I’ll never forget the first time I looked up into the dark, dark sky and could make out the Milky Way.
I stood there in awe taking in the dense smattering of glittering stars, mouth opened slightly, cool air all around and a night so quiet you could hear even the faintest rustle of nearby trees. It’s not easy to get to a place dark enough for this. You’ll have to go out of your way to travel there, wait patiently, and cross your fingers for a cloudless night.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to view a handful of the darkest night skies in the United States, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.
Most importantly, where you go absolutely matters, but timing does, too.
For example, you could travel all the way to a pristine Bortle 1 sky, which is the highest and darkest rating on the Bortle scale (a nine-level numeric scale measuring night sky brightness) and still be disappointed. Bortle 1 skies typically offer a pitch-black, completely natural night environment with zero light pollution, but if your trip’s timed during a full moon, you won't get the experience you came for.
To set you up for success, I’ve compiled some of the darkest night skies worth traveling for, along with the practical details to ensure your best shot at seeing the stars in all their glory.
In this article
Canyonlands and Arches National Parks in Utah
Full of twisting natural arches and deep canyons, Moab, Utah is easily one of my favorite places in the world.
Its nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks also happen to be a gateway to some of the darkest night skies in the country. (And by day it offers excellent hiking opps.)
In 2015, Canyonlands National Park earned Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park status with a Bortle Class 1-3 sky, and in 2019 Arches National Park was designated a Silver-Tier International Dark Sky Park.
That alone is a great place to start as either offers spectacular stargazing, but my personal favorite is Canyonlands ‘Island in the Sky’ area for its expansive views. It’s also located a bit further away from Moab proper, putting more distance between you and the city’s glow.
Both parks are easily reached from Moab via well-kept roads, but services thin out quickly once you enter. Come with lots of water and fuel, download maps in advance for areas with limited cell service, and double check current road conditions.
Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona
I visited Kitt Peak Observatory for my birthday several years ago, and to this day it's one of the coolest ways I’ve ever celebrated.
While the other dark night skies on this list are perfect for a “build your own adventure” situation, I recommend this one for those who want a more structured stargazing experience.
Kitt Peak is particularly unique, and a real “box checker” for astrotourists, because while it doesn’t have an official Bortle rating, it is home to one of the largest collections of astronomical research telescopes on Earth.
It also sits at 7,000 feet altitude, and takes the dark sky rules so seriously, you aren’t allowed to have your headlights on when leaving. Indeed, staff covered our headlights and escorted us downhill with red lights. For fees ranging from $12 to $109, you can sign up for nighttime stargazing programs, or even an entire overnight residency for $1,300-$2,000.
Kitt Peak is roughly 50 miles from Tucson and service gets spotty. Bring water and fuel, expect limited cell reception, and definitely reserve programs in advance.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
Minnesota is known for its thousand lakes, but look up and you’ll catch a multitude of stars, too.
Generally considered a Bortle Class 2, Voyageurs National Park is notably dark thanks to its remote location near the Canadian border. In 2020, it earned its designation as an International Dark Sky Park and is home to some of the darkest skies in the Midwest.
What’s also really cool about this location is how far north it is in the U.S., which means you could catch the northern lights shimmering above the lakes and forests. Time your trip for September through March if you want to see the auroras.
And speaking of lakes, for an extra-magical experience head out on the water. The wide-open horizons can make the sky feel even bigger (rentals and water taxis are available). That said, this one’s pretty remote. The park’s about 5 hours from Minneapolis, so bring water and food, make plans for lodging, and expect limited cell service.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in Idaho
Some called us crazy, but my husband and I spent our honeymoon camping and glamping our way through the Western United States.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Central Idaho to white water raft on the Salmon River. Those nighttime skies were some of the most glorious I’ve seen, putting life into perspective and helping me grow a deeper appreciation for this incredibly beautiful world we live in.
I learned after our visit, that in 2017, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve was named the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States. It earned Gold Tier status, with clear nights falling between Bortle Class 1 and 3. That’s dark enough to see the Milky Way in striking detail with your eyes alone.
Note that Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is about two to three hours from Boise, so bring food, water, fuel, and supplies, and expect limited cell services when not in town.
Moon Phases & Dark Skies
I know from first-hand experience that even destinations with the darkest skies can leave you disappointed if you time your trip poorly.
Moon phases matter quite a bit, with a full moon washing out stars and making the Milky Way essentially impossible to see because the moon is so bright.
For the best, most glittery views, plan your visit around a new moon. This is when moonlight interferes least with the night sky. Also check moonrise and moonset times, since these can give you a window of true darkness even outside a new moon.
Another pro tip: Here in the Northern Hemisphere, the Milky Way’s bright core is best viewed from spring through early fall.
And of course, factor in the forecast and other details. Clouds, haze, and even wildfire smoke can greatly impact how many stars you can see.
The Shortcut
You can opt for a “choose your own adventure” stargazing experience, or opt into a guided experience at a location like Kitt Peak Observatory in Southern Arizona.
Book by moon phase before you book by place. Aim for the nights around a new moon, since a full moon washes out the Milky Way even at a Bortle 1 site.
Depending on the time of year, some dark sky locations also offer stunning views of the Northern Lights.
Next Up: 6 Resorts Where Stargazing Is More Than a Concierge Suggestion
