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 in Flagstaff? You are in the right place. Read this guide to know everything for planning your trip.
Since 1958, the city has consistently maintained low-level light pollution and is home to many world-class telescopes, which regularly attract both beginners and expert astronomists.
In short, Flagstaff takes stargazing seriously.
Whether you’re just traveling through for amazing fall colors in Flagstaff, enjoying the winter, or if you are a die-hard stargazer, here are the top stargazing spots in Flagstaff to see the stars.
Why Flagstaff is a fantastic place for stargazing in Arizona?
In 2001, Flagstaff was established as the first International Dark Sky City, which means that Flagstaff has excellent dark skies for stargazing without having to drive far away.
You can view the starry sky without any special equipment, like telescopes in Flagstaff, which makes it a top destination for astronomy lovers.
Flagstaff is located on a high desert plateau. This high elevation means less pollution and also very low humidity, which is considered best for stargazing.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR STARGAZING IN FLAGSTAFF?
You can stargaze in Flagstaff there all year round.
The best time for stargazing is from January to July.
Crisp winter nights may not be for everyone, but low humidity makes for an extra clear stargazing experience.
If you want more pleasant weather, spring months are the best for enjoying epic stargazing in Flagstaff.
TOP PLACES FOR STARGAZING IN FLAGSTAFF
LOWELL OBSERVATORY
One of the oldest and the most popular observatories is Lowell Observatory, located in Flagstaff.
If you are looking for one of the best places for epic stargazing in Sedona in winter, Lowell Observatory is one of the top picks.
Located next to Downtown Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, is known for its many accomplishments, including dozens of stellar discoveries.
Pluto was discovered in the Lowell Observatory in 1930. To celebrate Flagstaff’s role in the discovery, a Pluto Festival is held every February.
Every Friday night between 8 PM and 10 PM, they host a Cosmic Questions event, where you can learn everything about astronomy as a Lowell Educator answers all questions.
Lowell Observatory visitor centre offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, and many daytime and nighttime activities for visitors.
The Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory boasts of the finest collections of telescopes available for public observation.
Enjoy spectacular stargazing using the 24-inch Clark Telescope, built in 1896, one of the six advanced telescopes.
The clear dark skies of Flagstaff, abundant in celestial objects ranging from star fields to nebulae and galaxies, make for a magical night.
If you are here during the day time, check out the rare exhibits at the Giovale Open Deck.
Among the famous exhibits is the original 13-inch Pluto Discovery Telescope. Book lovers should also check out the historic Rotunda Library Museum.
Kids will surely enjoy evening screening of films, science demonstrations, the constellation tour and evening telescope viewing.
Opening hours – Wednesday – Sunday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Check their latest programs and opening hours on their website here.
SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Just a short distance from Flagstaff in north-central Arizona is a fantastic world of volcanoes, lava tubes, and cinder cones.
One of the offbeat Arizona national monuments, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, is home to the Sunset Crater, the youngest of over 600 volcanoes that make up the San Francisco Peaks.
In this national monument rising above the foothills and lava fields surrounding it, you can view the dramatic jet-black lava flows and towering cinder cones of Sunset Crater, an extinct volcano with shades of red, orange and yellow that erupted about 1,000 years ago. It last erupted in 1085 that transformed the landscapes completely.
One of the best places to enjoy the night sky in Arizona is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
The easiest way to do this is to camp at the Bonito Campground.
The scenic drive trail is open 24 hours a day, all year, so if you are not into camping, it is a top place for driving around and stopping by to soak in the blissful Arizona night sky.
Simply drive around the park area and stop and enjoy wherever you feel it is the best.
Many forest roads branch off and leave Sunset Crater Volcano Park, which means you can camp there for a night or two.
BUFFALO PARK
For those who don’t feel like driving out of town or have limited time, Buffalo Park is one of the top places for some stargazing in Flagstaff.
Buffalo Park is a free, public park that is open 24/7.
An expansive open, unobstructed space on McMillan Mesa, northeast of Downtown Flagstaff, it is a 215-acre park that used to be the home of a western-styled, buffalo park.
The Nate Avery Loop, a 2-mile loop around the park, is the trail through the park to see the stars.
The trail is wide, flat, and even, so you and your kids can easily enjoy stargazing in Flagstaff.
The views of the gorgeous Milky Way with Arizona’s tallest mountains, the San Francisco Peaks, including Humphrey’s Peak and Mount Elden on the horizon, are stunning.
Every September, the park hosts the Annual Star Party—a three-day event where night sky photographers and stargazers gather to celebrate the night sky.
