Complete Guide to Flagstaff Stargazing

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I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona for four years and the one thing that never got old was the incredible view of the stars. It’s something you likely don’t realize you’re missing in bigger cities, but once you experience it, you’ll never forget it. Flagstaff stargazing is one of the absolute best things to do and in my opinion the most underrated activity in Arizona!

Why is stargazing in Flagstaff special?

Flagstaff was the first official “dark sky city,” awarded by International Dark Sky Places Program in 2001! This means that Flagstaff has policies in place to significantly reduce light pollution, in which outdoor lights are properly shielded and use lower energy bulbs to preserve the view of the night sky. Pretty incredible, right? And, even more so, Flagstaff has been the leader in dark sky efforts as they have been enacting policies like these since 1958!

What makes dark sky places so special is that from many locations in the city you can view the starry sky “in the raw” without any special equipment, like telescopes.

What constellations and planets can you see?

You can see constellations like the Big and Little Dippers, Hercules, Virgo, Cassiopea, and so many more! The Milky Way is also easily spotted.

There are many live star maps where you can see what is currently visible. I recommend downloading an app like SkyView Lite or Star Walk 2 (both free), where you can aim your phone’s camera around to see the constellations in real time.

One other unique object to lookout for is the International Space Station! Check NASA’s “Spot the Station” website to see if it’ll pass over Flagstaff when you’re visiting.

Tips for the best stargazing:

1) Give yourself ample time for the experience. It takes your eyes approximately 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness, so after that point is when you’ll see the most full starry night.

2) Use a red flashlight or red cellophane over your phone’s flashlight to restrict external light. For the best stargazing, you really need your eyes to adjust to darkness. You can’t do that if you’re using your bright phone flashlight or staring at your phone’s screen. Plus, using red lights are more respectful for other stargazers.

3) Go on a clear night. This may seem obvious, but clouds mean no views. Try to aim for a clear night.

4) For night photography, avoid the moon. Believe it or not, the moon is a huge source of light. You can still stargaze when the moon is out, but you’ll have an easier time (with your eyes and camera) if the moon phases are waxing or waning crescent, or a new moon, when the sunlight is reflecting minimally.

5) Start with binoculars. If you want a closer view of the moon, binoculars are great for beginners. You don’t need hefty telescopes to get a good view in dark sky cities, that’s the beauty of it all!

6) Dress warmly because Flagstaff can get very cold! You’ll be outside in the dark for 20+ minutes to let your eyes adjust so the chilly wind and weather can be rough.

7) Hydrate! This is just a general Flagstaff tip. Since Flagstaff sits at 7000 feet elevation, be sure to drink lots of water and sports drinks (Gatorade, for example).

8) While Flagstaff is a safe city, it can be daunting to stargaze at night. I recommend going in a group and attending a stargazing event if you can! The Flagstaff Star Party and viewing nights at Lowell Observatory are my favorites!

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What are the best locations for stargazing in Flagstaff?

1. Buffalo Park

Buffalo Park is a free, public park that is open 24/7. It is an expansive open, unobstructed space on McMillan Mesa, an ancient lava flow (Flagstaff is full of amazing science sites!).

Nate Avery Loop is a 2-mile loop around the park. You can easily traverse this path at night with a red flashlight.

2. Lowell Observatory

For stargazing, Lowell Observatory has a state-of-the-art viewing area at Giovale Open Deck Observatory (built after my time in Flagstaff, unfortunately). This outdoor plaza features six telescopes that are focused on star fields, planets, nebulae, and galaxies!

Of course, for stargazing the best time to visit is at night. However, the museum is wonderful and open during the day! Lowell Observatory was the discovery place of Pluto, so it’s a special spot for astronomy lovers!

Related read >> 26 other top science museums in the US (Lowell is on this list!)

3. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

While the actual visitor center and trails close at sunset, the parking lot and surrounding roads are great places to stargaze!

4. Wupatki National Monument

This national monument is connected to Sunset Crater via a loop road, so for alternate spots, drive around here! The parking lot has unobstructed views.

5. Arizona Snowbowl

I don’t recommend doing this in winter as the roads are not monitored and it snows a lot (hence the name), but in the warmer months, Arizona Snowbowl is a great spot for stargazing. Drive up to any of the turn offs or to the top where there are parking lots for the ski resort. You can walk under the ski lift for more unobstructed views of the night sky.

6. Lockett Meadow

I highly recommend a 4×4 capable vehicle for this viewing point, as the road is very rocky and bumpy up to Lockett Meadow. However, once you get to the top, there is a beautiful open area surrounded by distant mountains and trees. It’s a great camping spot, especially for stargazing!

Lockett Meadow is one of the most popular fall foliage viewing areas during autumn in Flagstaff, so be weary of day time crowds.

7. Lake Mary

These twin lakes (Upper and Lower Lake Mary) are open 24 hours a day and since they are 20 minutes from the city, there is even less light pollution!

8. Humphrey’s Peak

This is the most popular hike for the area. It’s a 10.4 out-and-back trail that gains 3,300 feet in elevation. It’s not for the faint of heart. However, this is the highest point in Arizona and has scenic views day and night!

If you’re worried about traveling this trail at night, locals make the trek on NAU’s Homecoming Weekend as part of the local Tequila Sunrise celebration, usually in October. You can also check local Meetup groups to find local hiking buddies.

9. NAU’s Barry Lutz Telescope

Every Friday, Northern Arizona University’s Astronomy Club has public viewings at their Barry Lutz telescope. Check their website for the current schedule, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them! This is a great option, if you don’t feel comfortable going on your own to one of the above locations.

Related read >> Best places to visit in summer in America

What are other astronomy related things to do in the area?

1. Meteor Crater, Arizona

While you cannot stargaze from Meteor Crater (since it closes before sunset), you can certainly learn about astronomy and more discoveries of the cosmos from Arizona! Located in Winslow, just 45 minutes from Flagstaff, Meteor Crater is the best preserved meteorite impact site on the planet.

2. Flagstaff Star Party

This local week-long event brings astronomers and stargazers together to learn about space, astronomy, and even astrophotography! There are many events where you can learn about special space-related topics and a get together in Buffalo Park, where astronomers set up their telescopes for anyone to use. There are guided discussions and viewings and they even sell hot cocoa and treats. The Flagstaff Star Party usually takes place each year in September.

Where should you stay in Flagstaff?

There are plenty of amazing Airbnbs in Flagstaff that are affordable, many of which are beautiful cabins in the wooded forests. Obviously not the best for stargazing, but it makes for a nice mountain retreat. Other unique stays include Yurt cabins at Arizona Nordic Village and even a highly-rated hostel in downtown Flagstaff.

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