Stargazing in Big Bend National Park

Stargazing

There isn't a bad place in the park to see the spectacular night sky.

Plan Around Stargazing

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Stargazing Details

Big Bend is one of the best places for stargazing in North America due to its remote location. It actually has the least light pollution of any National Park in the lower 48 states. On any given night you can see the Milky Way and around 2,000 stars. This clarity is often a once in a lifetime opportunity if you live in more populated areas and are not able to see the night sky unobstructed by manufactured light. If you have a chance, take a drive outside the park to Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory to see some truly spectacular highlights with the help of an astronomer. They also host [Star Parties](https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/star-parties) which are a blast for the whole family and well worth the trip. Be sure to make a reservation in advance because they fill up quick!

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Open

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Nearby Parks Around Stargazing

Compare nearby parks around Stargazing when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Stargazing

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Stargazing while the map context is still fresh.

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Jessie Benton Fremont

An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.

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Traffic & Travel Tips

Plan ahead!

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ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:

THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM

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30-Minute Helicopter Ride

Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.

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50-Minute Airplane Tour

The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.

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50-Minute Helicopter Tour

Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.