You can also take up photography lessons offered by professional night sky photographers for free at this event.
WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT, FLAGSTAFF
One of the famous Arizona national monuments is located north of Flagstaff in the north-central part of the state.
Located next to Sunset Crater, Wupatki National Monument is a fascinating place encompassing a staggering series of archaeological sites and centuries-old settlements built by the Ancient Pueblo People.
You can add a visit to Wupatki as one of the day trips from Flagstaff or combine it with a visit to the neighbouring Sun Crater, where camping is available.
The clear skies above the well-preserved monuments make it one of the best stargazing spots in Arizona.
Waupatki National Monument, known for being home to the ancient Anasazi or Pueblo people, comprises ruins of five red pueblo ruins dating to the 12th century, built from slabs of the region’s brick-red Moenkopi sandstone in the open grasslands symbolising the Sinagua and Anasazi cultures,
The pueblo is the ancestral remains of a Hopi Indian village, built by the Hisatsinom people, who are ancestors of today’s Hopi tribe.
The area was a farming community and was one of northern Arizona’s most densely populated areas since around 500 AD.
The violent eruption of the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano around AD 1085 forced people to relocate to a new area as ash was spread over 800 square miles of land.
The sites were abandoned, with almost 2,700 buildings of bright red rock dwellings left behind.
Visitors can go inside the 900-year-old Wukoki Pueblo, the monument’s main attraction and the largest structure in the park.
This structure had over a hundred rooms and a ball court on show.
You can reach Wukoki Pueblo by a half-mile round-trip walk on a paved pathway.
Enjoy the gorgeous views over the Painted Desert and nearby San Francisco peaks from the trail.
Don’t miss the short hike up to Citadel Pueblo, atop a steep hill offering splendid views of the distinct desert’s wilderness.
RECOMMENDED GUIDED TOUR
From Sedona or Flagstaff: Ruins & Volcanoes Small-Group Tour
WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT
Another Dark Sky Park near Flagstaff is Walnut Canyon National Monument.
It is one of the famous Arizona National Monuments known for its historic ancient cliff dwellings and many fabulous hiking trails, offering plenty of outdoor activities for adventure seekers.
A 600-foot-deep gorge is home to more than 300 gorgeous Sinagua Indian cliff dwelling ruins from 1120 AD.
Walnut Canyon is known for its distinct and beautiful white Kaibab limestone formations, amidst which you will find many of these fantastic cliff dwellings, which were former family homes overhanging on the ledges of the canyons.
You will see the fantastic windows and doors of ancient dwellings tucked between uneven rock layers, examples of simple yet brilliant masonry skills.
Look down to see the beautiful Walnut Creek, the water source for the residents, flowing to the east to join the Colorado River, which eventually flows through the Grand Canyon.
There are no camping or lodging facilities within the park, but camping is available in the surrounding Kaibab and Coconino national forests.
The monument closes at night, but you can still drive in and stay until dark to watch the night sky from the rim.
ARIZONA SNOW BOWL
If you are in Arizona in summer, especially around the town, Arizona Snow Bowl is one of the epic spots for stargazing in Flagstaff.
During winter, the roads are not monitored; it snows and it is not recommended unless you are staying here for a longer time; you have come here before and can wait to plan to check the snow and road statuses.
Plus, the nights are significantly colder in winter, and there are no services at night because Arizona Snowbowl Lodge is closed.
Head up the San Francisco Peaks to the Arizona Snow bowl parking lot on Highway 180 through Flagstaff.
In 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at many parking lots, but I suggest the lower Arizona Snowbowl parking lot for
unobstructed views of the dark skies.
You can also walk under the ski lift for more unobstructed views of the night sky.
MORE PLACES FOR STARGAZING IN FLAGSTAFF
LAKE MARY
Lake Mary is one of the two major reservoirs and home to the two best lakes near Flagstaff, one of them being Lower Lake Mary and the other Upper Lake Mary.
Lower Lake Mary is the smaller of the twin lakes and is a seasonal of the two, as, during the long dry spells, the lake disappears. After snow melt and rainfalls, it brims with life, attracting water adventure lovers and picnicking families for a fun day.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at the many shaded areas in the Lower Lake Mary Picnic Area at the northwestern end of the lake, admiring the stunning views.
There are many picnic tables and cooking grills under ramadas.
The Lake Mary picnic area is open from May through September and is a day-use area only. Vault toilets are present, although no drinking water is available at the lake..
During the high-use season from mid-April through mid-October, there is a fee to access the day area, and there are no reservations possible, so plan to get here early during the peak months.
