Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park, and on a clear, moonless night the sky above the valley is breathtaking. Far from large cities and ringed by mountains that block distant glow, the park offers among the darkest skies you can find in the contiguous United States. Under good conditions you can see thousands of stars, the arch of the Milky Way with its dark dust lanes, planets, meteors and the faint glow of the zodiacal light. The best spots are those with open horizons and no nearby lights: the Mesquite Flat dunes, Badwater Basin, Dante's View and the roadside pull-outs along quiet stretches of highway. Stargazing here is free, simple and unforgettable, and needs nothing more than a warm layer, a blanket and a little patience.
When to go
The moon matters most. Plan around the new moon, when the sky is darkest, and avoid the full moon unless you want to see the landscape lit in silver light. Winter nights are long, dry and often very clear, though they are cold.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures. Summer nights are warm but the Milky Way's bright core is highest then, so some visitors accept the heat for the view. Every year, the park holds a dark sky festival, with ranger and astronomer programs, but its dates change, so check the park service website.
How to do it
Arrive before dark and let your eyes adjust for at least twenty minutes, avoiding white light and phone screens. A red flashlight keeps your night vision. Bring a reclining chair or blanket, warm clothes, a hot drink and a star-chart app that works offline.
Binoculars reveal star clusters and the moons of Jupiter. Park in designated areas, never on fragile ground, and take care crossing roads in the dark. For photography, a camera with manual settings, a wide lens and a tripod will capture the Milky Way with exposures of fifteen to twenty-five seconds.
Practical notes
The park is large and dark roads have wildlife and few services, so drive slowly and fill the tank before dusk. If you do not want to drive after dark, stay in the park at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells or Panamint Springs, where a short walk from your room gives a good view.
Guided sunset and stargazing tours from Las Vegas are another option, with a telescope and a guide to point out the sights. Respect other stargazers by keeping car lights off and using dim red lights only. The night sky is a natural resource as precious as any canyon, and the park works to protect it.
Extra tips
Try a few different locations on different nights, because the sky can look different depending on wind, haze and moon. Bring a thermos of hot drink and a sleeping pad if you plan to lie on the ground, since the desert floor releases heat quickly after sunset. Watch for meteor showers, such as the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December, when you might see dozens of meteors per hour.
Satellites and the International Space Station also cross the sky and can be tracked with phone apps. Give your eyes time, and be patient. The sky rewards those who stay.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided stargazing at an open spot with no lights, or at a ranger or astronomer program during festival events.
Best time
Around the new moon, on clear nights; winter is crisp and dry.
How long
One to three hours after dark.
Tips
Let your eyes adjust for twenty minutes, use a red light, dress warmly and download a sky app for offline use.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, photographers and anyone who wants to see the Milky Way.
- Families
- Children love the meteors; bring blankets and snacks.
- Couples
- Free and unforgettable.
- Pair with
- A sunset at Zabriskie Point or Mesquite Flat dunes.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
Is Death Valley a Dark Sky Park?+
Yes, it is an International Dark Sky Park, with some of the darkest skies in the lower 48.
When is the darkest sky?+
Around the new moon on clear nights. Avoid the full moon if you want the Milky Way.
Where is the best place?+
Anywhere with open horizons and no lights: the dunes, Badwater, Dante's View or quiet pull-outs.
What do I need?+
Warm clothes, a blanket or chair, a red flashlight and a sky app that works offline.
Is there a stargazing festival?+
The park holds a dark sky festival with programs. Check the park service for current dates.