Discover North America’s Top 10 Stargazing Destinations

Stargazers across North America are increasingly seeking refuge from the pervasive effects of light pollution. Over 80% of people worldwide now live under skies obscured by artificial light, diminishing their chances of witnessing celestial wonders like the Milky Way. Fortunately, there are still exceptional locations where the night sky remains remarkably dark, allowing for breathtaking views of stars and galaxies.

Astronomers use the Bortle scale, a nine-point system that ranks sky darkness, to identify ideal stargazing locations. A Bortle 1 sky is the darkest, where the Milky Way is so bright it can cast shadows, whereas a Bortle 7 sky is typical of urban areas where starlight is nearly invisible. For those eager to explore the cosmos, the following ten sites in North America offer prime stargazing opportunities, rated between Bortle 1 and Bortle 2.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

Located in Utah, Natural Bridges National Monument boasts a Bortle 2 rating and was the first designated Dark Sky Park in 2007. This stunning park features three sandstone arches: Kachina, Sipapu, and Owachomo, with the latter often showcasing the Milky Way in the summer months. The park’s rich history, featuring cliff dwellings of the ancestral Puebloans, adds to its allure. While camping is available, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

As one of the few stargazing locations on the U.S. East Coast, Cherry Springs State Park offers Bortle 2 skies. Situated on a high plateau in northern Pennsylvania, this park features a dedicated astronomy observation field atop a 700-meter mountain, providing a 360-degree view of the night sky. The park also hosts a public viewing area and a rustic campground, making it accessible for both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers. The annual Black Forest Star Party occurs here every September.

Jasper National Park, Alberta

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Jasper National Park in Alberta has dark skies rated Bortle 2. This national park is a favourite among amateur astronomers and hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival each October. Despite the devastation from a wildfire in 2024 that affected 89,000 acres of the Canadian Rockies, the park remains a spectacular destination for stargazing.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico

With a sky quality ranging from Bortle 1 to 2, Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique blend of history and astronomy. The ancestral Puebloans once aligned their Great Houses with solstices and lunar positions, leaving behind structures that captivate visitors today. The park features an observatory conducting public telescope nights, enhancing the experience for those eager to study the night sky.

Black Mesa State Park, Oklahoma

In the northwestern corner of Oklahoma lies Black Mesa State Park, known for its Bortle 1 skies. The park encompasses 1,600 acres of unique black lava rock terrain, making it a prime location for birdwatching and stargazing. Its dark skies attract many during the annual Perseid meteor shower, and the park serves as the venue for the Okie-Tex Star Party each September.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

For those interested in photographing celestial reflections, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota features Bortle 2 skies. This remote wilderness is characterized by a labyrinth of lakes and islands, offering stunning views of both stars and the occasional aurora. The park hosts the Voyageurs Star Party in August, with ranger-led telescope programs available. The best chance to observe northern lights is between September and March.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

With some of the darkest skies in the U.S., Big Bend National Park enjoys a Bortle 1 rating. It is part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, which became the first Dark Sky Reserve spanning the U.S.-Mexico border in 2022. The park’s rugged terrain and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for stargazing, making it a must-visit destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

Since 2009, Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan has held the title of a Dark Sky Preserve, covering 281 square miles of prairie badlands. With expansive horizons perfect for observing the Milky Way, this park hosts a dark sky festival each May, attracting stargazers looking to experience its celestial wonders.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Renowned for its stunning elevation of 1,883 meters, Crater Lake National Park features Bortle 1 night skies. The park’s unique geography reduces atmospheric distortion, offering excellent visibility for stargazing. Visitors can observe the Milky Way reflecting in the lake’s pristine waters, making it a breathtaking spot for night sky photography.

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Montana and Alberta

Combining the natural beauty of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park, the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park offers Bortle 2 skies. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is known for its diverse landscapes and provides opportunities for stargazing through astronomy programs and Logan Pass Star Parties during the summer months.

In summary, North America still offers a myriad of locations where the night sky can be appreciated in its full glory. From national parks to state parks, these destinations allow both amateur and seasoned astronomers to engage with the universe above, free from the constraints of light pollution.