A well planned stargazing trip can be the most magical experience of your life! However, knowing the best time to go can be tricky. Arriving to a cloudy sky due to monsoons could mean no stargazing at all. Even a national park with an international dark sky certification won’t always have perfect conditions.
That is why we researched the best dates and locations for stargazing in the Grand Canyon this summer. Plan your trip around these dates along with booking a glamping experience through Wander Camp to fall asleep under a perfect starry sky with memories of a stargazing trip to last a lifetime.
Star Party: June 10th-17th
Imagine an entire week where when the sun sets, instead of turning to their phones or streaming devices, everyone looks up to the sky. That is what the National Parks Service’s star party is about. Amateur astrologists set up telescopes to share the view with everyone around them. An evening program is hosted outside of the visitor center followed by the opportunity to gaze through a professional grade telescope. Follow along on a constellation tour from a park ranger and stick around the visitor center at 9:30 for the chance to learn about astrophotography from a professional. Then drive over to the Desert View Watchtower to capture some beautiful photos of the starry night sky. Stay for the new moon on June 17th and enjoy the most crystal clear skies of your life.
New Moon Dates! (May 19, July 17, July 17, Aug 16)
While you may not have an opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon for the stargazing party, this summer has other dates which which are opportune for a magical stargazing trip. During the new moon, the skies are lit by starlight alone. Constellations are more visible than any other night of the month and if you travel to Mather Point behind the south rim visitors center, you will be in the optimal location to set up a telescope. You can find professionals on tripadvisor who will lead stargazing parties or astrophotography lessons for you and your group.
Other Stargazing Dates: May 12, June 10, July 9, Aug 8
While a sky absent of moonlight is the best for stargazing, that doesn’t mean that you won’t get some spectacular views other times of the month! The third quarter moon phase is also a great time for stargazing because the moon doesn’t completely overpower the surrounding stars. You can head over to Moran or Limpan point for a view of both the majestic canyon and the night sky. Avoid the clouds and storms that accompany monsoon season (which runs from June 15-Sept 30th) by going earlier in the spring or summer. That way you avoid the extreme heat too!
Pick one of these dates, and you could have the stargazing experience of a lifetime! Don’t forget to book through Wander Camp to have a comfortable camping experience beneath the stars.
Post written by: Gracie Hammond