Cave Creek.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Cave Creek, AZ. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Cave Creek
- Top Community Pick: Apache Wash Trailhead (~6.8 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 6 at North of Compound B
- Local Experts: Phoenix Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Cave Creek, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Apache Wash Trailhead for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at North of Compound B provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 6. Atmospheric stability in the Cave Creek region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Cave Creek
Since Cave Creek sits in a transitional light zone, viewing is best during the New Moon or after midnight when some commercial lighting is reduced.
Expert Tips for Cave Creek Observers
Before heading out to Apache Wash Trailhead, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters this location. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Arizona Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Apache Wash Trailhead
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Stage N Castle Hot Springs
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Paloma Community Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Mark Coronado Park Parking Lot
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Skyline Regional Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
North of Compound B
Casa Grande NM
"High thin clouds presnt, especially to the north. M31 a difficult direct vision, or an easy averted vision object. Multiple light domes are apparent as well as some closer lights from development around Coolidge."
Compound B
Casa Grande NM
"M31 a difficult direct/ easy averted vision object. M33 not visible. Milky way not visible (perhaps very fainly around Cassieopea, Perseus). Multiple light domes apparent, as well as many small glows from nearby development. Towers with red flashing lights and lots of air traffic present. A very clear night, but windy. Its possible some dust might be in the air."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Fountain Hills, Arizona
The Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, is an incorporated municipality of approximately 25,000 inhabitants situated at the edge of the greater Phoenix, Arizona (U.
Thunder Mountain Pootsee Nightsky
The Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation is a community of approximately 250 residents located on the Arizona-Utah border about 80 km north of the Grand Canyon.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.