dark skies nevada

Stargazing

Nevada stargazing is unbeatable, because the state is home to more of the last true dark skies than anywhere in America. Unblemished, unbelievably crisp, clear starry night skies can be found in all corners of the Silver State, thanks to the way Nevada’s history concentrated almost all of its 3 million residents into two metro areas and a handful of intriguing little towns. Even when you’re in a small town like Ely, Tonopah, and Gerlach—dark sky sanctuaries await, right on the outskirts, where solitude is felt and nature runs wild. Find out how to stargaze with the naked eye in the Silver State as you take a look up at the Nevada night sky.

What is Stargazing?

Wondering, “what is stargazing?” It’s exactly what it sounds like: looking up and soaking in the wonder of a deep, dark sky and appreciating the majesty of it all. The thing is: you don’t need professional equipment such as telescopes or an astrophotography rig to enjoy Nevada stargazing. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a clear night.

milky way system during night time at the international car forest
International Car Forest of the Last Church
shooting star while stargazing at sand mountain
Sand Mountain Recreation Area

How to Stargaze?

Now, we said you don’t have to get all fancy with how to stargaze, but we’re totally fine if you do. If you’re able to pull out the big ‘scopes, star charts, stargazing apps, and other accoutrement of the trade, go for it. But Nevada is the ideal place for the amateur stargazer, too.

There are endless gadgets and tools you can use for locating the Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt, and other notable constellations. But you may be amazed to find that they’re all super easy to spot in Nevada’s dark skies. Whatever you have (or don’t) — just get here to witness these heavenly wonders.

Waxing, waning, full or crescent? Find out which mood the moon will be in tonight or on your next Nevada backcountry stargazing trip.

nevada night sky

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

Embark on an adventure of astronomical proportions along the “Starry-est Route in America.” The Park to Park in the Dark route takes you from Death Valley to Great Basin via some of the least light-polluted spaces in small towns in the Lower 48. Just make sure you’re prepared to truly be in the dark. We’re talkin’ long stretches with no cell service, no other people, no nothin’—besides a few thousand stars. Do your homework, journey safely, and let the memories beam down.

Silver State Soundtracks

Stargazing Soundtrack by Travel Nevada

Nevada is home to some of the darkest (and therefore brightest) skies in the Lower 48. It’s easy to spot thousands of stars, distinct constellations, and even other galaxies—often with your naked eye. Here’s a Silver State Soundtrack sure to make your speakers shimmer when you’re out here gazin’.

#TravelNevada

Had an out-of-this world experience in the Silver State? Tag #TravelNevada to help us show off the best stargazing in the USA. If we love your photo, you may find it featured here.

A night out stargazing in #imlaynevada #travelnevada #getoutside
Nocturnal Visitor
#comet #neowisecomet #nevada #nevadadesert #astrophotography
Night Vision... expanding and exploring into the desert.
Swipe for motion 📽️
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If you like dark skies, ghost towns, wide open empty spaces, and historic parks that are open all night long... Nevada is a good place to be.
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1. Single  ISO 6400  21mm 
f/3.8  20 seconds
2. Timelapse of about an hour. In the beginning you can see when I put the lights in the building. The Milky Way was faint due to a bright moon but can be faintly seen in the sky in the far right.
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#nevada #stateparks #dfmi #ghosttown #milkyway #stargazing #nightscaper #astrophoto #night_captures #nightphotography
#nightsky #longexposure #lightpainting #artofvisuals #astrophotography #abandonedplaces #abandondedbuilding #lightroom #depthsofearth #igworldmilkyway #milkywaygalaxy #nightscaper
#photography #1killershot #photographytips
#TravelNevada #nightshooters #explorecreate
More star pictures ⭐️ #astrophotography#milkyway#14mmf28#nature#camping#walkerriver#nevada#milkeywaychasers#rokinon14mm#fullmoon#thegreatoutdoors#reiproject1440#offroad#stargazing
The cloudy skies 2 hours before sunset last night didn’t give me a lot of confidence that I was going to be able to shoot any milky way. I was going to turn around but decided to drive to Goldfield anyways just for the drive. I arrived at 9pm and I was rewarded with clear skies. Setup my tripood, grabbed a chair, and just snapped away for almost 2 hours. Figured I’ll get my shot for image stacking, Star trails, and a time lapse! Multitasking. Also it was going to be the last night was nice weather. It was 62 degrees, this time I remembered to bring pants and a jacket. Starting next week, we’ll be in the triple digits so you’re going to see a lot of night photography from me for a while. ————————————————————————
#nikon D810
#nikkor 14-24mm ƒ/2.8
15 sec ƒ/2.8
14mm
ISO 1250 .
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#goldfieldghosttown #nevada #travelnevada #astrophotography #photo #photography #longexposure #longexposurephotography #nikonnofilter #nightskyphotography #starrynight #starrysky #nightscape #nightshot #nightscaper #nightphotography #natgeospace #instashot #instaphoto #instaphotography #nightpics #yourshotphotographer #nightsky #startrails #publiclandowner
“Tonopah Trail”  Tonopah Army Air Field, Tonopah, NV  This army airfield (predecessor to the Air Force) was constructed in 1941 to serve as a training facility for various Army Air Force squadrons during WWII.  The airfield was active until August, 1945, and in 1948 it was deactivated and transferred to the town of Tonopah. All that remains of what was at one time one of the Army Air Forces largest airfield is several wooden hangers, such as this one.  #visitnevada #visittonopah #nyecounty #nightskyphotography #milkyway #abandonedafterdark #abandonedplaces #usarmy #usairforce #nightphotography #nightsky #astrophotography #highdesert #nightscapes #nightscapephotography #darksky #darkskypark
Don’t forget to add stargazing to your travel itinerary✅

P.S. The stars shine brighter in Henderson ✨🌎💫 📸: shay_na

#VisitHenderson #Stargazing #DesertSkies #VacationItinerary #TravelItinerary #StarWatching #DesertViews
Throwback to the deserts of Vegas. Although Vegas is a party city it was so nice to explore the outskirts and see what Nevada had to offer. 🌵
Discover one of the best #NationalParks for hiking and stargazing @GreatBasinNPS  in this detailed guide by @americanfldtrp >> https://t.co/YUcB6u614c 

@TravelNevada #HowtoTravelNevada @travelmindset https://t.co/oJ7igB2lVp
Metropolis NV. I have had this shot planned for two years. I finally made it out to the desert to shoot a series of star trails. First Astro session of the year! #startrails #nevadadesert #nevadamagazine #nightsky #nikond850 #nightskyphotography
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