She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Stargazing at Grand Canyon National Park is a surreal experience that needs to be on your Arizona bucket list.
The magnificent national park needs no introduction. One of the seven wonders of the world, this beautiful canyon transforms into a nighttime sanctuary.
As an International Dark Sky Park, it boasts some of the world’s darkest skies.
Thanks to its elevation combined with the majestic red rock formations and with minimal light pollution, the park provides a splendid backdrop for an endless horizon of stars.
Under the expansive Arizona skies, the Milky Way and countless stars reveal their full glory, offering an unparalleled stargazing experience.
No matter when you are here, I highly recommend embarking on a star-filled journey under the Grand Canyon’s night sky, soaking in blissful stars and galaxies.
I was shocked at the star-studded Milky Way and how easily I could continue taking in the surreal views.
As I gazed at the beautiful canyon below and the pitch-black sky home to millions of stars rising, falling and moving, I felt an epic sense of floating in the air, in between two worlds.
Stargazing in the Grand Canyon for the first time still remains one of my top memories in Arizona.
Whether you are looking to include stargazing at the Grand Canyon in your itinerary or you are planning an exclusive Grand Canyon Stargazing trip with your kids,
Read on to find all you need to know.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR STARGAZING AT GRAND CANYON?
June is the best time to plan your Grand Canyon stargazing trip as you can attend the annual Grand Canyon star party, one of the best experiences for night-sky lovers.
Hosted by astronomy clubs from different parts of the state, the Grand Canyon star party lasts eight days and includes slide shows, constellation tours, and telescope viewing.
May to September are the best months for dry climate and crystal clear night skies, although hot summers during the day need to be tackled.
There are frequent night-time walks by rangers, educational constellation talks and telescopes set up for public use.
If you visit on a full moon, you can join a ranger-led hike along the south rim.
THE BEST PLACES FOR STARGAZING AT GRAND CANYON
Coming to the best Grand Canyon Stargazing Spots, no matter where you go in the park, you will be treated to a star-studded sky.
South Rim is the most popular area and hence filled with visitors most of the time.
Here are some of the best stargazing spots in the Grand Canyon South Rim.
YAVAPAI POINT
Yavapai Point is one of the popular spots for stargazing at Grand Canyon south Rim.
It features a fenced platform from where you can enjoy the best sunrise in the Grand Canyon and the best views on the south Rim in the Grand Canyon.
You can enjoy the unobstructed views of the rising sun as there are no canyon walls, kissing the majestic landscapes with its tender dawn colours magically transforming the canyon landscapes from the gorge in the south Rim.
Renowned for being one of the epic Grand Canyon sunset spots, Yavapai Point transforms into a stargazing paradise at night, offering clear, expansive views of the sky.
It is an easy place to set up a telescope and soak in the blissful night sky.
MATHER POINT
Since it is located near the Visitor Center and also some of the beautiful night skies, Mather Point is one of the top places for stargazing at Grand Canyon.
Among the most famous places to watch stunning Grand Canyon sunset is Mather Point in the South Rim, thanks to its perfect location at the South Rim overlooking many gorgeous viewpoints on a peninsula into the Canyon, offering the views of almost the entire Canyon.
Expect crowds at Mather Point no matter when you visit, and that includes the night hours as you can see many people setting up their telescopes.
LIPAN POINT
An hour away from Grand Canyon village, one of the less-crowded places to watch a beautiful sunrise in Grand Canyon park is Lipan Point, which can also be accessed along Desert View Drive.
Unlike the other Grand Canyon sunset spots, you can see unique shadows on the walls of the canyon here during sunset, creating special visual effects.
On the best day, you can see the colourful skies dominating the horizon, including the views of the San Francisco peaks and the Painted Desert all the way over in Petrified Forest National Park.
MORE GRAND CANYON STARGAZING SPOTS
Only 10% of all Grand Canyon visitors explore the North Rim. So if you want to get away from the crowds and you are willing to go further, head to the North Rim for a quiet spectacle of the star-studded skies.
Here are some of the spots on the North Rim:
BRIGHT ANGEL POINT
Considered one of the best hiking trails for watching epic Grand Canyon sunset views along the North Rim, Bright Angel Point trail is only 0.5 miles round trip and offers spectacular night sky views as it is among the beautiful places for stargazing at Grand Canyon.
The horizon covers narrow, paved path with landscapes transitioning from green forest of the Kaibab Plateau to a little forest of pinyon and juniper.
The trail to Bright Angel Point begins behind the Visitor Center, or from the Grand Canyon Lodge veranda.
CAPE ROYAL
Cape Royal is the best place to stargaze on the North Rim.
