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 Scottsdale may not be on your mind, but if you want to find dark skies to admire the Milky Way, you can easily enjoy free stargazing in Scottsdale.
If you drive a few minutes away from the city, you will easily find incredible spots in Scottsdale for stargazing, whether in the state parks or large lakes.
This guide covers all about stargazing in Scottsdale, including what to expect, where to find the best spots, and other things to know to plan your trip.
So if you are a seasoned traveler looking for more places to check off your list or this is your first trip, read on to find out your favorite-to-be stargazing spots in Scottsdale!
TOP PLACES TO ENJOY STARGAZING IN SCOTTSDALE
PIESTEWA PEAK
One of the popular spots for stargazing in Scottsdale is Piestewa Peak, one of the most prominent mountains in the Phoenix Valley located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
Named in honour of Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman in the U.S. military to lose her life in combat, Piestewa Peak, close to Camelback, is one of the few places to watch Scottsdale sunrise where you can admire the magnificent 360-degree views.
At the top, you will be treated to sweeping views of the valley.
Overlooking the beautiful Superstitions Mountains, White Tanks, the McDowells and South Mountain to the south, you can enjoy splendid views of the night sky.
Carry a jacket and a headlamp. Note that pets aren’t allowed on this trail.
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN
Lookout Mountain Preserve, a municipal park in the northern part of Phoenix, is one of the best places to enjoy stargazing in Scottsdale.
Lookout Mountain is one of the best spots to watch sunset near Scottsdale and Phoenix.
You can enjoy the best views on its mile out-and-back trail.
The trail is open until 11 PM, so a night hike offers a stunning panorama of the sky paired with the city below.
Remember to carry a torch and cosy blankets and wear sturdy shoes as some spots are difficult.
You can even bring your dogs on a leash.
At the end of the climb, you will be rewarded with glorious views of the setting sun against the desert vegetation carpeted mountains, the skyline of Scottsdale and Phoenix valley.
MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE
One of the top spots to watch epic Scottsdale sunset and sunrise is the massive McDowell Sonoran Preserve, spanning 30,580 acres of Sonoran Desert, featuring over 225 miles of trails to explore, loved by outdoor lovers, hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers.
You will be treated to gorgeous landscapes of the true Sonoran Desert wilderness packed with deep canyons, high mountain peaks, hundreds of varieties of cacti, and rich wildlife along its many trails.
It is one of the best spots for stargazing in Scottsdale, from camping under the stars or pulling off at the trailheads for admiring the night skies.
There are many trails to choose from, depending on your preference.
DRIVE AROUND THE VERDE RIVER
If you’re up for a bit of a field trip, another road trip idea for stargazing in Scottsdale is driving a couple of hours north of Phoenix.
You will be led away from the bright city lights to the pitch-black desert, opening up a stark contrast to the beautiful display of celestial lights around the Verde River.
Not only is the Verde River one of the desert’s few free-flowing rivers, but it is also home to an abundant riparian community.
The best route is taking Pima Road north to Dynamite Boulevard(which becomes Rio Verde Drive). Continue for 13 miles, and then turn left on Needlerock Road.
You will then be parallel to the beautiful Verde River.
Stop along the way for snacks, views and rest as you are treated to epic panoramic views both around and above you!
SAN TAN MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Consisting of over 10,000 acres of trails, San Tan Mountain Regional Park is one of the most adventurous places for stargazing in Scottsdale.
A popular spot for mountain biking, the park offers an evening mountain biking program, Night Shredders, which is a fun way to spend a night under the dark skies.
RIPARIAN PRESERVE AT WATER RANCH
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is in Gilbert, established to conserve wildlife that you can spot spread over 4.5 miles of trails.
Home to the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is one of the underrated places in Arizona to watch dark skies.
Check out the stunning night skies through a 16-inch-diameter Meade and a modified Richey-Cretien scope.
The observatory is open to visitors every Friday and Saturday evening at nightfall, making it ideal for stargazing on the weekend.
Check their website here for updates on their events and programs.
LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
Among the top and easy-to-access places to watch the sunrise in Scottsdale is Lost Dutchman State Park, at the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountains near Apache Junction and Gold Canyon.
It is one of my favourite spots that I always stop by, if I am driving from Scottsdale to Tombstone, and a must item on Arizona Bucket List.
Lost Dutchman State Park in the Sonoran Desert got its name after the fabled lost gold mine.
Lost Dutchman State Park is one of the top spots for stargazing in Scottsdale.
