It’s easy to understand why Stargazing in Las Vegas does not cross one’s mind. Of course, we expect to see stars in Vegas shows, in the club VIP section sipping champagne, or maybe even sitting at a blackjack table, but who ever thinks about Vegas and stars in the celestial skies above?
Rightfully so. It is challenging to see the night sky through one of the brightest cities in the world—the flashing, colorful lights, are like a siren from the odyssey, beckoning millions of visitors annually.
But don’t let that deter you. Nevada boasts of having some of the darkest skies and the best places to stargaze in the lower 48. While living in the area, I discovered it doesn’t take long to find your way into dark desert skies, escaping the light pollution of sin city.
Be sure to know how long after sunset is dark enough to enjoy stargazing. Learn more here on how and where to find out.
Stargazing locations are listed in ascending order
according to the time it takes to arrive from the Las Vegas strip.
The list encompasses a 4-hour radius.
**Bonus** Spots at the End – Further Away but Stellar Locations
• Planning a trip to Las Vegas
• Currently Visiting the Area
• Live in the Las Vegas Area and want to Explore
Stargazing Spots within ONE Hour from the Las Vegas Strip
(Travel times may vary due to traffic)
1) Desert Bloom Park
Distance: 8 miles
Desert Bloom Park is a municipal park located on the outer metro limits. A short drive but far enough to escape some of the lights for better stargazing. In addition, it has picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, sports areas, and more.
- Stargazing
- Walking Path
- Concessions – Picnic Area
- Play Ground – Restrooms
- Volleyball – Basketball – Baseball
- Parking
Desert Bloom Park, 8405 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Desert Bloom Park
Google Maps Directions
2) Sunset Park
Distance: 8 miles
Sunset Park is acclaimed as the “crown jewel” of Clark County’s municipal park system. It’s located in the outer city limits, only a short drive for an opportunity to see some stars. In addition, it’s full of park amenities like walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, restrooms, and much more.
- Stargazing
- Walking Paths – Pond
- Fitness Course
- Splash Pad – Restrooms
- Concessions – Picnic Area
- Play Ground – Disc. Golf – Dog Park
- Volleyball – Basketball – Baseball
- Parking
2601 E. Sunset Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89120
Sunset Park
Google Maps Directions
3) Lone Mountain Park
Distance: 18 miles
Lone Mountain Park is located on the northwest side of the valley. It offers several miles of hiking trails up the mountain to gain access to views of the valley’s night sky. It’s a great local spot to stargaze.
Like the other local parks, it offers plenty of amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball, and tennis courts, an amphitheater, and even a horse arena.
- Stargazing
- Walking Path
- Concessions – Picnic Area
- Play Ground
- Tennis – Basketball – Roller Hockey
- Parking
- Amphitheater – Horse Arena
- Restrooms
4425 N. Jensen, Las Vegas, NV 89129
Lone Mountain Park
Google Map Directions
4) Skye Canyon Park
Distance: 21 miles
Skye Canyon Park is a large 15-acre green space part of the Sky Canyon master-planned community. It’s easily accessible, with plenty of parking. The park is open till 9:00 pm and is ideal for stargazing. They actually have an annual stargazing party.
Every year Skye Canyon and the Las Vegas Astronomical Society partner in the celebration of International Astronomy Day by holding a family-friendly event called Skye & Stars.
The event is held onsite at the park with lawn games, food trucks, raffles, and stargazing. The L.V. Astronomical Society will have telescopes available along with providing their assistance. Last year the seventh annual Skye & Stars occurred on April 29, 2023. The event began at 6:00 pm with constellation viewing beginning after dark, 8 pm – 10 pm. The 8th Annual Sky & Stars in 2024 is anticipated to be around this same time, the last Saturday of April. We will update this information when available and provide a link to the event page.
Update: The Las Vegas Astronomical Society has the International Astronomy Day celebration at Skye Park (Skye & Stars) on its scheduled event calendar for Saturday, May 18th, 2024. Times should follow same as last year’s celebration.
- Stargazing
- Walking Paths – 1/2 mile
- Restrooms
- Gazebo
- Soccer Field
- Parking
10111 W Skye Canyon Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89166
Skye Canyon Park
Skye & Stars Stargazing Event
Google Map Directions
5) Exploration Peak Park
Distance: 11 miles
Exploration Peak Park is an 80-acre Clark County park located just outside the planned community of Mountain’s Edge. It boasts a 2,846-foot-high peak with bike and walking trails. An excellent spot for stargazing into the Las Vegas Valley night sky.
