International Dark Sky Park
Stargazing at Grand Canyon
Some of the best things to do in Grand Canyon are after sunset, when the stars are awake. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, Grand Canyon is one of the best places in the world to stargaze, offering sweeping views of celestial lights, dazzling constellations, and even the Milky Way. As night falls, take a moment to unwind and let the vast beauty of the universe complete your day of adventure.
Night Skies Package
The Night Skies Package at Yavapai Lodge allows you to experience the stars like never before with an unforgettable night in an International Dark Sky Park. Whether you’re an avid stargazer or just curious about the cosmos, you’ll have everything you need to explore the heavens.
Your package includes:
- Overnight stay at Yavapai Lodge
- Celestron binoculars for incredible star and planet viewing
- Petzel LED headlamp with both white and red night-vision settings
- National Geographic Night Sky guidebook to identify constellations and celestial wonders
- Pocket star finder – your go-to tool for navigating the stars
- Reusable gear bag to keep everything organized
Explore the Night Sky
The constellations, shooting stars, meteor showers, and moon phases create an epic spectacle in the Canyon. Our favorite stargazing spots include Mather Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Yavapai Point.
Yavapai Lodge is the first choice for a celestial adventure with our Star Gazing Package, full of helpful tools and information. In addition, we’ve partnered with Mary Lara, the coordinator for the Astronomy Education and Outreach program for NAU/NASA Space Grant and Ed Anderson, a now retired astronomer from NAU and also a Solar System Ambassador for our famous free Night Sky Talks featuring a James Webb Telescope demonstration and your chance to look up at the dark sky through on-site telescopes.
This is one starry adventure you won’t regret.
Night Sky Talks
Join us for our FREE night sky events where you can view the Dark Sky through telescopes and ask our hosts questions about the stars. Each event includes a talk about the James Webb Space Telescope in the Yavapai Atrium, followed by a star-viewing party at the Market Plaza parking lot.
Upcoming Night Sky Talks:
- Monday, December 15: Talk at 6:30pm, Star Party at 7:30pm
Solar Observing in the Grand Canyon
December 15 | 2pm-4pm
Location: Yavapai Lodge, Market Plaza
Join us for a unique afternoon under the sun—literally! We’re bringing telescopes and hands-on science to the Grand Canyon for a free Solar Observing event that’s perfect for all ages.
View the Sun Like Never Before
We’ll have two solar telescopes set up for safe, direct viewing of the Sun. Each telescope is equipped with a different filter, offering a chance to observe:
- Sunspots – cooler, darker regions on the Sun’s surface caused by magnetic activity
- Solar Prominences – enormous, glowing arcs of hot plasma extending from the Sun’s surface (visible if solar activity allows)
Make Your Own UV Detector
At our interactive table, participants can craft their own personal UV detector to take home!
- Create a lanyard using color-changing UV-sensitive beads
- Learn how UV light affects your skin—and how this simple tool can help remind you when to apply sunscreen
- These reusable detectors respond to sunlight instantly and can be used for years
Fun for Young Explorers
We’ll also have “Our Star the Sun” coloring books available for kids, making this an engaging event for families and young explorers.
No registration required. Come curious—and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Stay
Immerse yourself in amenity-rich accommodations near Grand Canyon National Park.
Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the park, where you’ll delve into the fascinating history that has shaped this extraordinary landscape.