Half the Park is After Dark

People from all over the world seek to view the wonder that is Grand Canyon National Park. To peer over the ledge and into a canyon forged over centuries by nature. Then they leave. Little do they know that half of the Park is after dark.

In June 2019, Grand Canyon National Park was awarded the status of an IDA International Dark Sky Park. This means that the Grand Canyon is one of the purest places to view the night sky in the entire world.

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 local NASA Solar System Ambassadors 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.

Stargazing Tips

• The park is dark, so don't forget to pack your headlamps and flashlights.
• Stargazing is best done at least 1.5 hours after sunset and 1.5 hours before sunrise.
• Plan your visit around the Moon phase. The brighter the Moon, the less stars you see! Avoid dates around the First Quarter Moon and the Full Moon. Plan your trip around Third Quarter and New Moon phases.
• Mather Point, behind the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, is a fantastic place to stargaze in the South Rim Village.
• Desert View, Moran, and Lipan Point are amazing places to stargaze along east Desert View Drive.
• Cape Royal is the best place to stargaze on the North Rim. However, Bright Angel Point, next to the Grand Canyon Lodge, is incredible as well.
• Temperatures swing wildly from day to night. Dress warm, even for summer nights.
• Use RED instead! Bring a light source to help you navigate safely in the dark (it is REALLY dark). However, in order to get the most out of your stargazing experience, try to use a RED headlamp or flashlight. Red light will preserve your night vision, allowing you to see the delicate celestial phenomena in the sky. If you must use a white light, keep the light source low and out of yours and other's direct vision.

Information provided by Grand Canyon National Park