Offering expansive desert vistas and clear skies, the Four Corners region offers an ideal setting for stargazing and is home to the most International Dark Sky communities in the world. Arizona played a key role in the dark-sky preservation movement when, in 2001, the International Dark-Sky Association (now DarkSky International) designated Flagstaff as the world’s first Dark Sky Place, recognizing the city’s commitment to preserving its stargazing-friendly night skies.
Today, Arizona is home to 19 official International Dark Sky places, parks, and communities, with many more unofficial places also offering ideal stargazing conditions. Many state and national parks throughout the state also offer events during which volunteer astronomers and educators set up telescopes and answer questions, enhancing public access to these celestial experiences.
To celebrate 2025 International Dark Sky Week (April 21 to April 28), consider attending an Arizona Star Party. Star Parties feature presentations and telescope viewings supported by local astronomy clubs and enthusiasts.
April 18: Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park, located in Southern Arizona at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and exceptional dark skies. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, it offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience the night sky in all its splendor. The park’s remote location and clear desert air make it an ideal spot for stargazing, with breathtaking views of the Milky Way, planets and celestial events. Astronomers from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be onsite at the April 18 Arizona Star Party to answer questions and discuss celestial objects and phenomena. For more information, visit azstateparks.com.
Third Saturdays, April to November: Homolovi State Park
Homolovi State Park in Northeastern Arizona offers exceptional dark sky viewing. The park’s remote location and minimal artificial lighting make it an ideal spot for stargazing, with the Milky Way, stars, planets and distant galaxies clearly visible. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, awe-inspiring experience, whether through a telescope or simply by gazing up. The park will host astronomy events on the third Saturday of each month, featuring a guest speaker and telescope viewing through the Winslow Homolovi Observatory’s Moore Telescope (Celestron 14-in. Schmidt-Cassegrain). These events are free with the cost of park entry. For more information, visit azstateparks.com.
April 26: Oracle State Park
Located in the rugged foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oracle State Park provides a pristine view of the night sky, making it one of the best stargazing spots in Southern Arizona. As Arizona’s first International Dark Sky State Park, it preserves its pristine night skies by minimizing artificial lighting and providing educational programs on the importance of dark skies. To celebrate both International Dark Sky Week and its 2014 Dark Sky Park designation, the park will host a Star Party featuring a proclamation, star viewing with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, and a park ranger showcasing the park’s computerized telescope. No registration is required, and the event is free with regular park admission. For more information, visit azstateparks.com.
May 3 and Oct. 18: Cattail Cove State Park
Cattail Cove State Park, nestled along the shores of Lake Havasu, offers a stunning display of dark skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. As night falls, the absence of city lights reveals a blanket of stars scattered across the desert sky. The event is free with the paid park entry. Members of the Havasu Astronomy Club will be bringing several telescopes, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about astronomical objects and observe them firsthand. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate as they take in the night sky. For more information, visit azstateparks.com.
For avid astronomers or those simply seeking a peaceful retreat under the stars, Arizona’s Dark Skies are a must-see and Arizona Office of Tourism at visitarizona.com is the perfect resource to help plan your adventure.