If you live in or near a city, you’ll be used to looking up to a hazy night sky. Light pollution from artificial lights, from streetlamps to billboards, washes out starlight, hindering our ability to see stars and fainter celestial objects like nebulae, galaxies, and comets. The further from populated areas you go, the darker the night sky will become. With this comes a sense of peace and solitude, ideal conditions for sitting under a star-studded sky on a warm summer evening. So where do you go? To help you plan your next US stargazing trip, the accommodation booking site HomeToGo has ranked the most remote dark sky places in the US.
Photo: Kenneth Keifer/Shutterstock
The 15 Most Remote Dark Sky Places in the US for Uncrowded Stargazing
HomeToGo’s 2024 Stargazing Index, inspired by the recent total solar eclipse in April, is a research-driven curated list of the best stargazing destinations across the US. The index identifies 24 stargazing spots in nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Utah. These communities prioritize minimal light pollution, ensuring an exceptional view of the night sky. Each location was ranked for factors such as how well-known the place is, how much it costs to visit, the clarity of the night sky, and a solitude score.
The HomeToGo Stargazing Index’s solitude score highlights a crucial factor for prime stargazing conditions. A high result indicates minimal light pollution, allowing for a clearer view of the night sky. Locations with a high solitude score often have open and unobstructed horizons, maximizing the visible area of the sky. And solitude translates to a more peaceful and immersive stargazing experience. Less light pollution and fewer crowds create a tranquil environment ideal for appreciating the beauty of our night sky.
These are 15 of the most remote dark sky places in the US for uncrowded stargazing:
- Beverly Shores, Indiana
- Blanco, Texas
- Borrego Springs, California
- Town of Castle Valley, Utah
- Cottonwood, Arizona
- Crestone, Colorado
- Dripping Springs-Wimberley, Texas
- Groveland, Florida
- Horseshoe Bay, Texas
- Jonestown, Texas
- Julian, California
- Ridgway, Colorado
- Sedona, Arizona
- Torrey, Utah
- Westcliffe & Silver Cliff, Colorado
Check out Matador’s calendar of every stargazing event in 2024. Whether you’re a beginner stargazer with little equipment or a seasoned astronomer, there’s every date you need to put on your astronomy calendar. All you need to do is head out to a remote spot to enjoy it. 