Welcome to Nevada: home to some of the darkest skies in the country (and truly stellar stargazing).
Most of the Silver State’s population is concentrated in two metropolitan areas. That means light pollution is scarce and dark sky oases are abundant, especially on the outskirts of Ely, Tonopah, and Gerlach. Pack a telescope, or feel free to leave it behind—you don’t need equipment to see our most dazzling natural light show.
Gaze Away
Dark Skies Finder
With millions of acres of untamed wilderness and thousands of miles of get-outside potential, the Silver State offers a lifetime of stellar exploration.
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Angel Lake
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Explore truly otherworldly camping opportunities in Great Basin National Park (rallying cry: “Half the Park is After Dark”) or explore warm evenings in Death Valley National Park. These International Dark Sky Parks host astronomy festivals that welcome casual stargazers, amateur astronomers, professional scientists, and everyone in between.
Or just look up. On a moonless night, you can see thousands of stars, entire constellations, planets, nebulas, and galaxies with a naked eye. Even in Nevada’s metro areas (like Reno or Las Vegas, the brightest place on Earth), front-row seats to the celestial show are just a 30-minute drive away.
The most out-of-this-world sights are reserved for those who aren’t afraid to get a little out there. Some of the best places to stargaze in the Silver State lie off the beaten path, deep in rural Nevada.
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Bars, Guitars, and Twinkly Stars
A Playlist for Planet-Peepers
Ground Control to Major Traveler: your playlist for interstellar adventure awaits! Download our curated collection of cosmic tunes and set the stage for star power like you’ve never seen it before.
#TravelNevada
Had an out-of-this world experience in the Silver State? Tag #TravelNevada to help us show off the best stargazing in the U.S. If we love your photo, you may find it featured here.
