Best National Parks for Stargazing

Witness the extravagance of a dark sky filled to the brim with sparkling stars. From desert landscapes to sandy shores- these national parks share the protected night sky in common. This list includes designated "Dark-sky" destinations that display clear views of the milky way in the summertime, and misty hues of green aurora borealis during the frosty winter. Experience firsthand the magic of our universe in the form of endless twinkling lights and planets at our favorite stargazing spots across North America.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Voyageurs National Park, Great Basin National Park, Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada, Dry Tortugas National Park, Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park

• Denali National Park and Preserve in Denali National Park and Preserve, United States

  
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  There is no artificial light interruption throughout the sprawling grounds of Denali National Park, resulting in picturesque views of the magical night sky from almost every angle. Witness the ethereal aurora borealis in the winter and endless unobstructed starry skies throughout the year at this Alaska-based national park.

• Voyageurs National Park, United States

  
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  On any clear night, you are guaranteed a picture-perfect view of a starry sky at Voyageurs National Park. This destination is surrounded by water that reflects endless twinkling stars in its vast waters. The park also shares its border with Canada, so make sure to keep an eye out for a stunning display of aurora borealis in the winter.

• Great Basin National Park in Nevada, United States

  
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  It is almost impossible to not find an excellent stargazing spot at this dark-sky-approved national park. Great Basin National Park has a variety of altitudes all within reach of a crystal clear night sky that is optimum for taking in a starry display. On a clear summer night, witness the Milky Way that is visible from the sprawling park grounds

• Wood Buffalo National Park of Canada, Canada

  
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  Designated as one of the world's largest dark-sky preserves, Wood Buffalo National Park's skies feature clear displays of our milky and vast universe. Thanks to the restricted artificial light, the Wood Buffalo National Park also has some of the most stunning displays of aurora borealis in North America. Witness magical hues of green and purple dance throughout the night sky for a truly unforgettable experience.

• Dry Tortugas National Park, United States

  
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  A park dedicated to protecting its pristine nighttime views, Dry Tortugas offers some of the most picturesque and clear perspectives of endless starry skies. Set up camp beneath the palm trees at Garden Key to fully immerse yourself in a dreamy display of glittering stars at this gorgeous island paradise.

• Yosemite National Park, United States

  
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  Yosemite National Park has a preserved dark sky during the night and plenty of unobstructed locations where you can seep into the universe through panoramic views of a sky full of stars. Check out Sentinel Dome for a 360 degree perspective of the magnificent and sparkling night, or visit Glacier Point for the chance to get a glimpse of the milky way.

• Joshua Tree National Park, United States

  
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  Joshua Tree National Park is located in the heart of the rugged California desert. This beautiful park is also famous for being completely protected from light pollution and having a high altitude that makes it a *prime* destination for stargazing.

• Bryce Canyon National Park, United States

  
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  A certified "Dark Sky Park", Bryce Canyon is a protected space where not just nature is cherished but the dark night sky that most residential areas slip away from more and more every year. Witness arguably one of the clearest displays of the milky way across the broad sky every night at this gorgeous Utah national park.