Top Starry Skies in the West

 

Borrego Springs after Dark

The small community of Borrego Springs is aptly designated one of only two International Dark Sky Communities in the world. “USA Today” rated Borrego as one of the top ten stargazing locations in the nation. The quiet of the area combined with the dark, star-filled sky make Borrego Springs a top choice for relaxation, especially after dark when the air cools and the dazzling stars come out to play. The community, known for lacking even stoplights to pollute the brilliance of its dark, dark nights, has long been a haven for stargazers. Check with rangers at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park here for an upcoming Dark Sky event.

Tour the Milky Way in Joshua Tree

Comprised of high-desert wilderness and hosting “forests” of namesake Joshua trees, desert wildlife, inspiring vistas and a colorful history, Joshua Tree National Park is a natural treasure day or night.  Besides hiking, camping, rock climbing and tours, the park is also the perfect place for taking in the Milky Way after nightfall. Park rangers suggest the best way to view the night sky is by first finding a “star cloud” and, without taking your gaze away from it, raising binoculars to your eyes. According to rangers, the cloud will turn into hundreds of stars, with the richest amount south near the horizon. Check for special night-time programs.

Lassen’s Dark Sky Festival—August 3-4, 2018

Join park rangers, astronomers and astrobiologists in celebrating the best of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s dark skies during the 2018 Dark Sky Festival. The two-day event includes nightly constellations tours and stargazing, hikes, demonstrations by National Park Dark Sky rangers and hands-on activities.

 

Sequoia National Park Dark Sky Festival—September 7-9, 2018

The night sky in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is nationally recognized. The park celebrates its darkness, not only for the beauty it adds to this wilderness, but also for the health of its wildlife. As most of the world is faced with the effects of artificial light pollution, the Dark Sky Festival aims to educate visitors about the importance of this park resource and inspire them to take action in their own community.

Dark Skies near the City

Fountain Hills, Arizona, not far from the metropolis of Phoenix, has recently been awarded International Dark Sky Community status, one of only two International Dark Sky communities located near major metropolitan areas. Fountain Hills is known for its iconic 560-foot-tall fountain, the world’s tallest for decades, as well as its backdrop of the Sonoran Desert mountains and its mountain preserve. The town has adopted a mission to preserve another of its natural assets: its dark sky, which has been supported by town leaders since its incorporation in 1989.

 Raft, Hike and Bike to the Stars

Once monthly from May through October, Holiday River Expeditions (http://www.bikeraft.com/) shares the mystery and romance of the Dark Sky with star-struck guests who are participating in one of this veteran travel company’s 2018 Stargazing adventures. Departures ranging from three to eight days are filled with Holiday River’s signature activities: whitewater rafting, hiking and mountain biking. A participation fee covers stargazing interpretation and equipment, guide fees, meals and more. The 2018 Stargazing Trips are:

May 12-15, 2018 4-day White Rim Trail and Oct 3-5, 2018 3-day White Rim Trail —  Guests on these adventures will have access to binoculars and a telescope at night to view the heavens. This legendary mountain biking trip leads through Canyonlands National Park in Moab, UT, recently certified as a “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association. Bikers summit 1,000 feet above the confluence of the Colorado and Green rivers. The per person three-day rate is $795; $900 for four days.

June 9-13, 2018 5-day Yampa River– In the heart of Dinosaur National Monument the Yampa River runs wild and free, unregulated by dams. Spring runoff in May and June offer exciting rapids by day and piercingly dark sky canopies by night. The focus is on whitewater rafting with exploratory side hikes to rock art, waterfalls and ancient sacred sites. The per person (minimum age 8) rate is $1,075.

 

July 9-13, 2018 5-day Cataract Canyon  — Cataract Canyon, carved by the Colorado River, cuts through the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Days are spent luxuriating in the sunshine, exploring side canyons and facing some of the biggest whitewater rapids the river has to offer. Nights open up to whole new worlds as guests explore the Milky Way, see the Andromeda Galaxy, watch satellites and meteors, and learn constellations. The per person (minimum age 8) rate is $1,150.

Aug 4-7, 2018 4-day Lodore Canyon — This Whitewater river trip through Lodore Canyon peeks behind the scenes in Dinosaur National Monument, currently recognized by the National Park Service as a “Sanctuary of Natural Darkness.” This trip connects to ghosts of river runners and canyon dwellers of the past, with escapes into deep-red cliffs and exhilarating whitewater rapids. During the day guests float on the Green River through Whirlpool Canyon and at night peer into the Whirlpool Galaxy. The per person (minimum age 8) rate is $980.
Sept 9-16, 2018 8-day Extended Hiking & Rafting in Cataract Canyon – This extended 8-day float begins on the Green River as it meanders into the confluence with the Colorado River and then through the mighty whitewater rapids of Cataract Canyon in the soul of Canyonlands National Park. Hiking enthusiasts can anticipate hiking into the Maze District and the fanciful Dollhouse, enjoying the depths of Dark Canyon as well as the unforgettable rapid “cataracts” of Cataract Canyon. The per person (minimum age 12) rate is $1,595.

Make it 7 Days of Dark Sky Celebrations

 The International Dark-Sky Association has proclaimed April 15 through April 21, 2018 as Dark Sky Week. With the goal of inspiring people to see the wonder of the night sky without pollution, the week-long celebration can be enjoyed in 5 top ways, from enjoying the skies with neighbors to getting involved in reducing light pollution. (photo courtesy Holiday River Expeditions)