Cape Royal is known for its magnificent views encompassing Marble Canyon to the Palisades of the Desert, offering some of the widest panoramic views to experience a fabulous sunset overlooking the Colorado River.
THE GRAND CANYON LODGE & ITS PATIO
One of the historical landmarks in the national park, it may be very tough to get your room due to its immense popularity at the Grand Canyon Lodge, but it is one of the best spots for stargazing at Grand Canyon.
You can enjoy gorgeous views from their patio thanks to its excellent location overlooking many points of interest across the canyon.
The Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix set up telescopes on the porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge, so make the best use of it while you are here.
BEST GRAND CANYON SUNSET SPOTS ALONG THE DESERT VIEW DRIVE
Desert View Drive is a 22-mile route that takes you through the heart of the national park featuring spectacular views at many viewpoints, hiking trails, and stopovers beside the Colorado River.
As the name suggests, you can only access this route by private vehicles, and there is no shuttle service.
To get on Desert View Drive, go east of the Visitor centre, parallel to the river. Below are some stops worth making for splendid Grand Canyon sunrise views.
DESERT VIEW WATCH TOWER
If you’re entering Grand Canyon National Park from the east entrance, Desert View Watchtower is the first stop you can make on Desert View Drive. It is the last stop if you start from Grand Canyon village.
With its sweeping canyon views and eye-catching stone tower, Desert View Watchtower is ideal for stargazing and astrophotography.
Its perfect location attracts seasoned photographers as you can capture the epic Milky Way backdrop and the beautiful canyon in the foreground.
There is a parking lot available, and it is a short walk to the fenced observation deck, from where you can admire beautiful views of the Canyon and the flowing Colorado River during the day.
MORAN POINT
This is the second stop east of the beginning of Desert View Drive, offering unique and beautiful, far-reaching views along a wide section of the Grand Canyon and recommended for enjoying a quiet sunset in the Grand Canyon.
TIPS FOR STARGAZING AT GRAND CANYON
Here are some tips for an amazing stargazing experience in Arizona.
- Watch out for snakes and other wildlife – Although the rattlesnake season runs from May through October, you may run into snakes at any time of year.
- Get your headlamps and flashlights as most of the park is dark.
- You need at least 30 minutes to adapt to the night skies, so use that time to settle in.
- Since the temperatures fluctuate wildly from day to night, it is best to dress in layers, even on summer nights.
- Bring a cosy blanket, a camp chair, your favorite snacks and drinks.
- For the best stargazing at the Grand Canyon, bring red light – a red headlamp or a flashlight. Red light will preserve your night vision so that you can see the stunning celestial phenomena in the sky.
- If you want to capture the Milky Way as the stunning backdrop of the magnificent Canyon, the North Rim is the best place to get these shots.
- Check the park ranger program for information on night tours, special events and stargazing hikes before planning your trip here.
- Restrooms – Well-maintained restrooms are located at Yavapai and Desert View Points and the Visitor Center. Mobile toilets(Portapoty) are available at Hopi, Yaki, and Grandview Points.
WHERE TO STAY?
You can camp at the South Rim or stay in a hotel, depending on when you plan your trip.
One of the top advantages of visiting the Grand Canyon in winter is staying at one of the Grand Canyon’s historic South Rim lodges, sometimes even at the last minute.
If you have been here during the summer, you will know that it is nearly impossible to get your booking to stay in South Rim during the busy summer unless you book months in advance.
There are six places to stay at Canyon Village. All of them are elegant, offering stunning views and excellent amenities for comfortable stays.
- El Tovar Hotel – It is one of the best historic National Park lodges in the US, and come here during winter to enjoy your stay at this elegant place
- Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins – One of the best cabins known for its rustic vibes.
- Kachina Lodge – A pretty modern-day hotel surrounded by fantastic views
- Thunderbird Lodge – Stay here if you want to be close to the centre of Grand Canyon Village.
- Yavapai Lodge – Also located in the heart of Grand Canyon Village.
- Maswik Lodge – Surrounded by wooden forests, it is a unique stay close to shops and restaurants.
Alternatively, you can pitch a tent in one of the reserve’s campgrounds.
The North Rim also offers cabins, but you need to book well in advance.
STAYING IN NEARBY CITIES
If, for some reason, you prefer staying in the cities nearby, the closest town is Tusayan, Arizona.
This little town is very close to the South Entrance of Grand Canyon National Park. But the downside is that there are limited stay and food options.
If you prefer bigger cities, Flagstaff is the largest town near Grand Canyon.
HOTELS IN TUSAYAN
HOTELS IN FLAGSTAFF
- Unwind in the Pines & a Huge Playhouse! Near NAU
- Beautiful Mountain Retreat
- High Country Motor Lodge
- Little America Hotel Flagstaff
- Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
