Dark Sky Park

In June 2019, Grand Canyon National Park was awarded the status of an IDA International Dark Sky Park. This means that the Grand Canyon is one of the purest places to view the night sky in the entire world.

STARGAZING TIPS

• The park is dark, so don’t forget to pack your headlamps and flashlights.
• Stargazing is best at least 1.5 hours after sunset and 1.5 hours before sunrise.
• Plan your visit around the Moon phase. The brighter the Moon, the less stars you see! Avoid dates around the First Quarter Moon and the Full Moon. Plan your trip around Third Quarter and New Moon phases.
• Mather Point, behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, is a fantastic place to stargaze in the South Rim Village.
• Desert View, Moran and Lipan Point are amazing places to stargaze along east Desert View Drive.
  Cape Royal is the best place to stargaze on the North Rim. However, Bright Angel Point, next to the Grand Canyon Lodge, is incredible as well.
• Temperatures fluctuate wildly from day to night. Dress warm, even for summer nights.
• When it comes to light, use RED instead! Bring a light source to help you navigate safely in the dark (it is REALLY dark). However, in order to get the most out of your stargazing experience, try to use a red headlamp or flashlight. Red light will preserve your night vision, allowing you to see the delicate celestial phenomena in the sky. If you must use a white light, keep the light source low and out of yours and other’s direct vision.

Information provided by Grand Canyon National Park