There’s something magical about gazing at the stars in complete darkness. In a world filled with city lights and constant noise, finding a truly dark sky can be rare—but Great Basin National Park offers one of the best places in the U.S. to experience it.
Thanks to its remote location in Nevada, Great Basin is home to some of the clearest and least polluted night skies in the country. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it’s a bucket-list destination for astronomy lovers, photographers, and stargazers alike.
Must-See Dark Sky Destination
Great Basin National Park is officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, a designation given by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to protect night skies from light pollution.
Why is this important?
- Helps preserve the natural night sky for future generations.
- Provides better conditions for stargazing and astrophotography.
- Protects wildlife and ecosystems that depend on darkness.
Fun Fact: Great Basin’s skies are so dark that the Andromeda Galaxy (over 2.5 million light-years away) is visible to the naked eye!
The designation helps promote the importance of preserving the night sky for astronomical observation, wildlife, and human well-being.
I also loved photographing the Milkway at Arches National Park! here are The Best Spots For Stargazing at Arches National Park
Dark Sky Parks are often popular destinations for astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a unique experience of the natural night environment.
My Experience Stargazing At Great Basin
I recommend staying at The Mountain Suite near Great Basin National Park! It was cozy and clean, and perfect for dark skies!
This small cabin about ten minutes from the National Park entrance.
This kept us away from any nearby lights. We were able to stargaze right from the picnic table outside.
I even took a time-lapse video of the sun setting into the stars. Despite my phone not having a good night mode, you can still notice some of the stars twinkling.
Best Stargazing Spots in Great Basin National Park
For the best stargazing experience, head to one of these low-light pollution areas in the park:
1. Lehman Caves Visitor Center
Why it’s great: Offers ranger-led astronomy programs with telescopes.
Pro Tip: Arrive early—parking fills up fast!
The Lehman Caves Visitor Center offers astronomy programs and ranger-led night sky events. It serves as an excellent starting point for stargazing activities within the park.
2. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Why it’s great: High elevation (10,000 feet) with 360-degree night sky views.
Pro Tip: Drive up before sunset and watch the sky transition to darkness.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive offers one of the best stargazing spots in Great Basin National Park, thanks to its high elevation and panoramic views.
If you want a short hike in this area Hike the Sky Island Forest Trail in Great Basin National Park!
3. Baker Creek Campground
Why it’s great: Remote, high elevation, perfect for astrophotography.
Pro Tip: Stay overnight for the full experience.
Thanks to the high elevation at this campground, you will be further away from light pollution.
Campers can experience stargazing right from their campsites, or you can take a short hike to view them!
This is also where you can take A Hike To Great Basin National Park’s Hidden Alpine Lake!
4. Wheeler Peak Campground
Why it’s great: Campers can enjoy unobstructed views right from their tent.
Pro Tip: New moon nights offer the best stargazing conditions.
Another campground within the park, Wheeler Peak Campground, offers opportunities for camping under the stars.
Best Time for Stargazing in Great Basin National Park
The best nights for stargazing are:
New Moon Nights: No moon = darkest skies!
Summer Months: Clear, dry weather is best for viewing.
Minimal Cloud Cover: Check the forecast before heading out.
Pro Tip: Bring a telescope to enhance your experience!
Great Basin National Park’s Astronomy Programs
The park offers free, ranger-led astronomy programs at the Astronomy Amphitheater from Memorial Day to Labor Day:
Program Includes:
- 30-minute talk on the night sky and constellations.
- 1.5-hour telescope session to view planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
Special Event: The annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival happens in September, featuring guest speakers, deep-sky telescope viewing, and astrophotography workshops!
No reservations are needed, but space is limited—arrive early!
Explore More National Parks
I recommend visiting Great Basin National Park for some of the best stargazing in the U.S.
I also recommend Hiking the Sky Island Forest Trail in Great Basin National Park.
For a harder hike, continue to Great Basin National Park’s Hidden Alpine Lake!
Read all of my National Park Travel Guides!
Have you visited Great Basin National Park for stargazing? Share your experience in the comments!
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