Flagstaff.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Flagstaff, AZ. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Flagstaff
- Top Community Pick: Red Rock State Park (~23.4 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4.0 at 21 inch
- Local Experts: Lowell Observatory
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Flagstaff, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Red Rock State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at 21 inch provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4.0. Atmospheric stability in the Flagstaff region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Flagstaff
Since Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff Observers
When visiting Red Rock State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views at this spot, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
Red Rock State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Winslow Homolovi Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Homolovi State Park
" View planets, deep space nebula and more through the Moore Telescope at the Winslow Homolovi Observatory at Homolovi State Park in Winslow, Arizona. For latest events visit us online at azstateparks.com/stars and lcrvac.org' "
Fay Canyon Trail Head
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
VOC Community 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.
21 inch
Lowell Observatory
"Humid, clouds on the verge of forming, seeing fair-poor, improving later. Transparency fair, improving later. Setup on the corner of the 21-inch rolloff roof walls. Sky has large gradient in brightness from the horizon in the direction of Flagstaff to the east and north-east. Darkest part is quite dark, in Hercules, but only 6.2 mag reached probably because of poor seeing and transparency. M13 seen fairly easily, however. Milky Way visible from Cassiopeia all the way to the Sagittarius star cloud, including both sides of the Great Rift in Cygnus and the Ophiuchus/Serpens arm. Below Cassiopeia and Sagittarius it disappears, however. Dark adaptation is difficult, must shield your eyes from the brighter parts of the sky toward Flagstaff. SQM 20.88."
Rim Trail - East Overlook
Walnut Canyon NM
"Site at Rim Trail Overlook, some tree blockage to the north and east but OK. Transparency very good, seeing very good. Flagstaff light dome large and brad, extends to 35 degrees above the horizon, interferes with night vision when in view. Turning away, however, eastern sky very dark, lots of detail in Milky Way, zenith quite dark."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky Place, receiving its designation in 2001. The city, home to Lowell Observatory and the U.S.
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
The Flagstaff Area National Monuments were established early in the 20th century to protect a combination of natural landmarks and archaeological sites.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.