Its a perfect place to begin the day with its abundance of familiar amenities and unique attractions, such as playgrounds, an old western town replica, a water play area, picnic areas, restrooms, and much more.
- Stargazing
- Walking and Biking Trails
- Volleyball – Horseshoes
- Amphitheater
- Western Town Building Replicas
- Picnic Area – Water Spray Park
- Parking – Restrooms
9700 S Buffalo Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89178
Exploration Peak Park
Google Map Directions
6) Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Distance: 24 miles
Red Rock Canyon N.C.A an excellent example of how quickly you can go from the blinking lights of downtown Las Vegas to find yourself under dark desert skies. Its 195,819 acres provide multiple opportunities to observe the wide open skies via a 13-mile scenic road for vehicles and bikes with several scenic stops or easy trails to hike along the way. A visitor center is open daily, with regular park hours, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, to stop for maps and other helpful information. They also have a gift shop, exhibits, and restrooms.
- Dark Skies for Stargazing
- Hiking trails, Backpacking
- 13-mile scenic road (Vehicles and Bikes)
- Climbing
- Camping
- Visitor Center – Gift shop – Restrooms
- Field trips
- Human History Exhibits
1000 Scenic Loop Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89161
Red Rock Canyon
Google Map Directions
7) Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 33 miles
The Desert National Wildlife Refuge is the largest of its kind in the lower 48 states encompassing 1.6 million acres of the Mojave Desert. There is an abundance of desert life to experience, from Tortoises to Big Horns living among the desert’s iconic Joshua Trees. It’s a premium spot for stargazing.
A visitor center is available for maps, an intro video to the area, and staff to help you plan your visit. The entrance gate closes at sundown and reopens at 4:00 am., but you can exit anytime. Plan accordingly.
- Dark Skies for Stargazing
- Hiking trails, Backpacking
- Camping
- 4WD Roads
- Visitor Center – Gift shop – Restrooms
- Human History Exhibits
16001 Corn Creek Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89124
Desert National Wildlife Refuge
Google Map Directions
8) Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Distance: 29 miles
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is another ideal spot for stargazing not far beyond the city lights of Vegas. It’s a natural oasis surrounded by the Wilson Mountain Range, next to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
There is a historical element as it was once a 19th-century working ranch and still has some of the oldest original buildings in Nevada. It has also had former owners who were celebrities in their time, spanning the 1930s-70s, such as Howard Hughes.
Star Parties are held throughout the year. During the summer, they have a theater event, “Super Summer Theater,” which runs from May through September, and star parties will often follow the play—a chance to make a memorable evening. So be sure to check their schedule.
- Stargazing Parties
- Hiking trails – Campsites
- Picnic Areas – Restrooms
- Historical Buildings
- The ranch house serves as a Park Office & Visitor Center
- Ranger-led programs and tours
6375 Hwy. 159 Blue Diamond, NV 89004
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
Google Map Directions
9) Pioneer Saloon
Distance: 33 miles
Pioneer Saloon is a relic from a bygone era. It’s been a saloon since 1913 and holds a few tales of ghosts and deadly card games gone wrong. It sits outside the Vegas city limits and is an interesting place to enjoy the old west memorabilia, drinks, and food while seeing some of the desert skies.
Check their schedule for a stargazing tour. It involves multiple telescopes assisted by a knowledgeable host. At times they provide round-trip transportation from Vegas and back.
- Stargazing Tour
- Arranged Transportation
- Bar – Food – Entertainment
- Historical Building
- Town & Ghost Walking Tour
- ATV Tours
- Private Events
310 West Spring Street, Goodsprings, Nevada 89019
Pioneer Saloon
Google Map Directions
10) Sunrise Mountain
Distance: 44 miles
Sunrise Mountain is an ideal place to stargaze on clear nights. Standing 18 miles east of Las Vegas it’s aptly named for the Sun rising each morning from behind its peaks as viewed from the city. It belongs to the same mountain range which includes Frenchman Mountain.
There is an Albertsons grocery store, 6885 E Lake Mead Blvd., close to the mountain, for well-lit parking to begin a hike.
