Best National Parks for Stargazing

# Best National Parks for Stargazing

With their remote locations and minimal light pollution, national parks offer some of the best stargazing opportunities on Earth. Here's where to find the darkest skies.

## Understanding Dark Skies

### International Dark Sky Parks
The International Dark-Sky Association certifies parks that protect the night sky. These designations include:
- **Dark Sky Parks:** Outstanding dark sky resources
- **Dark Sky Sanctuaries:** Most remote and darkest places
- **Dark Sky Reserves:** Large-scale protected areas

### Bortle Scale
Astronomers rate sky darkness on the Bortle Scale (1-9):
- **Class 1:** Darkest skies on Earth
- **Class 2-3:** Excellent for astronomy
- **Class 4:** Rural skies
- **Class 7-9:** Urban/suburban skies

## Top 10 Parks for Stargazing

### 1. Death Valley National Park, California
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 1-2

The largest Dark Sky Park in the U.S. offers some of the darkest skies in the country.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Harmony Borax Works
- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
- Dante's View
- Badwater Basin

**What You'll See:**
- Milky Way in stunning detail
- Zodiacal light
- Airglow phenomena
- Thousands of visible stars

**Pro Tip:** Summer can be dangerously hot; visit October-April for comfortable night viewing.

### 2. Big Bend National Park, Texas
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 1-2

The most remote national park in the lower 48 has the darkest skies in Texas.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Chisos Basin
- Rio Grande Village
- Sam Nail Ranch
- Santa Elena Canyon overlook

**What You'll See:**
- Milky Way rising over the Chisos Mountains
- Dark sky phenomena
- Exceptional planet viewing

**Pro Tip:** The park hosts regular star parties with telescopes.

### 3. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
**Designation:** World's First International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 2

The first park designated for its dark skies remains one of the best.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Owachomo Bridge overlook
- Sipapu Bridge viewpoint
- Kachina Bridge

**What You'll See:**
- Stars reflecting in rock formations
- Natural bridges framing the Milky Way
- Exceptional clarity

### 4. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 2

One of the darkest parks with active astronomy programs.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Mather Overlook
- Wheeler Peak area
- Baker Archaeology Site

**Programs:**
- Weekly astronomy programs
- Full moon programs
- Telescope viewing sessions

### 5. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 2-3

Less crowded than other Utah parks with excellent skies.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Panorama Point
- Goosenecks Overlook
- Hickman Bridge trail

### 6. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 2

Hoodoos and starlight create magical compositions.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Sunset Point
- Fairyland Point
- Natural Bridge viewpoint

**Programs:**
- Astronomy festival (June)
- Full moon hikes
- Ranger-led programs

### 7. Joshua Tree National Park, California
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 3

Close to LA yet remarkably dark.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Keys View
- Cottonwood Spring
- Split Rock area

**What You'll See:**
- Joshua trees silhouetted against stars
- Milky Way over rock formations

### 8. Canyonlands National Park, Utah
**Bortle Class:** 2-3

Remote canyons shield from all light pollution.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Green River Overlook (Island in the Sky)
- Needles campground
- The Maze (most remote)

### 9. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
**Designation:** International Dark Sky Park
**Bortle Class:** 2-3

The canyon under stars is unforgettable.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Yavapai Point
- Desert View
- Cape Royal (North Rim)

**Programs:**
- Annual Star Party (June)
- Night sky programs

### 10. Glacier National Park, Montana
**Bortle Class:** 2-3

Northern latitude means longer summer nights.

**Best Viewing Spots:**
- Logan Pass
- Two Medicine
- Many Glacier

**Bonus:** Possible aurora viewing!

## Stargazing Tips

### Best Conditions
- New moon or thin crescent
- Clear, dry weather
- Low humidity
- Winter months (clearest skies)

### Essential Gear
- Red headlamp (preserves night vision)
- Star chart or astronomy app
- Warm layers (nights are cold)
- Blanket or reclining chair
- Binoculars or telescope
- Camera with tripod

### Photography Tips
- Manual focus set to infinity
- Wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider)
- High ISO (3200-6400)
- 15-25 second exposure
- Wide-angle lens
- Remote shutter release

### Planning Your Visit
- Check moon phase calendars
- Monitor weather forecasts
- Allow 30 minutes for eye adjustment
- Know sunset and astronomical twilight times

*Plan your stargazing adventure with our trip planner!*