5 Best Stargazing Spots in Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff was designated the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001. This means the city adheres to very strict light pollution limitations so that stars can be more viewable. This effort also provides protection for the survival of nocturnal animals. Flagstaff had the world's first outdoor lighting ordinance policy enacted in 1958, where every gas station and street lamp had dimmer lights than those found in other cities to help keep the dark skies visible. In short, this town takes stargazing seriously. Don't be surprised when you look up at the night sky and see this dazzling array of constellations and nighttime wonder. Whether you're just traveling through Flagstaff on your way to somewhere else, or if you are a die-hard stargazer here to see the best of Arizona, here are the top 5 spots in Flagstaff to see the stars:

1. Lowell Observatory

Right next to Downtown Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory is where they discovered Pluto and where astronomers still watch the night sky. Every Friday night, (weather permitting, 8-10pm), they have their highly popular Cosmic Questions event. An informal discussion with a Lowell Educator, they will answer your questions about astronomy and will let you see some of the constellations through one of their telescopes. Regular admission rates apply ($22 per adult, $12 per child) for this event, but that also means you can come during the daytime to check out the rest of the observatory. Lowell Observatory also has various tours throughout the year that you can attend. In addition, they now have the Giovale Open Deck Observatory, which is a collection of 6 advanced telescopes that allow you to see the stars up close and educators on hand to help answer questions or discuss various constellations. Lowell Observatory is the epicenter of Flagstaff's stargazing community and a huge part in Flagstaff's history, so we highly recommend this as your first stop!

2. Lake Mary Road/Anderson Mesa

Lake Mary Road/Anderson Mesa is a stargazer’s dream: easily accessible yet professionally validated for its dark, clear skies. With no amenities and cold night air, bring the right gear and prepare for an unforgettable celestial show. This place is a Dark Sky Research Hub that hosts professional telescopes: Perkins 1.8m, John S. Hall 1.1m, NPOI—all part of Lowell Observatory and USNO operations. That alone attests to the exceptional darkness and atmospheric clarity.

Getting there: From the I-40/I-17 interchange in Flagstaff, head east on Lake Mary Road until you see a brown sign for Marshall Lake/NPOI, turn onto a forest road (CR-128) and follow to the observatory parking. There's easy public access via paved roads. Small gravel parking pad holds 4–5 vehicles, with room to park tents or place scopes nearby.

3. Sunset Crater Volcano Park

Just 14 miles away from the Flagstaff Mall on Highway 89, this park has amazing views of the night sky. With the same entrance fee and hours as the Wupatki National Monument, this is also a great place to look for the stars. There is more tree cover and the trails also close at sunset but there are some amazing spots out there to see some awesome stars. Simply drive around the area and when you see a great spot, stop and enjoy. There are also multiple forest roads that branch off and leave Sunset Crater Volcano Park itself, meaning you can camp! This is probably the best place to take your photography star-scapes of the Milky Way because you can get those beautiful ponderosa pines to frame your shot.

4. Buffalo Park

For those who don't feel like driving out of town or have limited time, Buffalo Park is also a great spot to catch some stargazing. Situated on McMillan Mesa northeast of Downtown Flagstaff, it is a 215-acre park that used to be the home of a western-styled, animal-viewing park, complete with, you guessed it, buffalo. It is an amazing place to take kids and dogs on the 2-mile loop that goes through the park to see the stars with the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden as part of the backdrop. If you're lucky you might even see the family of mule deer that frequent the area, just please pick up your trash so they don't try to eat it!

Also, every September is the Annual Star Party. This is an amazing event where locals, star fans and night sky photographers get together over three days of celebrating the night sky! Professional night sky photographers offer free photography lessons to people of all ages. This is certainly an event you'll want to attend. Please check our calendar closer to September to see which days the Star Party will take place this year.

5. Arizona Snow Bowl (Summer only)

Speaking of parking lots, here is another one! Ramp up your stargazing by heading up the San Francisco Peaks to the Arizona Snowbowl parking lot and check out the night sky at high elevation. This is only recommended in summer, as the nights can be significantly colder in winter and there are no services at night because Arizona Snowbowl lodge is closed. Head north through Flagstaff on Highway 180, then turn and head north on N. Snowbowl Road, this trip will be a 20-minute drive from town, but totally worth it. There are various parking lots to choose from but the lower one that has an unobstructed view headed west is a favorite among locals and on any clear night you will see other people stargazing. So grab a picnic, blanket, friends, whatever your heart desires and enjoy the night sky.

Bonus:

If you are comfortable driving on dirt roads in the dark, stargazing at the top of Mount Elden is a local favorite. It's often closed due to a range of reasons such as forest fire closure; muddy, not drivable road conditions, or seasonal closure. Although this is one of the most used recreational spots in Flagstaff, it's also one of the most protected for good reason. Check road closures before heading up Elden Lookout Road. To get to Elden Lookout Rd, drive down Fort Valley Rd north just 2.6 miles from Humphreys Road in downtown Flagstaff. Turn right onto Shultz Pass Road, which will be a stoplight. Go straight on Shultz Pass Road until you see a fork in the road and stay right. You will then be on Elden Lookout Road that takes you to the top of Mount Elden. Please drive slow as the first part of this drive is a neighborhood with many deer and elk throughout the year. Also, please only do this drive if you are comfortable driving uphill, on a sometimes bumpy dirt road, with switchbacks, in the dark.

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5 Best Stargazing Spots in Flagstaff, AZ

1. Lowell Observatory

2. Lake Mary Road/Anderson Mesa

3. Sunset Crater Volcano Park

4. Buffalo Park

5. Arizona Snow Bowl (Summer only)

Bonus:

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