Northern Arizona is one of the world’s premier destinations for stargazing, thanks to its high elevation and wide-open skies. The region has played a pivotal role in astronomical research and dark sky conservation, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves the stars.
A Rich History of Astronomy in Flagstaff
Inspired by the findings of “Martian Canals” by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1877, Percival Lowell decided to use his family wealth to build an observatory. He hired American astronomer Andrew E. Douglas to find a suitable site for the observatory. In 1894 they decided on Flagstaff, Arizona because of “It’s elevation, dark night skies, and proximity to the railroad”(emphasis added). In its over 130 years of existence Lowell observatory has been host to a wide range of astronomical research and observations, including the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930.
Why Dark Skies Matter: Understanding Light Pollution
For astronomers—and stargazers alike—dark skies are essential. An essential part of being able to see the tiny bits of light coming from many light years away is a lack of light coming from human sources. Light pollution, caused by poorly designed or unshielded outdoor lighting, washes out the night sky, making it difficult to see celestial objects.
To measure sky quality, amateur astronomer John E. Bortle developed the Bortle Scale, which ranks skies from Class 1 (the darkest) to Class 9 (bright inner-city skies). Most of Northern Arizona ranks between Class 1 and 3, offering some of the best stargazing opportunities in the U.S.
DarkSky International and the Fight Against Light Pollution
Founded in 1988, DarkSky International is a global nonprofit organization committed to protecting night skies. The organization raises awareness through advocacy, education, and promoting better outdoor lighting practices.
One of its most impactful initiatives is the International Dark Sky Places Program, which designates areas that make significant efforts to reduce light pollution. There are five types of Dark Sky designations:
- International Dark Sky Parks
- International Dark Sky Communities
- International Dark Sky Reserves
- International Dark Sky Sanctuaries
- Urban Night Sky Places
In 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first International Dark Sky Community. Today, Arizona is home to four such communities, including nearby Sedona and Camp Verde.
Northern Arizona’s Dark Sky Parks and Monuments
Northern Arizona boasts the densest concentration of Dark Sky Parks in the world. Several key sites are officially recognized for their commitment to preserving the night sky:
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (designated in 2014)
- Grand Canyon National Park (designated in 2019)
- Wupatki National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (all designated in 2016)
Additionally, the Arizona Strip—the remote area north of the Grand Canyon where our trips launch—remains one of the darkest, least light-polluted regions in the continental United States, despite lacking formal designation.
Stargazing in the Grand Canyon: An Unforgettable Experience
With so many protected dark sky areas surrounding it, it’s not wonder that Grand Canyon National Park offers world-class stargazing opportunities. On clear nights, the Milky Way arcs across the sky in dazzling detail, visible to the naked eye.
There is nothing quite like waking up in the middle of the night and seeing the full splendor of the Milky Way stretching out in front of you. The Grand Canyon is not just a scenic wonder by day—it’s a celestial masterpiece by night.
