Dark Skies: Best Stargazing Locations In The US Besides The Eclipse

Currently, there is much excitement in the world about the total solar eclipse on April 8. However, weather permitting, while millions will get to experience this celestial event, many millions won’t be able to do so. Meanwhile, nobody has to wait for an eclipse to experience the night sky, as these locations in the US are the best for stargazing at any time.

Total solar eclipse and stargazing

As the total solar eclipse traverses the US on April 8, 13 states will get to see the eclipse in its totality. However, millions will miss out on the event, but they can enjoy stargazing adventures at any time in these dark sky locations, recommended by Camping World.

Camping World analyzed more than 50 stargazing locations and checked out their reviews. It also looked at Google Search data to reveal the best places. The following are the ideal US locations for stargazing.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The top pick in the US for stargazing is Glacier National Park in Montana. The website notes that Glacier National Park enjoys 368,000 monthly Google searches and is the number one location for stargazing.

The national park spreads over 1,013,322 acres, providing visitors with gorgeous scenery for stargazing. Meanwhile, in the daytime, visitors can experience different ecosystems in the park and spot its local wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, Canadian Lynx, mountain wolves and more.

Moreover, according to the International Dark Sky Association, Glacier National Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park. This makes it a perfect destination for those wishing to see the stars.

Meanwhile, the park’s website explains that the certification requires a long-term commitment to preserving dark skies while meeting specific objectives. These include the preservation or restoration of outstanding night skies and public enjoyment of the night sky and its heritage, along with demonstrating environmental leadership on dark skies.

Which other stargazing locations are recommended?

While Glacier National Park comes top in the list of dark sky locations, the following are next in line, including Acadia National Park in Maine, which boasts more than 240,000 monthly searches.

This is closely followed by Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas, which tied for third place with Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

Moreover, other recommended US locations for stargazing include Arches National Park in Utah, Joshua Tree National Park in California and Olympic National Park in Washington State.

The Camping World website also recommends Cosmic Campground in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico and Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Moreover, Borrego Springs International Dark Sky Community celebrates stargazing in the California Desert.

Stargazers can also experience views of the stars in Headland International Dark Sky Park in Michigan and more. Visit Camping World’s website to learn about other top Dark Sky locations.

Readers, are you planning on being in the path of totality during the total solar eclipse? If not, are you planning on visiting some of the dark-sky locations in the US? Let us know by dropping a comment below.