Stargazing in the Desert: Arizona’s Best Nighttime Outdoor Experiences

Arizona is synonymous with ample sunshine and blue skies, yet it is equally spectacular when the stars come out. Clear skies and diverse geography set the stage with many communities going the extra mile to provide stewardship to maintain the dark skies above.

Places that have enacted plans and policies to earn official Dark Sky Place designations such as Oracle State Park near Tucson and Fountain Hills on the northern flank of metro Phoenix also benefit from their proximity to mountain ranges, which block out nearby city lights. It’s no surprise, then, that you’ll find everything from posh resorts sporting telescopes to world-class observatories with vast arrays of instrumentation.

“Dark skies are an amazing art of Arizona’s tourism offerings,” says Lisa Urias, CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “From state parks to observatories and small towns, there are so many statewide opportunities to experience the wonder of starry nights.”  

Arizonans are lucky to live in the Four Corners region, which offers the most IDA Dark Sky Places in the world. In fact, Arizona has 19 dark-sky communities, places, and parks, two of which are National Parks (Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest). On a clear night, you can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy. The sky is awash in stars, double stars and star clusters.

arizona dark skies

Enjoy stargazing in the desert by checking out some of Arizona’s best nighttime experiences this summer.

SkyCenter Observatory

Tucson

Experience the wonders of the universe in Tucson The Mount Lemmon SkyCenter is hosting RemoteSky, an immersive 90-minute astronomical journey perfect for curious minds ages 7 and up. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a family looking for an educational adventure, or simply curious about the cosmos, RemoteSky offers a perfect blend of convenience and wonder. It’s ideal for those who can’t make it to the mountain-top SkyNights program or prefer to avoid weather-related cancellations. Each visit offers a unique astronomical experience. From the sprawling summer Milky Way to winter’s dazzling Orion, expert guides will unveil the night sky’s ever-changing tapestry. No prior astronomical knowledge is required—just bring your enthusiasm and prepare to be amazed.

Red Rock State Park

Sedona

The Moonlight Hike is among the most popular interpretive hikes at Red Rock State Park. Venture into beautiful sunset views in the Southwest and hike under the dark skies in Red Rock Country. This outing will expose visitors to fascinating geology and spectacular photography opportunities. Hike leaders guide hikers on a rare opportunity to enjoy sunset and moonrise from a trail overlook. Along the way, guests will learn about natural resources along the trail. The hike generally lasts 2 to 2.5 hrs and covers a distance from 2 to 2.5 miles. Reservations can be made by calling the park at 928.282.6907.

Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory features one of the finest collections of telescopes available for public use. This plaza features six advanced telescopes that collectively give visitors a viewing experience that goes far beyond seeing faint smudges of light. From rich star fields and planets full of color, to nebulae and galaxies that reveal obvious structure, the famously dark skies of Flagstaff are abundant in celestial treasures to discover. Weather permitting, you can also stargaze through the Historic Clark Dome. The Giovale Open Deck Observatory also features daytime exhibits that highlight the science of spectroscopy, the types of telescopes astronomers use and how to preserve dark skies in Arizona and beyond.

Scottsdale Astronomy Tour

Scottsdale

Discover the sheer beauty and experience the wonders of the Arizona night sky on the Scottsdale Astronomy Tour. This tour provides transportation services that will take visitors to a scenic dark sky area. A professional astronomer from an outside organization will provide an in-depth laser pointer tour of the constellations and answer questions. A high-powered telescope is made available to appreciate the celestial wonders visible at the time of the tour, which may include planets, star clusters, double stars, galaxies and nebulae.

Check out visitarizona.com to see the full list of Arizona’s IDA-certified Dark Sky Places.

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