exploring what locals call “Utah’s Mighty Five,” led by an expert guide who can offer special insight into each park’s natural and cultural histories.
Milky Way Galaxy over Arches National Park, Utah.
Arches National Park is a place of stunning natural beauty that has been offering visitors a unique experience of the night sky as an official International Dark Sky Park since 2019.
As the sun sets, the park transforms into a celestial wonderland, with millions of stars, planets, and galaxies visible to the naked eye. The Milky Way arches across the sky, appearing like a ribbon of light, while shooting stars streak across the darkness.
On a clear night, you can see great stars just about anywhere in the park. But, pro tip: the farther north you drive away from the lights of Moab, the darker the sky will be. Here are a few areas we recommend:
Finally, in a commitment to preserving the natural darkness of the sky, the park has implemented a number of measures to eliminate light pollution, such as installing motion sensor lights and using low-wattage bulbs in park facilities, earning Arches an IDA Gold-Tier designation.
Want to sit back, relax and enjoy the landscapes and cultural legacies of the Southwest knowing everything (including you!) is taken care of? The Off the Beaten Path Hiking Utah’s Iconic National Parks Small Group Adventure will guide you through some of the most iconic and hidden-gem locations in this rich, compelling region.
Silhouette of person against starry night sky in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona.
Last (but certainly not least), Petrified Forest National Park, located in northeastern Arizona, is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Though Arizona may be known for its sunny days, the landscape really comes alive at night — and, on a clear evening, you can even see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and the Andromeda galaxy.
According to the National Parks Service, the ‘Four Corners’ region of the United States has the most IDA Dark Sky Communities in the world. In fact, Arizona alone has 12 Dark Sky Parks, two of which are the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest National Parks.
To enjoy the park after dark, you can either get a free permit to backpack into the wilderness overnight or acquire a Dark Sky Viewing permit that allows you to stay past park closing hours to stargaze and/or capture the beauty through astrophotography.
Finally, no matter which park you’re visiting, we recommend checking the moon phase before planning your stargazing trip. A full moon can make it especially difficult to see stars and other celestial objects, so plan your visit during a new moon or when the moon is in its early waxing or late waning phases.
An International Dark Sky place is a place where you can connect with the universe and your place in it. It’s a reminder that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves – and that there is beauty in the darkness if we only take the time to look.
Off the Beaten Path started out in 1986 as a family company planning custom trips to the American West. More than three decades later we’re not so little anymore, and our geography has greatly expanded. But, we’re still planning ever-more exceptional journeys for our growing family of travelers.
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