A Guide To Viewing The Night Sky In Nevada
A Guide To Viewing The Night Sky In Nevada
Nevada, officially known as the Silver State, is a celestial wonder. Its night sky is covered with twinkling stars, luminous constellations, galaxies, and planets- a stargazer's dream! Even in Nevada's metropolitan areas like Carson City and Las Vegas, you will easily find a starry night sky when you look up.
The state of Nevada is a fantastic place to view the night sky! Read about some of the best places to stargaze in Nevada.
Milky Way Galaxy - David Clark Swalm
Best Stargazing Place In Nevada (Learn More Here)
Nevada has the darkest and brightest skies, allowing you to admire the starry sky above. Looking at the stars in Nevada is unparalleled. The Silver State has beautiful stargazing designations such as the Diamondfield Gulch, Great Basin National Park, Granite Mountain Reservoir, and Massacre Rim. Read further to learn about the best places to stargaze in Nevada.
Where Is The Best Stargazing In Nevada?
If you are wondering, can you see the milky way from Nevada? Here are the best places to stargaze in Nevada to witness clusters of stars, constellations, and galaxies with your bare eyes!
Granite Mountain Reservoir
Granite Mountain Reservoir is located 20 minutes north of the Center of the Known Universe. It is operated by the Nevada Department Of Wildlife, allowing free access for everyone.
Besides being one of the best places to stargaze in Nevada, Granite Mountain Reservoir has various kinds of fish, such as green sunfish, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout.
Granite Mountain Reservoir Nevada is open all days of the week for 24 hours.
Location: Country Road 447, Gerlach, North Nevada.
Diamondfield Gulch
Founded by Western bandit Jackson Lee Diamondfield Jack Davis, Diamondfield Gulch is located northeast of Goldfield. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast looking to stargaze or want to book it for a private party, costs differ according to your requirements at Diamondfield Gulch. While visitors can visit Diamondfield Gulch anytime, if you plan to enjoy a meal at the Glory Hole Saloon, go camping, stargaze, or want to attend a party, advanced booking is needed.
Location: Goldfield, Central Nevada.
Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Whether you are an amateur stargazer or a professional astronomer, Fort Churchill State Historic Park should be on your must-visit list. This park is 60 minutes from Carson City and offers incredible photo opportunities (especially during golden hour). From camping to stargazing, fishing, hiking, and picnicking on the riverside,
Fort Churchill Park is the ideal place to unwind. The park's admission is $5 for Nevada automobiles and $10 for non-Nevada automobiles. Moreover, the campground has 20 sites prepared for trailers or tents for $15 a night for one Nevada vehicle and $20 for non-Nevada vehicles. It is open all days of the week for visitors.
Location: 10000 Highway 95A, Silver Springs, North Central Nevada.
High Rock Canyon
Part of the Black Rock Desert, High Rock Canyon is 2 hours north of Gerlach. Exploring one of the most beautiful hidden places in Nevada is an amazing experience. Here you will see wildlife and enjoy bathing in hot springs under the brightest night skies. Also, it has free public access.
High Rock Canyon is open 24 hours a day from May to January to guard wildlife during nesting and lambing season.
Location: Black Rock High Rock, 320 Main Street, Gerlach, Northern Nevada.
Best Dark Sky Destinations Outside Of Las Vegas
Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife, but it's refreshing to spend some time with the celestial sky now and then. If you want to experience stargazing outside of Las Vegas, here's where you should start:
Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park is recognized as Gold Tier International Dark-Sky Park. It is one of the most gorgeous yet underrated stargazing places in the U.S. From here, you can see magical clusters of stars, the Milky Way, planets, meteors, satellites, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Moreover, it has a recently started Astronomy Amphitheater, Solar Telescope Viewing, and a yearly Astronomy Festival held in September, where stargazers and astronomers visit to watch the night sky.
As this national park is still a hidden treasure, it is ideal for people who avoid crowds and want to enjoy wildlife viewing, stargazing, and hiking in peace. Great Basin National Park does not require any fee for access. However, cave visits are between $2 to $15 per individual.
Location: 5500 W Hwy 488 Baker, Nevada.
Dark Sky: Stars - David Clark Swalm
Best Dark Sky Destinations Outside Of Las Vegas
The International Dark-Sky Association is a global community that opposes light pollution. Nevada has two designated Dark Sky Destinations: Great Basin National Park and the Massacre Rim.
Great Basin National Park
This Dark Sky Park features adventurous tours, programs, and events devoted to stargazing. The best time to visit the Great Basin National Park is the 15th or 16th of May for the Lunar Eclipse, the 14th of June for the Strawberry Moon, and the 22nd to 24th of September for the Astronomy Festival.
Massacre Rim
This is one of only 7 selected Dark-Sky areas in the world. Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary is situated in northwestern Nevada. It can get so dark there that even the stars can form shadows on a moonless night. Astronomers also visit Massacre Rim to observe various parts of the Milky Way.
Moreover, its plateaus and valleys make the stargazing experience even more enjoyable. It is a low-lit isolated area, so we recommend you go fully prepared. The best time to visit the Sanctuary is in June, July, and August; it will surely be an adventure of a lifetime!
Location: Friends of Black Rock Gerlach, Nevada.
Head Over to Nevada!
Nevada's night skies are beautiful to view the Milky Way in every season. We hope you found this guide about the best places to stargaze in Nevada helpful!
Learn more about stargazing and all things space related on my blog.
