Stargazing Around Las Vegas

There’s something magical about staring up at the night sky and admiring the stars. It reminds you that whatever your troubles are, there is always something better and something to appreciate about life. Regretfully, the bright city lights we have come to love and depend on have robbed us of the ability to appreciate the night sky for its true beauty. Yet, people often flock to Fabulous Las Vegas for the bright neon lights, the fun events and performances, and the intrigue of gambling.

However, Las Vegas also has many opportunities for locals and visitors alike to see the twinkling stars in the night sky and take some pictures. Read on to learn about our list of where to find the best stargazing around Las Vegas.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a simple choice for many stargazers because it’s close to the city. Avid hikers and newbies alike favor the destination. The site also offers biking, camping, and off-road driving. Experienced and novice photographers will enjoy the opportunity to try their hand at capturing some gorgeous sunsets. For professional photography, be sure you have a film permit.

There are many trails to choose from during the day that range in skill level to suit hikers’ varying needs and abilities. However, at night some trails, like the popular Scenic Loop, are closed. To see the night sky in all its glory from Red Rock Canyon, you’ll want to park at the Cowboy Trail Rides horseback riding stables. Get there early enough to give yourself enough time and light to find a nearby trail. Experienced hikers may want a challenge and to test their skills by climbing to the top of some hills. But to see the stars, hiking and climbing aren’t necessary. Just be in a location that doesn’t catch a lot of city lights.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located in Nevada’s Mojave Desert at 1000 Scenic Loop Drive in Las Vegas. The area’s hours vary slightly based on the season, but the visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information regarding fees, passes, and permits, visit the website or call 702-515-5350.

Pinto Valley Wilderness Area

This hidden gem of a destination is ideal for the stargazers who want to skip the crowds. The Pinto Valley Wilderness Area is about 30 air miles east of Las Vegas, near Lake Mead. It has the same sandstone formations and rugged hills as other popular destinations but offers privacy. The valley is a beautiful respite from the busy Las Vegas crowds and gives visitors an ideal opportunity to reconnect with nature. As home to one of the highest peaks in the area, Guardian Peak, it is definitely worth the effort to get there and try to spot a few falling stars. But your visit doesn’t have to include the strenuous hike for a sparkling show.

Get there with some daylight left, try to find the rare Las Vegas bear poppy plant, and enjoy some of the green desert vegetation. To see stars from this location, park your vehicle in a safe spot along the road, and journey out into the desert. Listen to nature’s sounds and enjoy the shining stars in the curtain of night.

For information about the Pinto Valley Wilderness Area, contact the office via their mailing address at 601 Nevada Way, in Boulder City, or phone at 702-293-8990. Or to reach the park information desk, simply dial 702-293-8906.

Death Valley National Park

To make a day trip out of your stargazing experience and enjoy a nice scenic drive, visit Death Valley National Park. It is a two-hour drive from Las Vegas, but i’s a must-see location and offers the best stargazing near Las Vegas. The site is a below-sea-level basin that is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park. The extreme climate gives it the eerie moniker, but it is still home to an array of living things.

It’s one of the best places to see the night sky because it is an International Dark Sky Park. This designation means that your two-hour drive will allow you to experience the night sky and all the constellations in one of the darkest areas possible. Although pets are welcome there, you may want to leave Fido at home for this visit. The extreme desert temperatures, extremely dark surroundings, and focus on the heavens above might make this a less than favorable trip for your four-legged companion.

Anyone who visits should check the weather updates on the website first and be sure to dress for the environment. The desert climate can have extreme temperatures, so even if you are going for just an evening and night visit, be sure to drink plenty of water and have a fully charged phone in case of an emergency.

Death Valley’s great night sky viewing spots include the Lee Flat Joshua Tree Forest, the Mesquite Sand Dunes, or the Panamint Mountains. Alternatively, you can plan your visit during the annual Death Valley Dark Sky Festival. It features guided hikes, ranger talks, and family programming during the day. Then at night, the attention turns to the sky, culminating with a star party.

Death Valley National Park is open 24 hours a day. You’ll find the prime location for stargazing 130 NW of Las Vegas. Be sure to take plenty of extra drinking water and some comfortable shoes for walking. For information regarding camping on the premises or other questions, please call 760-786-3200.

So there you have it. De Castroverde Personal Injury & Accident Lawyer has just shared places around Las Vegas that are best for stargazing and spotting your favorite constellation. If you’re looking for some magnificent locations to appreciate the night sky in Las Vegas, these areas are your best bet. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your go-to spot to see twinkling stars at night? If we did, let us know! Leave a message, and we’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.