The stargazing experience here is as captivating as its legends, thanks to its excellent location away from city lights.
Lost Dutchman Park offers magnificent views of the Superstition Mountain ranges, making it a perfect spot to admire the star-studded skies.
An icon of the East Valley in the Phoenix Area, it is also a paradise for outdoor lovers. It is one of the top spots for Arizona winter hikes with your kids.
The parking lot is located at the entrance of Lost Dutchman State Park.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK
Among the top attractions of Scottsdale, South Mountain Park is also one of the best places to watch an epic Scottsdale sunset.
You can spend a few hours or many days in this massive 16000 acres plus park offering tons of activities, from over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails to camping, rock climbing and much more.
South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the United States and one of the largest urban parks in North America.
The best part is it is only about 30 minutes south of downtown Scottsdale, so it is one of the convenient places to enjoy stargazing in Scottsdale.
Dobbins Lookout is a popular pick by many locals for exceptional night skies.
The trek to Dobbins Lookout is the most famous sunrise trail within South Mountain Park and Preserve.
At over 2300 feet, Dobbins Lookout is the highest accessible point within South Mountain Park and Preserve, the perfect spot for watching the skies painted with yellow, red, golden, and orange as the sun goes down over the downtown skyline, the Greater Phoenix area, surrounded by majestic mountains in the valley.
There are two ways to reach Dobbins Lookout.
You can hike the 4.6-mile round trip out and down Holbert Trail or take the easy route by car if you are not in the mood for a hike in the afternoon.
The views on the trail are far more rewarding, though, so it is the better choice if you are willing to sweat it a bit.
The trail has only short stretches of incline at the start and the end but almost flats out in the middle.
Throughout the trail, you will be treated to the rustic wilderness of the Sonoran Desert landscapes are dotted with beautiful wildflowers if you are here in spring.
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
One of my favorite stargazing spots in Scottsdale is McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
If you want the rugged experience of watching the celestial dance surrounded by the spectacular desert, there is no better place than this park.
One of the top spots to watch epic Scottsdale sunset and sunrise is the massive McDowell Sonoran Preserve, spanning 30,580 acres of Sonoran Desert, featuring over 225 miles of trails to explore, loved by outdoor lovers, hiking enthusiasts and mountain bikers.
Open every day from sunrise to sunset.
You will be treated to gorgeous landscapes of the true Sonoran Desert wilderness packed with deep canyons, high mountain peaks, hundreds of varieties of cacti, and rich wildlife along its many trails.
If you are here during spring, the most popular season, you will also come across the magical, vibrant wildflowers standing out distinctly in the arid landscapes.
There are many trails to choose from, depending on your preference.
To make it easy, pick a route or viewpoint that faces east for one of the best sunrise hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Reserve.
You can choose from many picnic and camping spots to get off the road and take in the beautiful views of the night sky.
Stay on the trails, watch out for reptiles and cacti, carry a flashlight, and dress in layers since the landscape is pretty cold.
The park organizes regular guided moonlight walks and nighttime mountain biking treks.
Check out the event calendar on the park website for updates on these.
CAVE CREEK REGIONAL PARK
Located north of Phoenix, Cave Creek National Park is one of the spectacular stargazing spots in Scottsdale.
This massive 2,922-acre desert destination, one of the Maricopa County Parks, is known for its splendid winding multi-use trails, campgrounds, and picnic spots, which range in elevation from 2,000 to 3,060 feet.
You can drive around the park or choose one of the camping grounds, trails, or parking lots to take in the abundant views of the star-studded skies, making it one of the memorable nights in Arizona.
They even provide telescope on their stargazing events held regularly here. Bring your camp chair, blankets, and snacks for a fun night with your kids. Note that pets are not allowed.
FOUNTAIN HILLS
Fountain Hills is one of the best spots for enjoying in Scottsdale.
A 30-minute drive will lead you to the closest IDA-certified Dark Sky Community to Metro Phoenix.
Overlooking the McDowell Mountains, you will be treated to stunning night skies that you can enjoy via telescopes or binoculars.
BEST LAKES FOR STARGAZING IN SCOTTSDALE
LAKE PLEASANT
Among the most popular lakes near Phoenix is Lake Pleasant, located in the northwest, and it is no surprise.
Apart from being close to the central city, Lake Pleasant is a popular getaway among locals and tourists as they frequent it here for picnics and a weekend trip, thanks to loads of fun activities with something in store for everyone.
