When was the last time you truly saw the night sky – not just a scatter of stars, but the Milky Way scattered overhead like stardust? Across the US, a few rare places still shimmer in their ancient wonder. Places where you can stretch out beneath the cosmos and trace the same constellations that guided explorers and dreamers for centuries.
Many of these remote sanctuaries are recognized as International DarkSky Parks, celebrated for their pristine night skies and commitment to preserving the natural rhythm of darkness. From canyon rims to high alpine forests, they offer some of the best stargazing in the US, inviting you to slow down, look up, and reconnect with something greater.
Paired with a stay at Under Canvas – the world’s first collection of DarkSky-Certified resorts, located along the Grand Circle in Utah and Arizona – comfort meets nature, and stargazing becomes an unforgettable experience. Here are five of the best places in the US to see the stars in all their brilliance.
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a Wonder of the World by day – it’s a celestial masterpiece by night. As the sun sinks below the rim, the sky bursts with stars, revealing a whole new kind of grandeur. Designated a DarkSky Park in 2016, the Grand Canyon celebrates its star-studded skies each June with a week-long Star Party, inviting visitors to gather, learn, and look upward in awe. Prime stargazing spots along the South Rim, such as Mather Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View Watchtower, offer sweeping views of the cosmos and provide opportunities for astrophotography.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Grand Canyon
Set upon 160 acres of secluded piñon and juniper forest, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is located just 25 minutes from the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. This one-of-a-kind glamping destination is the perfect way to experience the beauty and adventure of this natural wonder.
Moab
Home to two International DarkSky Parks, Moab is a beacon for stargazers. By day, Moab’s arches and canyons inspire awe – but by night, they become portals to the cosmos. Watch the Milky Way rise above Delicate Arch, casting a soft glow on the sandstone, or take in sweeping celestial views from Mesa Arch and Grand View Point in Canyonlands. From the Windows Section in Arches to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands, these red rock landscapes offer some of the clearest, darkest skies in the country – perfect for lying back, looking up, and getting lost in the stars.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Moab
Just seven miles north of town, Under Canvas Moab sits at the doorstep of world-class climbing, mountain biking, hiking – and stargazing. Its desert glamping accommodations offer a perfect gateway to the towering plateaus, sandstone cliffs, and otherworldly landscapes of Utah’s Canyon Country.
Lake Powell & Grand Staircase-Escalante
At Lake Powell, the desert meets the water – and at night, the sky steals the show. With vast, open horizons and almost zero light pollution, this remote corner of the Colorado Plateau offers some of the best stargazing in the country. Watch the night unfold from the shores of Lone Rock Beach, where stars reflect off the still water, or from the Glen Canyon Rim Trail – surrounded by silence and starlight – perfect for spotting constellations, satellites, and even the Andromeda galaxy. Nearby, Grand Staircase–Escalante offers even more celestial wonder – Hell’s Backbone is a favorite for Milky Way photography and unobstructed views deep into the night.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase
Set on a canyon rim with its own slot canyon and sweeping views, Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase is just 10 minutes from Lone Rock Beach and 14 miles from the Lake Powell Marina. From hiking mesas to catching sunsets at Horseshoe Bend or exploring Grand Staircase–Escalante, adventure begins right outside your tent. It’s also the world’s first DarkSky-Certified resort, making it as unforgettable by night as it is by day.
Zion National Park, Utah
There’s a certain hush that falls over Zion after dark. The red cliffs blush with the last rays of sunlight, and then the sky – vast, open, eternal – takes over the story. Zion’s desert air and remote geography set the stage for a starry night. Whether you’re perched at Canyon Overlook Trail, gazing from Kolob Canyon Viewpoint, or searching for constellations from the lawn of the Zion Human History Museum, the park offers countless spots to witness the night in all its natural brilliance.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Zion
Located in the high desert canyon near the park, Under Canvas Zion is a glamping experience that turns nights into memories. Cozy tents, desert tranquility, and nightly celestial programming make it a true escape for those seeking the best places to see stars in the US, without sacrificing comfort.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon feels like stepping into a dream, with its otherworldly hoodoos, sculpted by time, becoming even more enchanting after dark. As the night sky sweeps in behind these crimson spires, the park transforms into a natural amphitheater for the stars. From popular viewpoints like Bryce Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point, visitors are treated to panoramic skies so dark you can see the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away.
Where to Stay: Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
Just 15 minutes from the park, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon is a DarkSky-certified resort set on 700 acres of high-alpine juniper forest. With upscale glamping, cooler daytime temperatures, and easy access to Bryce’s iconic crimson hoodoos, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure – and a stunning place to watch the stars come out.
When to Go Stargazing in the American Southwest
Spring and fall offer ideal stargazing conditions with mild weather and clear skies, but summer is just as spectacular, especially in higher elevations like Bryce and Canyonlands. Warm nights, low humidity, and peak views of the Milky Way make it a prime time to look up. For the best experience, plan around a new moon for the darkest skies and aim for a cloudless night.
Pro tip: Allow your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark, and use a red light for navigation to preserve your night vision.
Staying at a DarkSky Resort
At Under Canvas, the night sky is honored and celebrated. As the sun sets, our camps come alive with nighttime experiences and adventures designed to connect you to the cosmos. Whether you’re stargazing with the naked eye, peering through a telescope, testing your knowledge with star trivia, or sipping celestial-themed cocktails by the fire, every evening is its own adventure. For a full lineup of nighttime magic – including meteor showers, eclipses, and activities – check out our celestial calendar.
Sleep beneath the stars in a Stargazer Tent with a private sky-viewing window, indulge in unlimited s’mores, and let the silence of the wilderness deepen your awe. With millions of stars, constellations, and distant galaxies overhead, each night delivers a once-in-a-lifetime celestial show you’ll never forget.
Escape to these one-of-a-kind glamping destinations and discover stargazing in a whole new light.