- Stargazing Tour
- Arranged Transportation
- Bar – Food – Entertainment
- Historical Building
- Town & Ghost Walking Tour
- ATV Tours
- Private Events
Lake Mead Blvd East, Las Vegas, NV 89156
Google Map Directions
11) Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Distance: 34 miles
Lake Mead National Recreation Area: Choose amongst the 1.5 million acres of canyons, mountains, valleys, or lakes to stargaze. You will be sure to catch the milky way on moonless nights. It offers a variety of outdoor recreational possibilities if you have time to stay in the area for a few days.
- Stargazing
- Visitor Center – Rangers
- Hiking
- Campgrounds
- Boating Fishing
10 Lake Shore Rd., Boulder City, NV 89005
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Google Map Directions
12) Frenchman Mountain
Distance: 17 miles
Frenchman Mountain: The trailhead lies about 15 miles east of Las Vegas and sits about 3.6 miles from its minor sister Sunrise Mountain. It has a 2,139 elevation gain from head to the peak, about 2.2 miles up, and takes about 1 hr and 45 minutes one way.
The view at the top is spectacular and would make for an incredible night of stargazing. Expansive views of the city can be seen from afar. Dress accordingly for the time of year and take precautions while hiking at night.
- Stargazing
- Dog on leash permitted
- Hiking
- Running
- Rocky – Loose Gravel
147 E/E Lake Meade S. Blvd Sunrise Manor, NV 89156
Google Map Directions
13) Mt. Charleston Lodge
Distance: 42.5 miles
Mt. Charleston Lodge: Expect excellent starry views from the Lodges elevation of 7717 ft. The Lodge is currently under construction since a recent fire but cabins are available to stay with a continental breakfast available. The Charleston Peak stands at 11,916 ft.
The mountain has many hiking trails, campsites, and a visiting center. There are many ways to catch a fantastic night of stars.
- Stargazing
- Cabins w/ breakfast
- Hiking
- Camping sites – Picnic sites
- Visitors Center At Entrance – Restrooms
5375 Kyle Canyon Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89124
Mt. Charleston Lodge
Google Map Directions
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2525 Kyle Canyon Road, Las Vegas, NV 89124
Spring Mountain Recreational Area
Google Map Directions
14) Pinto Valley Wilderness
Distance: 43 miles
Pinto Valley Wilderness: Located a little less than an hour from Vegas, this rugged desert landscape, part of the Lake Meade National Recreation Area, provides the opportunity to hike into canyons, valleys or up to Guardian Peak to choose a stargazing spot for the night.
- Stargazing
- Hiking -Backpacking
- Camping sites
- Boating & Fishing near
North Shore Road, Pinto Valley, NV 89040
Pinto Valley Wilderness
Google Map Directions
Stargazing Spots Within TWO Hours from the Las Vegas Strip
(Travel times may vary due to traffic)
15) Valley of Fires State Park
Distance: 56 miles
Valley of Fires State Park: This family-friendly park is just over an hour’s trip outside Vegas. It offers many activities to consider during the day while planning a stargazing experience.
The drive into Valley of Fires State Park has been acclaimed as the most scenic drive in southern Nevada. Its colorful sandstone arches, slot canyons, and petroglyphs are something to experience.
Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center to discover helpful details to make your trip the best it can be.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Backpacking
- Rock Climbing – Cycling
- Camping sites – RV sites – Picnic sites
- Visitors Center- Exhibits – Restrooms
- Wifi access plans
Valley of Fire Visitor Center, Overton, NV 89040
Valley of Fires State Park
Google Map Directions
16) Redstone Dune Trail
Distance: 47 miles
Redstone Dune Trail: is another excellent location inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area for a night of stargazing. It is easily accessible and located just off Lake Shore Drive. The half-mile trail is classified as “easy,” so you can focus more on the stars.
- Stargazing
- Hiking Trail
- Parking
- Information Kiosk
- Restroom
- Cellular Signal
Lake shore Dr, NV-167, NV 89040
Redstone Dune
Google Map Directions
17) Ash Meadow National Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 93 miles
Ash Meadow National Wildlife Refuge: This U.S. Fish & Wildlife managed refuge encompasses 23,000 acres of wetlands and desert uplands. It’s the largest wildlife refuge in the lower 48 states. You will indeed find dark night skies for some serious stargazing and experience beautiful natural scenery.
