Silver State Star Tours: Where to Find a Front Row Seat for 2022’s Astro-Events

Five Planets in Alignment

Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary

4.5 hrs. from Reno

What: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will slide into formation to resemble a perfect line (a “celestial flush,” as some scientists say), in the exact order you learned about them in grade school—a phenomenon that occurs roughly once every 19 years. 

When: June 18–27, 2022

Where to See It Best: Despite its dark-sounding name, Massacre Rim is home to one of the brightest starscapes on the planet—which is why, in 2019, this BLM-managed Wilderness Study Area was designated one of only seven Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDSA). One of our favorite fun facts about this destination? On or around a new moon, the stars are actually bright enough to cast shadows. 

How to Get There: It’s a haul, but a worthwhile one. From Reno, head east to Fernley, turn north and follow the Burner Byway to Gerlach, continue up to Cedarville, CA, and then head east to Vya, Nevada. 2WD vehicles can call it here. 4WD / high-clearance vehicles can continue another 15 miles into the heart of Massacre Rim or beyond—as long as drivers are familiar with Travel Nevada’s Dirt Road Code to ensure safe, responsible travel.

Where to Stay: Old Yella Dog Ranch or Rockin’ TD Ranch—both of which offer cute family guesthouses in Vya.

Along the Way:

• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe & Visitor Center (Nixon)
• Empire Store for snacks and groceries (Empire)
• Bruno’s Country Club for hot grub and Picon Punches (Gerlach)
• Planet X Pottery (10 min northwest of Gerlach)

Perseid Meteor Shower

Nevada Northern Railway

4.25 hrs from Las Vegas | 5.5 hrs from Reno

What: This annual celestial show dazzles Silver State stargazers every summer as 150 to 200 meteors stream across the night sky every hour. As an added bonus, it happens when the Milky Way is at its absolute prime for viewing.

When: July 17 – August 24, 2022 

Where to See It Best: Ely’s Nevada Northern Railway, the most completely restored historic railway in the country, is a blast to ride any time, but especially during the Perseids on a locomotive-pulled, open-air car on the Sunset, Stars & Champagne Train. 

How to Get There: 

• From Las Vegas, follow I-15 northeast about 23 miles; then turn onto US-93 and follow it along the Great Basin Highway all the way to Ely.
• From Reno, head east on 1-80 and transfer onto US-50 at Fernley; then follow the famous Loneliest Road In America all the way to Ely. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall, Bristlecone Motel.

Along the Way: 

• From Las Vegas
  • Oak Springs Trilobite Area (Great Basin Highway)
  • Side Track Restaurant & Side Car Speakeasy (Caliente)
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park (Pioche)
  • The “living ghost town” of Pioche
• From Reno:
  • Hidden Cave & Grimes Point Archaeological Site (Fallon)
  • Middlegate Station and the Middlegate Shoe Tree (Loneliest Road)
  • Austin
  • Eureka

Great Basin Astronomy Festival

Great Basin National Park

4.5 hrs from Las Vegas | 6.25 hrs from Reno

What: Join park rangers (out here, they’re “dark rangers”), astro experts, and other aficionados of the cosmos at Great Basin National Park’s recently opened Astronomy Amphitheater to hear lectures and gaze at the heavens through high-powered telescopes—all completely for free.

When: September 22–24, 2022

Where It Happens: Great Basin National Park, an IDSA-designated International Dark Sky Park, where the motto is “Half the Park is After Dark.”

How to Get There:

• From Las Vegas, follow I-15 northeast about 23 miles; then turn onto US-93 and follow the Great Basin Highway to its eastern spur on US-50/US-6 to the park, located just outside Baker, NV.
• From Reno, head east on 1-80 and transfer onto US-50 at Fernley; then follow the famous Loneliest Road In America all the way to the park, located just outside Baker, NV. 

Where to Stay: Stargazer Inn, Whispering Elms Motel & RV Park, Hidden Canyon Retreat (all in Baker, NV); Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall, Bristlecone Motel (all in Ely).

Along the Way: 

• From Las Vegas
  • Oak Springs Trilobite Area (Great Basin Highway)
  • Side Track Restaurant & Side Car Speakeasy (Caliente)
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park (Pioche)
  • The “living ghost town” of Pioche
• From Reno:
  • Hidden Cave & Grimes Point Archaeological Site (Fallon)
  • Middlegate Station and the Middlegate Shoe Tree (Loneliest Road)
  • Austin
  • Eureka
  • Ely