Arizona’s Dark Skies

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.

Furthermore, there are many more unofficial places offering ideal stargazing conditions throughout the state.

Arizona is a leader in recognizing 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.

New Astronomy Discovery Center at World’s first Dark Sky City
The World’s first Dark Sky City, Flagstaff eagerly anticipates the opening of the new Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at 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, go 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, then peer through telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory.

Saguaro National Park
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. This is 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 view the park’s countless towering saguaros as they hike to Signal Hill Petroglyphs to see ancient rock art.

Observatories and Planetariums 
Southern Arizona 
Explore 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. 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. Join 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.

Stargazing Hotels
Northern Arizona  
Escape into nature 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. 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. Backland, a luxury eco-resort has Skyview tents with huge glass skylights that allow guests to stargaze from the comfort of a king-size bed peering at the dark skies above Williams.

North Central and Central Arizona 
Ambiente in Sedona is an adult-only resort with glass-encased Atrium guest rooms designed to blend in with the surrounding geography and provide views of the landscape and Sedona’s dark skies. Each Atrium has a private rooftop deck. 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.

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

For 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. 

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