Dark-sky parks worth staying up late for
Places where you can still see the Milky Way from the parking lot.
By Priya Lindqvist · June 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Most people in the US can no longer see the Milky Way from home. A road trip is often the easiest way to see it again, and some parks are dark enough that you only need to stay up past midnight.
Where to go
Big Bend, Great Basin and Death Valley are among the darkest places in the lower 48. Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and the Badlands hold star parties and astronomy festivals in summer.
When to go
Aim for the week around a new moon. In the Northern Hemisphere the bright core of the Milky Way is easiest to see from late spring to early fall.
Protect your night vision
Switch your headlamp to red, turn your phone to its dimmest setting, and give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust. Dress warmly, because deserts cool quickly after dark.