These twin lakes (Upper and Lower Lake Mary) are both open 24 hours a day during these months.
Away from light pollution, Lake Mary is undoubtedly one of the best places for enjoying stargazing in Flagstaff.
You can just drive for 20 minutes to arrive at the parking lot.
HOW TO REACH?
Take Lake Mary Road or Forest Highway 3 from Flagstaff.
HUMPHREY’S PEAK
How about watching the spectacle of the night skies from Humphreys Peak, the highest mountain in Arizona?
Since this is Arizona’s highest point, it is one of the fantastic spots for stargazing in Flagstaff.
If you are seeking midnight adventure, I recommend this moderately challenging 10.4-mile out-and-back trail, which gains 3,300 feet in elevation.
You can check for hiking trail information and other people to join this night hike at the visitor center.
DRIVE TO MOUNT ELDEN
If you are comfortable driving on dirt roads in the dark, follow the locals for stargazing at the top of Mount Elden.
One of the most popular recreational spots in the city, it is also an amazing place for Flagstaff stargazing, thanks to its lack of light pollution.
Follow Google Maps for directions. However, note that the first part of this drive is a neighborhood with many deer and elk throughout the year, so you may want to slow it down.
Also, this drive is not for beginners. It is uphill on a sometimes bumpy dirt road, with switchbacks, which may be more difficult to navigate for some in the dark.
LOCKETT MEADOW
Another adventurous drive for stargazers is heading to the Lockett Meadow campground.
Lockett Meadow is a beautiful aspen grove located in the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks
You can go all the way to Lockett Meadow to enjoy amazing stargazing in Flagstaff, but I highly recommend a 4×4 vehicle for this viewing point, as the road is very rocky and bumpy.
However, once you get to the top, you will find a beautiful open area surrounded by distant mountains and trees. It’s a great camping spot, especially for stargazing!
Lockett Meadow is one of the most popular fall foliage destinations in Flagstaff, so expect crowds at this time.
POPULAR STARGAZING EVENTS IN FLAGSTAFF
ATTEND FLAGSTAFF STAR PARTY
One of the best ways to experience stargazing in Flagstaff is by planning your trip around the Flagstaff Star Party.
Each year in late September or early October, locals and visitors gather in Buffalo Park for the annual Flagstaff Star Party.
This local week-long event is free to attend.
Astronomers and stargazers can learn about space, astronomy, and even astrophotography through many events, guided discussions and viewings.
There are many lectures by experts, and astronomers set up their telescopes for anyone to use.
LUNAR LEGACY EXPERIENCE
The Flagstaff Visitors Bureau hosts a Lunar Legacy Experience, a collective list of activities, events and places that will help you soak in the astronomy experience.
This covers all things in Flagstaff related to space, which will allow you to know and have fun at all the places in Northern Arizona.
I highly recommend checking out more at Flagstaff Visitor Center for updated programs, especially if you are traveling with kids as it is a very fun thing to do in the city.
TIPS FOR STARGAZING IN FLAGSTAFF
Here are some of the things to keep in mind while planning your stargazing trip to Arizona.
Patience is the Key
Those who are regular stargazers know that it takes a while for our eyes to adjust to the dark skies. So give yourself at least 30 minutes to adapt to the darkness as you settle in.
Gradually, the sky starts opening up its treasure of millions of celestial bodies to you. You’ll notice differences in the brightness and colours of the stars.
Turn all your light sources off, and avoid looking at your phone, as the light on its screen will ruin your night vision.
I also recommend getting a red light flashlight to preserve your night vision.
Also, avoid using your car headlights or any other lights that may disturb your experience.
Dress correctly
Most people underestimate how cold Arizona can get after sunset no matter the time of the year.
As Flagstaff is located in the High Desert, temperatures fluctuate a lot during the day and nights can be cold.
It can get pretty chilly in the desert at night, so keep yourself warm. It is best to dress in layers even in the summer.
Bring a camp chair, a cozy blanket, and a star map.
Follow the Moon Cycle
I love full moons, and I always plan my stargazing trips when the moon is brighter and shining.
Some people prefer new moons, as they offer a darker sky, but if you are like me, I highly recommend trying stargazing in Arizona on a Full Moon for a vivid experience.
Check the permits and keep the surroundings clean
If you are planning to stargaze in Arizona National Parks, you should check the permit requirements and stargazing times.
Also, beware of wildlife like rattlesnakes, keep quiet at night and leave the place trash-free.
For better photos
Even if you are a beginner or a casual photographer, I recommend bringing a tripod and remote shutter to capture the night sky. The difference in clarity and the overall quality of the pictures is massive.