You can enjoy water skiing, boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, camping, fishing, shoreline hiking and more across its massive 116 miles of shoreline and 10,5000 acres area, with a depth of 70 feet and the deepest point going to over 170 feet.
Although it is an artificial reservoir, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona on a mountain, surrounded by stunning views of desert canyons all around.
This lake, open 365 days a year, has two marinas – Pleasant Harbor Marina on the southeast side and Scorpion Bay Marina on the west side, and two separate boat launching ramps, Scorpion Bay and Pleasant Harbor.
It is one of the best places for enjoying stargazing in Scottsdale.
You have plenty of spots to pull out after an action packed picnic at the lake. Or you can drive exclusively to Lake Pleasant for an epic stargazing trip in Arizona.
SAGUARO LAKE
Another in the group of Salt River Lakes formed by the damming of the river, Saguaro Lake, is one of the best places to enjoy stargazing in Scottsdale.
This deep canyon lake nestles in the beautiful Tonto National Forest.
Located within an hour of Scottsdale, you can easily plan a day trip to this beautiful turquoise-clear lake created in 1930 by the Stewart Mountain Dam.
Still, thanks to being a complete recreational area without prohibitions, you can have a fantastic time with your family and end your day by cam.
Because the lake is a day-use area, the gate will be closed at night.
But you can still enjoy stargazing by pulling off the road at Butcher Jones Road, where you can park and take in the fantastic views of the night sky.
Enjoy the blissful views of the starry sky packed with constellations and planets surrounded by rows and rows of tall Saguaro Cacti along the shores and towering canyon walls and Four Peaks in the distance.
Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area is the most popular area.
I recommend heading here first if you are here during the day, as you can rent a pontoon, fishing boats, and fishing equipment in the marina located in this area.
If you are with young children, I highly recommend the educative cruise that begins here, Desert Belle, a 90-minute narrated boat tour, to learn about the history, wildlife, and geography of the region, taking in the blissful views of the post-card perfect lake.
Butcher Jones Recreational Area, home to Butcher Jones Beach, is another popular spot for kayaking and picnics.
✅I highly recommend this 2.5 Hours Guided Kayaking and Paddle Boarding on Saguaro Lake(4.9/5 15+ reviews🤩), where your guide will lead you through canyons and cliff sides on Saguaro Lake to some of the most scenic desert landscapes to be found. Find more details here.
BARTLETT LAKE
Bartlett Lake is a Verde River Reservoir Lake in the heart of the Tonto National Forest and one of the most popular lakes near Phoenix and among the best lakes in Arizona, known for the spectacular views of the rocky desert mountains and the Sonoran arid vegetation.
Running for 12 miles with a surface area of 2,815 acres, the average depth of Bartlett Lake is 100 feet, while the maximum depth is 174 feet.
Due to its excellent location, people from Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa flock to the lake as well.
Surrounded by stunning rocky desert mountains and the Sonoran desert landscapes, it offers some of the epic night skies for stargazing in Scottsdale.
Bartlett Lake attracts thousands of outdoor and water adventure lovers for fishing, camping, and hiking, the top attractions near the lake.
It gets very crowded during spring, summer, weekends and holidays, and you can see large groups and families launching boats, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, SUP, and even sailing.
There are plenty of places for picnics apart from the large campground itself.
You can camp in the grounds around the lake and admire the cosmos at night.
You must display the Discovery Pass, and America, the Beautiful Passes, are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites.
The campground fees at various sites around Bartlett Reservoir are in addition to these passes.
I recommend checking for availability and reserving your spot online to camp overnight.
HORSESHOE RESERVOIR
Located north of the city, Horseshoe Reservoir, spanning 2800 acres, is one of the most remote lakes near Phoenix, known for its fantastic landscapes and almost no people.
Getting there is a hassle as it is a long drive on unpaved roads best handled with only a high-clearance vehicle.
If you are up for the driving adventure, it is one of the best spots for stargazing in Scottsdale with exceptional dark skies in the area.
It is best to combine a day trip where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding apart from fishing in the day.
There is a primitive campground with basic amenities.
Also, since it is a secluded location, it is best to carry sufficient water and food.
Grab your red flashlights, cozy blankets and your hot drink as well for a fantastic stargazing night on your Scottsdale trip.
TIPS FOR STARGAZING IN SCOTTSDALE
Here are some of the things to keep in mind while planning your stargazing trip to Scottsdale.
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.
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 Scottsdale 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 desert critters like rattlesnakes and scorpions, 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.