- Stargazing
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
- Information Kiosk
- Restrooms
8757 Spring Meadows Road S., Amargosa Valley, NV 89020
Ash Meadow National Wildlife Refuge
Google Map Directions
18) Rhyolite Ghost Town
Distance: 125 miles
Rhyolite Ghost Town: is a prime example of a boom-to-bust town in the middle of the Nevada desert. It’s a great location to take in the stars at night and walk the empty streets from a forgotten era during the day.
In 1904 two men discovered ore containing gold. In just a couple of years, thanks to steel magnate Charles Schwab’s purchase of the gold mine, a town of 5000 people sprung up with all the trappings a town could want, such as 3-story banks, paved sidewalks, electricity, railroads, saloons, and an opera house among others. For various reasons, by 1920, it was back to just 14 people calling Rhyolite home.
Other attractions in this ghost town are a house made from 50,000 whiskey, beer, and medicine bottles named “The Bottle House” and an outdoor museum known as the Goldwell Open Air Museum.
- Stargazing
- Easy Access
- Parking
Rhyolite, NV 89003
Rhyolite Ghost Town
Google Map Directions
Stargazing Spots Within THREE Hours from the Las Vegas Strip
(Travel times may vary due to traffic)
19) Death Valley National Park
Distance: 118 miles
Death Valley National Park: Death Valley includes over 3.4 million acres and is the largest national park outside Alaska. It is also the largest Dark Sky Park in the U.S. and holds a Gold Tier status, the highest Dark Sky Park certification by the International Dark Sky Association.
Its Gold Tier status draws many astronomy enthusiasts, so be sure to check the park schedule for many stargazing events held throughout the year, such as their Night Sky Ranger Program.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Back Country Driving –
- Mountain Biking – Cycling
- Backpacking
- Parking
Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Airport Rd, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley Night Exploration
Google Map Directions
20) Kershaw Ryan
Distance: 156 miles
Kershaw Ryan: This state park is a natural desert oasis fed by nearby springs and has much to offer for outdoor recreational activities and scenery. Hiking into the colorful canyon or up one of its 700 ft canyon walls makes for an excellent stargazing trip.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Campsites – RV sites
- Mountain Biking – Cycling
- Backpacking
- Parking – Water features
- Visitor Center – Restrooms
300 Kershaw Canyon Road, Caliente, NV 89008
Kershaw Ryan State Park
Google Map Directions
21) Hole-In-The-Wall Campground | Mojave National Preserve
Distance: 148 miles
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground: Experience the stars from within the Mojave Desert National Preserve. This area sits at a 4400 ft. elevation, surrounded by scenic volcanic rock formations and caverns excellent for hiking and exploring.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Camp sites
- Vault toilets
- Backpacking
- Parking
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Essex, CA 92332
Mojave National Preserve
Google Map Directions
22) Cathedral Gorge
Distance: 171 miles
Cathedral Gorge: Cathedral Gorge is such a unique landscape with its towering slot canyons and spiral formations remnants from a freshwater lake that drained away a million years ago. It offers an out-of-this-world backdrop while experiencing the milky way in the night sky.
- Stargazing
- Hiking
- Camping sites
- Picnic Area
- Visitor Center – Restrooms
- Parking
111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Google Map Directions
Stargazing Spots Within FOUR Hours from the Las Vegas Strip
(Travel times may vary due to traffic)
23) Tonopah Stargazing Park
Distance: 210 miles
Some publications have acclaimed this old haunted mining town as the Best Stargazing destination in America. It is home to The Claire Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park.
They provide picnic tables, benches, and a concrete pad to set up a telescope. They even offer coordinates to dial in your telescope on particular celestial objects.
No telescope? No problem. On a moonless night, you should be able to see the Milky Way and 7000 stars with your naked eye.
They offer free star parties from May through September. No reservations are necessary. They will have all the essential equipment and telescopes to see the wonders. Be sure to check their schedule; a link is provided below.
The town also hosts other interesting attractions, such as a ghost walk and a clown motel, among others.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Back Country Driving
- Mountain Biking – Cycling
- Backpacking
- Parking
Tonopah, Nevada 89049
Tonopah Stargazing Park
Star Parties
Google Map Directions
24) Beaver Dam State Park
Distance: 188 miles
Beaver Dam: This 5500 acre high desert state park offers a mixture of colorful pink, red, and grey geological outcrops mixed in with Ponderosa Pines. It is sure to make a Nevada stargazing experience worth remembering.
