From Grand Canyon National Park in the north to the Sonoran Desert in the south – Arizona is home to 20 officially designated Dark Sky parks and communities, plus many more unofficial places offering ideal stargazing conditions. Arizona is a leader in recognising Dark Sky places, which are primarily designated for their efforts to limit light pollution. Arizona has earned its reputation as a renowned stargazing spot thanks to these efforts, in addition to clear weather, mountainous geography and sound stewardship practices.
Visit Arizona’s seven Dark Sky Communities, 12 Dark Sky Parks and one Urban Night Sky Place to observe endless starry skies, learn more about space and discover why it’s such a popular astro-tourism destination.
The World’s first Dark Sky City Welcomes A New Astronomy Discovery Center
The World’s first Dark Sky City, Flagstaff eagerly anticipates the opening of the new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at the world-renowned Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. Set to open in late 2024, visitors can explore the origins and growth of the universe through the lens of astronomy with interactive exhibits and experiences. Once the sun sets, journey up to the open-air rooftop planetarium to witness Flagstaff’s famous starry skies. Enjoy a closer look into the galaxy at the Universe Theater to learn about the planets and constellations on a two-story, 165-degree curved LED screen before peering through telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.
Saguaro National Park is Now An Urban Night Sky Place
Saguaro National Park in Tucson earned designation as an Urban Night Sky Place in 2023 for implementing sustainable lighting that allows for an authentic nighttime experience despite its proximity to an urban area. Only the second National Park Service destination to earn this recognition, visitors can stargaze in both Saguaro National Park districts and attend the public night sky program offered throughout the year. During the day, visitors can marvel at the park’s countless towering saguaros as they hike to Signal Hill Petroglyphs to see ancient rock art created by the Hohokam people.
Observatories and Planetariums
Southern Arizona
Live and breathe space exploration at Kitt Peak Observatory near Tucson. Stay overnight at the observatory to view endless starry skies from advanced optical and two radio telescopes before returning to the observatory dorm when the sun rises. Those visiting during the day can embark on a guided tour to learn about the different astronomical research projects being conducted and see scientists operate the world’s largest solar telescope.
While Mount Lemmon in Tucson is a sky island known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, it is also a stargazer’s paradise thanks to the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Embark on the Centre’s SkyNights experience, a five-hour adventure where visitors go from using binoculars to spot the constellations to the 32-inch Schulman Telescope, one of the largest public viewing telescopes in the state.
Ideal Stargazing Hotels
Northern Arizona
Escape into nature and get lost in the stars when staying at a glamping resort surrounded by clear skies. Stay less than a half hour away from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim at Under Canvas, a luxury glamping experience that is official dark sky-approved lodging offering Stargazer tents where guests can fall asleep while looking at the stars. Stay in geodesic domes that seem like they belong in a sci-fi film at Clear Sky Resorts, located only 20-minutes away from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Here guests can end their day stargazing out of their dome’s window wall or join the resort’s nightly stargazing tour. Soak in the serenity of nature when staying at Backland, a luxury eco-resort with Skyview tents that have huge glass skylights that allow guests to stargaze from the comfort of a king-size bed, a one-of-a-kind way to experience the dark skies above Williams.
North Central and Central Arizona
Adults seeking to get lost in the stars will appreciate Ambiente in Sedona, an adult-only resort with glass-encased Atrium guest rooms designed to blend in with the surrounding geography and provide both stunning views of the landscape and Sedona’s dark skies. With each Atrium having a private rooftop deck, spend the day sunbathing before having a romantic night of wishing on shooting stars. Families visiting Scottsdale can participate in star-searching activities when staying at Boulders Resort & Spa which has professional astronomers and a constellation app on each room’s iPad to help guests discover the galaxy. For additional fun, enjoy the resort’s starlit dinners and moonlight bike rides.
Southern Arizona
Visitors seeking saguaros and stars will appreciate resorts that offer the opportunity to view endless stars above the Sonoran Desert. Spot constellations at Cat Mountain Lodge, an eco-friendly lodge located next to the Spencer’s Observatory in Tucson. After checking into one of their Southwestern or artist-themed rooms, guests can join a guided tour in the observatory to glimpse at the galaxy through its large telescope before marvelling at the clear skies while sitting on the private patio or looking out of the observatory’s open viewing thanks to its retractable roof. For those seeking a luxurious stay, the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, the oldest resort in Tucson, is a desert oasis that has a spa, pool, fine dining and stargazing. Join the sunset rooftop yoga session to see the sky transform to dusk before stargazing with your newfound tranquility from the roof or using the telescope by the pool to gaze into the dark sky.