Plenty of hiking, streams and wildlife to enjoy a day of activity.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Back Country Driving –
- Mountain Biking – Cycling
- Backpacking
- Parking
Beaver Dam Rd, Caliente, NV 89008
Beaver Dam State Park
Google Map Directions
25) Nevada Northern Railway – Star Train & Champagne Train
Distance: 248 miles
Star Train: Take a starry ride on one of America’s oldest-running trains over rails, a century old—a 3-hour round-trip ride from Ely, NV, to Great Basin National Park. During this trip, Great Basin park rangers will guide you through some of the darkest skies with telescopes, stories, and knowledge.
Sunset, Stars, and Champagne: Another excellent stargazing tour is their Sunset, Stars, and Champagne ride. Enjoy a sunset ride out to Steptoe Valley while sipping on a glass of champagne. Then, on the ride back into Ely, experience a panoramic view of the stars as they light up the sky above.
- Stargazing
- Restrooms
- Parking
Nevada Northern Railway, 1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301
Nevada Northern Railway Star Train
Sunset, Stars and Champagne Train
Google Map Directions
Bonus:
Stellar Stargazing Spots
Beyond a four-hour drive, I realize it becomes a multi-day trip, but these two locations are worth mentioning if you are still in the planning mode or living in the Vegas area.
26) Great Basin National Park
Distance: 306 miles
Great Basin National Park: Great Basin stands out amongst many public lands and parks with a rare International Dark Sky Park designation given by the International Dark Sky Association due to its exceptional quality of dark starry skies. The skies are so clear on moonless nights you can see the Andromeda Galaxy.
The rangers here are knowledgeable in astronomy and stargazing. The park offers an astronomy amphitheater along with many programs to assist stargazers in seeing all the celestial sights.
Great Basin also celebrates its wondrous dark skies yearly by hosting a three-day astronomy festival. See their site link below for schedules and dates.
15th Annual Astronomy Festival – September 5-7, 2024.
- Stargazing – Learn more on their stargazing page & calendar.
- Hiking – Camping
- Caves
- Mountain Biking – Cycling
- Backpacking
- Parking
Visitor Center, 5500 NV-488, Baker, NV 89311
Great Basin National Park
International Dark Sky Association
Google Map Directions
27) Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary
Distance: 613 miles
Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary: Massacre Rim is one of fewer than 20 places in the world, as of 2024, designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is a rare combination of its remote location and environmental conditions which produce truly dark skies.
Located near the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, it lies about 150 miles north of Reno, Nevada. The sky here on a moonless night would be as clear and dark as one could experience in the lower 48. It would be a stargazing experience to remember.
This trip would take some planning as it is very remote.
- Stargazing
- Hiking – Camping
- Off Road Driving is Prohibited –
- Remote – 40 to 90 miles from Gas Stations
- Backpacking
Washoe County NV
Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary
Google Map Directions
Las Vegas Area Star Parties
Be sure and check The Las Vegas Astronomical Society‘s website for their monthly star party schedule called “Astronomy in the Park”. They often meet up at one of the county, state, or national parks in the Las Vegas Valley area included on this list.
It’s a great opportunity to meet other stargazing enthusiasts. They bring the appropriate telescopes for viewing the milky way and sharing their knowledgeable and guidance about astronomy.
If you have a group of people on a certain schedule, you can even sponsor your own star party through the L.V.A.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Go Stargazing In Las Vegas?
You can stargaze anywhere in Las Vegas, but the bright city lights may significantly diminish the visibility and quality of your experience. Thirty minutes outside Las Vegas city limits will find you in dark desert skies amongst thousands of shimmering stars. Nevada has some of the best stargazing skies in America.
What Is The Closest Dark Sky Park?
Death Valley National Park is the closest park to the Las Vegas strip, which holds a Dark Sky Park designation by the International Dark Sky Association. (2hr. 11 min.-Visitor Center)
Is Stargazing Expensive?
Stargazing is one of the least expensive activities anyone can do. When outside, just look up into the night sky. You can experience the beauty of celestial objects with only your eyes. Darker Moonless nights are best.
Final Thoughts on Stargazing Spots near Las Vegas
World class dark skies are only 30 minutes outside Las Vegas. The further away from the strip you go, the more stars you will see. The darker, the better.
When possible, plan for a darker phase of the Moon, such as a New Moon. You may even see some shooting stars.
Be sure to dress appropriately in all seasons. Nights in the desert can be lower temps even in the summer. So plan well and keep your eyes on the sky.
